Over the last few weeks, it has come to light all of the misdeeds of men with power. Oddly enough, Hollywood and the media has been shocked by the illicit behavior of even the most unassuming violators. The whole “Me Too” campaign has given a boost to all those who in one form or fashion found the courage to say, I am a victim. The foul language, groping, indecent exposure and outright sexual assault should come to a stop. It will be temporary, because as we have learned some executives have a harassment clause written into their contracts. Where is the head on the stick of the powers that be who even allowed that to go forward?
If you work for a company, and the rumor is that there is a sexual predator walking the halls of said company, then the company, not just the individual needs to be held accountable. The current practice is to throw the staff member overboard to save the ship. Yet, I hear no one saying that the ship bears any responsibility. And we as consumers continue to support the brands that the predators represented for decades. Our moral fiber is stretched but never enough to be damaged.
The disdain for the violators will ride the wave of this current movement because the outrage is trending at the moment. Most of the men who have come to light thus far, will hide in shame. Then someone will give the Charlie Rose, Matt Lauer, Harvey Weinstein and Russell Simmons of the world another shot, somewhere in their industries, because they drive profitability. In the end, companies do not want the stench of turning a blind eye falling on them. However, they will do what is necessary to maintain a thriving business. Hence, the talk of many businesses in the media as well as other industries and even in our nations capital rolling out sensitivity and sexual harassment mandatory classes. It is designed to help to protect the integrity of organizations in the long run.
I commend all the victims’ to-date who have come forward to express anguish, unfairness and demand accountability. Hopefully, this is the beginning of change. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that is just another instance where a Band-Aid will be placed over a wound. In time, the wound will heal, and all will be forgotten. Women will always be subjected to the bad behavior of their superiors. It is sad to say, but it has always been an unspoken causality of working in a man’s world. Fortunately, many women have figured out a work around to avoid putting themselves in uncomfortable positions. I only hope that going forward, such skillfulness will not be necessary in the workplace.