Paul Strickland interviewed me for this Sept. 26, 1995 article in the Prince George Citizen. There has been a lot of talk lately about sexual harassment. The concept wasn’t well known until 1991, when Anita Hill testified about her experience. Clarence Thomas had been recommended for the U.S. Supreme Court, which requires public hearings for candidates. Anita Hill was unflappable during days of intense grilling, as she described persistent unwanted sexual advances and sexual comments while working for Thomas. Many people didn’t believe her. I did. I watched the televised hearings hungry for any insights that might put into perspective what had happened to me. I’ve struggled to find satisfactory answers to why anyone would sexually harass another person. Maybe sometimes it’s just because they can. Using a woman for sexual kicks is humiliating and objectifying. Especially in a male-dominated environment, if a woman can be pigeon-holed as just a body, her value shrinks. She’s fluff, a pretty plaything, not a serious contender. The punch to the gut from the unwanted sexual innuendo, the staring, even the touch, throws her off balance. When it’s someone in authority, she can feel helpless to do anything about it. As he’s already crossed that line, what more might he do? She may find the courage to confront, and maybe it gets better for a while. But when it starts again, the stakes are even higher. She may bring in the human resources department or someone else in authority. They may seem supportive at first. But she quickly learns that what they really want is no waves. “The last thing we want is for this to get to the media,” they tell her. “That’s the last thing on my mind,” she replies. “I just want it to stop.” The only way it stops may be to remove herself from the situation. She thinks, maybe it’s time to move on after all. She can’t go back there anyway. The environment is so toxic, it’s been poisoned. So she leaves. She ends her education program. Or she leaves her job, perhaps a career of some standing. But she gets to choose. Not the choice she had planned, but she gets to choose who will touch her or be sexual with her in any way. And that’s why sexual harassment is such a serious matter. No one should be forced to make that choice just to live and work in peace. Clarence Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court, and remains there. Anita Hill left her employment with him when she was offered a teaching position. She is now a professor teaching about law and social justice, and has received many honorary degrees. In her opening statement at the Thomas hearing, Anita Hill said, “Telling the world is the most difficult experience of my life… It would have been more comfortable to remain silent…. I took no initiative to inform anyone. But when I was asked by a representative of this committee to report my experience, I felt that I had to tell the truth. I could not keep silent.” Thank you, Anita Hill. - Irene Plett TOPICS: Sexual harassment, Anita Hill, Clarence Thomas
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WriterIrene Plett is a writer, poet and animal lover living in South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Categories
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