.
Fundamental
to an understanding of sexual harassment is recognition of the myths associated
with it. We need to work hard to dispel these myths.
Myth: If females would just say
"No" it would stop.
Fact: Although saying "No" does work occasionally,
many men and boys still believe that women and girls who say "No"
really mean "Yes," and that they like the behavior at hand.
Thus males may justify continued harassment as they ignore any protests
from females.
Myth: Harassment will stop if a person just
ignores it.
Fact: Harassers often believe that when people ignore
harassing behavior they like it. The lack of response is seen as approval
or encouragement. Studies show that in most cases when harassment is ignored
it continues and often gets worse.
Myth: If females watched the way they dressed,
there would not be problems with sexual harassment.
Fact: Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, no matter
how they dress. It typically has far more to do with power than with sexual
attractiveness or appearance. A particular way of dressing is not permission
to touch or otherwise harass.
Myth: Sexual harassment is no big deal-it's
the natural way males and females express affection and friendship with
each other.
Fact: Unwanted sexual innuendoes, grabbing, and lewd
comments are not expressions of affection or friendship but rather expressions
of power, a need to control and in some instances, hostility toward women.
Truly friendly behavior is not hurtful.
Myth: Most people enjoy sexual attention
at work and school. Teasing and flirting make work and school fun.
Fact: Not necessarily. One person's teasing may be another's
sexual harassment. Some people may be angry and embarrassed because their
sexuality takes precedence over individuality.
Myth: Sexual harassment is harmless. Persons
who object have no sense of humor or don't know how to accept a compliment.
Fact: Harassment is humiliating and often frightening.
It can undermine careers and economic livelihoods, and affect the learning
climate for students. No one should have to endure humiliation with a
smile.
Myth: Sexual harassment policies will negatively
affect friendly relationships between students and teachers, or those
between male and female students.
Fact: Sexual harassment is not the type of social relationship
that teachers should be having with students or that students should be
having with each other. Friendship and sexual harassment are two very
different relationships.
Myth: Nice people could not possibly be harassers.
Fact: Harassers typically are not perverts and generally
do not fit any particular mold. They come in all forms, including well-liked,
talented, respected professionals, as well as popular, active students.
Adapted from Educator's Guide to Controlling Sexual Harassment
