07-04-2003, 03:00 PM
Beastie's Babbles topic #..... idunno... 7?
Ok I didn't get the full story on this, for they were simply talking about it on Howard Stern a few mornings ago. But I feel the definite need to bring it up on my little babbles deally.
Apparently some professor had filed a complaint with her Community College's board where she worked with a colleague she felt uncomfortable working with. She was uncomfortable because when her colleague interacted with her, he would never make any eye contact with her, and instead speak with his eyes on her chest!!
When news leaked of this complaint, a number of other women spoke up about similar discomfort. Staff and students alike piled on and this gained the school some bad publicity. The offending professor was deemed a problem. He was fired from his position at the community college with no recourse, and now will have trouble getting any sort of job at all. Unless maybe he pursues radio, a phone job, or research from his own home maybe. How could this guy have defended himself? What violation did he break?
In any case... what does this all mean? I certainly can see both sides, but I see trouble in each.
As a speech communications major I understand the importance of eye contact. Also that in some cultures it is considered rude to make eye contact during conversation. As a male, I also know that I like looking at women's chests. Call this guy a pervert if you want, but he and I may just head down to the titty bar if he ever makes it to Vegas! If I have to defend my natural urge to look at girls, then maybe we should all wear giant cloaks to hide our body features. Maybe we should all live like the iraqu's pre-war GUYS TOO!
Back to this fired professor ..... it may be his unusual inability to contain himself, it may be a communications disorder, it may be something else altogether. In any case, does this guy deserve to be fired?
What ever happened to the idea that as long as you look but don't touch, you will be ok? They did say on Howard that he had no record of any previous harassment or sexual deviance. He was simply let go because his eyes wandered a bit too much. Maybe it's just me, but I think perhaps this woman should have sought a transfer if she was uncomfortable. How do we draw this line? Do I have to stare at the floor now at work?
Before I rant any further about this, I will open it up to you all. I will probably voice a bit more later on.
Beastie
Ok I didn't get the full story on this, for they were simply talking about it on Howard Stern a few mornings ago. But I feel the definite need to bring it up on my little babbles deally.
Apparently some professor had filed a complaint with her Community College's board where she worked with a colleague she felt uncomfortable working with. She was uncomfortable because when her colleague interacted with her, he would never make any eye contact with her, and instead speak with his eyes on her chest!!
When news leaked of this complaint, a number of other women spoke up about similar discomfort. Staff and students alike piled on and this gained the school some bad publicity. The offending professor was deemed a problem. He was fired from his position at the community college with no recourse, and now will have trouble getting any sort of job at all. Unless maybe he pursues radio, a phone job, or research from his own home maybe. How could this guy have defended himself? What violation did he break?
In any case... what does this all mean? I certainly can see both sides, but I see trouble in each.
As a speech communications major I understand the importance of eye contact. Also that in some cultures it is considered rude to make eye contact during conversation. As a male, I also know that I like looking at women's chests. Call this guy a pervert if you want, but he and I may just head down to the titty bar if he ever makes it to Vegas! If I have to defend my natural urge to look at girls, then maybe we should all wear giant cloaks to hide our body features. Maybe we should all live like the iraqu's pre-war GUYS TOO!
Back to this fired professor ..... it may be his unusual inability to contain himself, it may be a communications disorder, it may be something else altogether. In any case, does this guy deserve to be fired?
What ever happened to the idea that as long as you look but don't touch, you will be ok? They did say on Howard that he had no record of any previous harassment or sexual deviance. He was simply let go because his eyes wandered a bit too much. Maybe it's just me, but I think perhaps this woman should have sought a transfer if she was uncomfortable. How do we draw this line? Do I have to stare at the floor now at work?
Before I rant any further about this, I will open it up to you all. I will probably voice a bit more later on.
Beastie