In our society, it is troubling that many individuals, particularly women in the media, have become conditioned to tolerate inappropriate behaviors and comments as part of their professional lives. Why do we accept that feeling uncomfortable, objectified, or harassed—whether in person or through digital platforms—is just a normal aspect of our work? It’s unacceptable that a new job orientation might include a gift of pepper spray and warnings about potential harassers. I’ve grown weary of dismissing these issues and moving on. The #MeToo movement has prompted me to recognize that by not addressing misconduct, I may be contributing to its normalization.
As I gaze at my young son, I am committed to instilling values of kindness, respect, and courtesy towards women. I want him to understand that we are strong and capable of advocating for ourselves and each other. Yet, I am acutely aware of the challenges he will face in a world rife with negative influences, from explicit content on social media to readily available pornography, which can send conflicting messages to my teachings.
Today, I am setting aside my fears of being perceived as overreacting and pledging to engage in conversations about the implications of the #MeToo movement. When my son is older and the moment arises, we will discuss these topics. Will it be awkward? Certainly. But I believe it is crucial for young men to hear about sexual harassment from those they trust most. I hope that person is me. Also, if he ever finds himself in a troubling situation, he needs to know I’m here to listen and that speaking up is always acceptable.
In my decade-long career in television news, I have been fortunate to avoid the most severe forms of harassment, unlike many of my colleagues. Some have had to file restraining orders or report persistent harassment, receiving dozens of unsettling messages daily. Did you know that local TV anchors are among the most stalked professions? This phenomenon often arises from an unintended consequence of our efforts to seem friendly and accessible.
Referring to my marital status often helped me evade unwanted attention, as being “taken” seemed to diminish my perceived desirability. However, I want my son to understand that even non-criminal forms of harassment can be damaging and may lead to more serious offenses.
Yes, I am in the public eye. But sharing a nostalgic photo from my cheerleading days does not grant anyone the right to send me explicit messages detailing their fantasies. When I walk away after an interview, comments like “nice figure” are not compliments; they are disrespectful. I will not cater to anyone’s fantasies by sending a picture of my feet—wearing or not.
Harassment occurs even in public settings. I reached out to some fellow broadcasters to share their experiences, and although I will withhold their names for privacy, their stories are powerful. One colleague described a man who cornered her at a local event, invading her personal space while sharing explicit fantasies about her. In another instance, a woman volunteering at a charity event was subjected to a crude remark about her clothing, leaving her mortified and uncomfortable.
Even online, harassment is prevalent. The “silent” harassment through social media is rampant in the broadcasting industry. Unfortunately, I have faced my share of vulgar comments that are too inappropriate to share. Female broadcasters often encounter hostility while performing their jobs. Disagreement is one thing, but it’s entirely unacceptable to resort to name-calling or derogatory comments. I want my son to know that a computer screen does not provide anonymity for disrespectful behavior.
It’s crucial to highlight that most of the viewers I interact with are incredibly supportive and respectful. Unfortunately, a few negative experiences can overshadow the positive interactions we share. One former co-worker pointed out that as public figures, we’re often expected to endure rude comments with a smile, but the #MeToo movement is encouraging us to stand up for ourselves.
Some days, I still find myself smiling and nodding in response to offensive comments, but more recently, I’ve started to respond as my true self, not just my public persona. This shift can be shocking to those who expect submission. I sincerely hope this trend of empowerment continues, and we stop ignoring our collective experiences, no matter how small. Ignoring harassment only perpetuates the cycle.
So, my dear son, always remember this:
- The people you see on TV are human beings with feelings.
- Compliments should stem from kindness, not desire.
- No matter what a woman wears, she is never “asking for it.”
- A warm greeting or genuine question is the best way to start a conversation.
- If you’re unsure how a comment might be received, it’s best to refrain from saying it.
- Trust your instincts if something feels off in a situation.
- And when in doubt, always ask your mother. I love you and will always be honest with you.
This article emphasizes the importance of addressing issues of respect, consent, and the impact of harassment. For further reading on related subjects, consider exploring this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, or check out this informative post on at-home insemination kits. Additionally, for more insights, visit our blog on intracervical insemination.
Summary: This piece reflects on the societal acceptance of harassment in professional settings, especially for women in broadcasting, and emphasizes the importance of raising boys to respect women and understand consent. It highlights personal experiences while advocating for open conversations about these issues.