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Reported by: -- (05/22/07 14:23:54)
Title: Misrepresentation of Sexual Harassment Research in Oz Press
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Summary: www.smh.com.au/news/world/dont-want-to-be-harassed
-stop-acting-like-a-man/2007/05/13/1178995000981.html
describes Jennifer Berdahl`s latest article for Journal of Applied Psychology, "Sexual Harassment of Uppity Women" which demonstrates that the motive for sexual harassment is not romantic attraction, but rather the maintenance of male power privilege. The Sydney Morning Herald headlined the article with "Don`t want to be harassed? Stop acting like a man" which essentially blames the harassment victim. It`s basically upholding the "What do you expect?" excuse, that`s also used to excuse rape and domestic violence.
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The Issue:
I object to the headline of Sherrill Nixon`s 14 May 2007 article, "Don`t want to be harassed? Stop acting like a man." The article itself is a fairly accurate description of Jennifer Berdahl`s latest article for Journal of Applied Psychology, "Sexual Harassment of Uppity Women."
The headline, however, places the onus on the victim to change her behavior to suit the goals of the harasser. This is precisely why men harass women who do not conform to gender stereotypes, as concluded by this study: to reinforce male privilege, by precluding "male" behaviors.
While the headline demonstrates the very point of the research -- that the purpose of sexual harassment is to reinforce gender roles and thereby preserve male privilege -- I would hazard that the intent of the research was to illuminate the motivations of the perpetrators, not to further their goals!
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Comment To:
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Responses:
From: Cheryl -- (06/26/07 13:10:05)
Dear Thea and Josh,
I disagree. The headline offered an opinion that supports illegal activity which conflicts with the research results.
The research demonstrated that women who work in traditionally male roles, and behave as required by those roles, are disproportionately targeted for sexual harassment. The opinion offered in the headline is that women should therefore "stop acting like men." An alternative opinion would be that men should stop illegally harassing their female colleagues who offer them the most serious competition. The opinion offered in the headline supports the ignorant, bigoted motives and results of illegal sexual harassment.
I suppose that a refereed journal article demonstrating that Black Harvard Law School Graduates are harassed more than Uncle Tom on the Plantation would be reported by your esteemed organ of the fourth estate with a headline helpfully suggesting that people of color should "stop trying to act so white."
Perhaps the Sydney Morning Herald can recruit Don Imus to write headlines like this.
I hear he`s available.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Fillekes, PhD
- Hide quoted text -
On 5/22/07, Reader Link wrote:
Dear Cheryl,
Recently you contacted ReaderLink. The following outlines The Herald`s response:
Thank you for your email. The headline reflects the content of the article.
As stated in the article, Sherrill Nixon is reporting the findings of research carried out by a professor at the University of Toronto and published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. It is a news report, not an opinion piece.
Your interest in Herald Publications is appreciated and has provided us with valuable feedback.
Please quote 00116455 if you wish to contact ReaderLink again.
Regards,
Thea & Josh
Contact us:
readerlink@mail.fairfax.com.au
02 9282 1569
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