My sexual harassment prevention training always includes a discussion of common misconceptions about it. News about pop star Lizzo has raised some of these questions. A few questions to keep in mind; Yes, they may seem obvious, but complaints still happen (and much more often than you might think).
False beliefs (or common misconceptions) about stalking:
- This has to happen at work.
- The harasser may be in your authority or department.
- You must not be insulted:
- Someone who supports you at work or promotes or advocates for you
- From someone you like
- Celebrity
- From someone who is an LBGTQIA+ ally
- From someone who is gay if you are straight, or from someone who is straight if you are gay.
- If you flirt or drink too much
- If you go into someone’s hotel room or let them drive you home
- If your work environment is creative or expressive
A few unpleasant moments in the workplace (learned from some high-profile cases):
- Go to a strip club with any subordinates
- Offer strip poker as a group activity (even as a joke)
- Encourage anyone to engage in any sexual activity.
- Joke about former President Clinton’s cigar
- Sniff a colleague’s hair
- Let’s say that someone young enough to be your child (or grandchild) wants something other than a completely platonic relationship with you.
- Let’s assume that your subordinates enjoy your flirting or touching.
Remember that sexual harassment is powerand use that power in a way that causes discomfort to others. If you don’t want to file a lawsuit, don’t do anything you wouldn’t want done to your child or parent. It is so simple.
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