Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is somewhat of a touchy subject when it comes to discussion among people. I have witnessed many forms of harassment in my life, including that of a sexual nature. While other forms of harassment, such as sitting in the back of the classroom blowing spit-balls at the kid with the big glasses and acne-covered face, may seem a big crisis, sexual harassment can be worse than other forms of harassment that would 'outclass' spit-ball blowing. Anti-sexual harassment regulations should be more strictly enforced because such harassment makes people's working environments intimidating, affects their emotional health, and even the economy.

I have been both stricken with the savage fangs of sexual harassment, but I have also been the serpent with those fangs. I am all too aware of the feelings that accompany sexual harassment victims: depression, trouble sleeping, and other complications. According to University of Colorado psychology professor Dr. Don Weatherley, heart disease is also a documented result that sexual harassment can have on one's health -- physically and mentally (Freeman). Speaking as a victim, sexual harassment does take a toll on the psyche. Being the object of sexual rumors, and witnessing public displays of affection in public places such as restaurants, has put me in a shaken state before; I did experience trouble sleeping and, at one time, depression, as well as headaches; headaches are also documented (Bairley). Speaking as the instigator, health can be at risk; a fight between the victim and another student broke out as a result of a picture I had drawn, portraying the victim performing a lewd act. While my friends and I found the picture amusing and shared a few laughs, I later realized that the fight could have escalated into something more serious. Fist fights and body aches aside, it is my personal understanding that sexual harassment affects social health. Anti-socialism, divorce, and decreased trust in others are only a few effects of sexual harassment Though not divorce, I have seen boyfriends and girlfriends at school separate due to misunderstanding on the part of the victims' significant others. Perhaps those misunderstandings had something to do with sexual harassment they, themselves, had been exposed to in the past (Sexual Harassment Support). Though I have had but one job, and did not experience or witness any sexual harassment, I cannot seem to turn on a television or switch on a radio, without hearing about health problems, some of those concerning the workplace. A recent study involving 1,955 female flight attendants, however, shows that sexual harassment in the workplace is certainly a catalyst for health problems including, but not limited to: depression, psychological complications, and even a 3% showing of attempted suicide (Davis). If more companies, teachers, cooks, etc. adopt these principles as the layouts and foundations of their work niches, society may ultimately become a better place for a wider variety of people.

Intimidating work environments are often created as a result of sexual harassment, be it at school or in the workforce. Academic status may be affected due to such working environments. However, author Gretchen Morgenson states in her essay, Watch That Leer, Stifle That Joke, that “Women do themselves and their careers no favors by playing victim” (Ramage and Bean). Being in class and being the person telling sexual jokes and drawing sexual pictures with intended humorous nature, I have offended my fair share of peers. Though I do not recall drastically hindering anyone's ability to study or their overall academic performance, I did distract them. Had punishments for the acts I committed been more emphasized, I would have been less inclined to follow through with them, as well as other students I have seen who have been responsible for other actions that constitute as sexual harassment such as sexual touching, making sexual comments on other students' physique, and making lewd gestures (Bairley). Unfortunately, as bad as it may be, sexual harassment has lead to job loss for those who have rightfully complained (Sexual Harassment Support). Structured environments greatly help victims, and potential victims of multiple harassment varieties, to feel safe and secure. My high school English teacher's classes have always been very structured. Being in that class, I do not remember ever feeling intimidated by other students from whom I otherwise prefer to keep my distance for personal reasons; not only is the working environment comfortable вЂ" it is also governed by a strict, yet very effective, teacher who is adamant in her rules.

Not only are health and work affected, but the economy is damaged as well. Companies