Sexual Harassment?

Question

Where do you PERSONALLY draw the line as harassment? Sexually or otherwise? Thank you.

What makes you uncomfortable?

Answer 1

honestly, i have been "technically" sexually harassed by my professional superiors several times--and, in one of the worst cases, i was actually harassed by a woman. i consider harassment exactly what she did--she talked about sex constantly, probed me about my own sex life, insinuated i was a slut, commented on my breasts, and even showed me naked photos i did not want to see. those sorts of behaviors are where people SHOULD draw the line--but, usually, most of us keep quiet, just as i did. i kept quiet because i wanted to avoid time and trouble. eventually i just left the job, but i do see her a sexual harasser now.

Answer 2

Troll Shark's™ answer is apparently meant to be in jest. The problem is, it is a semi-accurate appraisal of "sexual harassment" in America today, which is what makes it funny in a sadistic sort of way.
How a woman's *feelings* can be interpreted as an illegal act by another shows the depth of the sexism in this area.
It is the same problem as with temporary restraining orders in which judges allow, often irrational, "feelings" to become the sole reason to discriminate against another unreasonably, and in my opinion, unconstitutionally.
People need to own their feelings without blaming others for their own psychological problems.
Actual provable sexual harassment is one thing, claiming someone else made another uncomfortable is quite a wide door that leads to mistreatment of others under the banner of "sexual harassment". Because of that, the term "sexual harassment" has become a joke because of the punitive measures used for inconsequential acts, real or imagined, to make some "feel" better.

Answer 3

I don't draw a line so much as I look at someone's intent.

I like humour and affection in the right situations. If I was uncomfortable with something and I told them that than I expect them to respect that and not do it.

If someone is being a creep or hostile than it's harassment.

Answer 4

Lost30 - case 1 is creepy, its good that you reported it.

As most of the answers seem to have come from women, I thought that I would throw of couple of examples of harassment that I have witnessed/experienced, initiated by women against men:

Case 1:
A woman from work was trying to make men feel uncomfortable about being uncircumcised and about the size of their genitals.

Case 2:
A woman from work (we were out for drinks) feeling my chest in front of the group and commenting on it to her friends.

Both were not reported, because men generally do not report incidents like these.

Answer 5

I've been sexually harassed: A manager would make sexually explicit jokes at work when I was the only female present, and would make a point to look at me while he made the joke. He did the same things to my boss, who was also a woman. I tried the whole manager route, but ultimately, I took the guy aside and told him off, and that did the trick.

I've seen both men and women sexually harassed at work. I've seen both men and women touch other men and women at work, clearly in a sexual way, because of the sexual comments they were also making at the same time. I also overheard women and men at work being pressured by managers to go out with them. I've also been present when men at work have said all women are prostitutes etc, but they thought they were being nice, since they said of course, they weren't referring to me! Depending on the situation, I discussed the matter with the worker, with a manager, or just said something myself to whoever was acting out. Sometimes I just let it go since it was just too much of a hassle.

I have taught adults in the past, and I've tried very hard not to touch any student in any way, even a pat on the back, since I don't want to misuse a position of power in any way. When I worked with young adults, I made sure I was never alone with any young adult, so there could never be a question about my behavior. If young adults asked me questions about sexuality, I was very neutral about what I said, so there was no way I could be interpreted incorrectly. I know men think that they have to walk on eggshells at work. But I've tried to be careful no matter where I worked or who I worked with, whether it was volunteer work or my paid occupation.

But I know it's easy to let your guard down and discuss your personal life at work, and it can be inappropriate in a heartbeat. That's why I don't eat with my colleagues, etc since it's too easy to relax and talk about anything-and it's too easy to forget that you're still at work.

Answer 6

I don't know if it's actually sexual harrassment but I've encountered situations that make me uncomfortable such as being touched, standing too close, and talking down to me. The reason I don't know for sure if that is sexual harrassment is because these people might treat everybody that way. It might just be their personalities.

Answer 7

what does a panda would desire to do with sexual harassment? in case you deliver a substantial panda to a school to speak to teenagers are not they gonna harass it with each and all of the grabbing, hugs, and kisses?

Answer 8

I draw the line when people make unwanted sexual comments about me.

Answer 9

Case 1
I had incident with VP few month ago...He came to my cubical and start to touch my hand and arm like he massage them. On top of that, he touched my face and told me "You are so cute."
Case 2.
One of my co-worker showed me a joke list of what women said=means.
"Fine" means not fine...
"Whatever" means you are screwed etc.
I lough when he showed me, but every time he comments my response such as "Whatever is fine," I really means anything is fine but he points at the joke list and make fun of me.
Well, I reported both to HR.
When you feel uncomfortable like this, you need to report.
When someone tells you and that makes you uncomfortable, please report as well.
If you put up with it, this will keep going.
If any of these happens to you, I'm sorry.

Answer 10

It would depend on the situation. Leering, unwanted touching, inappropriate subject matter in emails and discussions with colleagues and da boss...stalkers often do a great job of freaking their victims out ...the usual list of 'no-no's'.