Female Journalists and Sexual Harassment
Twenty-first century America faces many problems, and sexual harassment has clearly become a pervasive one. Sexual harassment is about a lack of respect that makes an individual feel violated, whether it is about their gender or the inappropriate manner in which they may be treated. Specifically, the workplace has become a very common place for sexual harassment to take place, and while inhibiting the work quality of employees; it is degrading to any victim of the illegal practice. Female journalists in particular have recently emerged as one group of employees that is frequently targeted by sexual harassment, and studies show that this is most definitely a growing problem.
Each year, charges of sexual harassment in the workplace are filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the EEOC. This form of sex discrimination, which violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, has given men and women in all fifty states, the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment (“Facts About” 1). The EEOC has defined sexual harassment as “ any unwelcome or unsolicited verbal, physical or sexual conducts that is made a term or condition of employment, is used as the basis for employment or advancement decisions, or has the effect of unreasonably interfering with work or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment (“Sexual Harassment” 1).” Studies have shown that in male dominated career fields, this type of harassment is far more likely to occur. Journalism was once an occupation heavy with men, and while women are certainly moving up in positions as journalists, they are seeing sexual harassment prevail first hand.
While sexual harassm...
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...nt problem for women journalists in the nations capital. (“Sexual Harassment” 1).
"Nearly every male boss I've ever had has been very controlling. If you don't play their way, you're out.” (“Sexual Harassment” 1) Unfortunately, this feeling is widespread among female journalists today. Based on the studies shown, women quoted, and data collected, women in journalism are clearly targets of sexual harassment in to workplace. While some news organizations are taking steps toward preventing a hostile environment for female employees, some have done little to change the attitude among male and female co-workers in the workplace. In conclusion, sexual harassment for women in journalism must be put to an end, so that these individuals can perform sufficiently in a job that they enjoy, without feeling threatened or intimidated due to abuse by co-workers and employers.
In conclusion, black reporters’ role in journalism and the way they were treated by whites changed as they helped the Civil Rights Movement progress. The dearth of African Americans in reporting reminds us of job inequalities today in other workplaces, and of injustice toward women seeking employment and equal pay. The issue of equal rights in journalism also raises the question: Why does our society still have a lower percentage of black people in journalism compared to the whole population? Ultimately, we must agree that people should not be judged by their racial background and that the inequalities of racism can cause differing perspectives to be lost. The evidence strongly suggests that black journalists advanced the Civil Rights Movement through their news reporting and magnanimous determination to overcome discrimination.
Up until recently, no scholar has questioned the reliability of Olaudah Equiano and the accounts of his horrific journey from Africa to the America’s. When baptismal records and naval records were found that indicate Equiano was in fact born in South Carolina around 1747 various scholars
In the Interesting Narrative of The Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African written by Himself, Equiano recounts his experiences both as an enslaved and freed person. After examining and critically thinking about the way in which Equiano writes his book, it is safe to say that Equiano wrote it to promote anti-slavery because the book was able to influence others to take action to promote the anti-slave trade. Additionally, there has been a controversy about his birthplace. An article published by Jennifer Howard titled “Unraveling the Narrative” talks about Mr. Carretta who “revealed” that Equiano was in fact born in South Carolina. This controversy brings to question whether or not one should believe Equiano’s book. In my opinion
Sex Discrimination in the American Workplace: Still a Fact of Life. (2000, July 01). Retrieved from National Women's Law Center : www.nwlc.org
Despite legislation for equal opportunities, sexism is still evident in the workplace. Women have made great advancements in the workforce and have become an integral part of the labor market. They have greater access to higher education and as a result, greater access to traditionally male dominated professions such as law. While statistics show that women are equal to men in terms of their numbers in the law profession, it is clear however, that they have not yet achieved equality in all other areas of their employment. Discrimination in the form of gender, sex and sexual harassment continues to be a problem in today’s society.
Why Colleges Shower Their Students with A’s” by Brent Staples argues on the current grading practices in the U.S colleges and universities. According to Staples, colleges and universities keep the students from attending the less interesting classes such as humanities. He says, colleges are issuing more A’s because of the increasing consumer demand and competition among colleges and universities. He asserts that the importance of college education is deteriorating because of the result of grade inflation.
ment, another form of gender prejudice is most seen in the work place because of the constant interactions between males and females on a frequent basis. The sex role spill-over theory makes some very curious predictions . According to this framework, women working in certain environments-ones which most employees are male-will be more likely to experience sexual harassment than ones working in more traditional environments(ch.6Pp.245). Yet people will tend to view such harassment, when it occurs as less threatening or coercive than it would be in traditional environments. This is because they are perceived as role deviates-people who depart from traditional roles.
Sandy Welsh, Jacquie Carr, Barbara MacQuarrie, Audrey Huntly “I’m Not Thinking of It as Sexual Harassment”: Understanding Harassment across Race and Citizenship. Gender and Society. 20.1 ( 2006): 87-107. Print.
... goal as feminists is to end gender-based violence, we must look at how dominant news outlets shape messages of sexual assault.
In an article by Lisa Mooney about tension in the workplace, Mooney explains that there are many signs of sexual harassment in a place of business such as, the language men use towards their female co-workers, by referring to them as “ladies, babes or gals”, refers to there being a gender bias in the environment. Also if a man makes lots of physical contact with a co-worker of the opposite sex, there is an underlying assumption that he wants to have sexual contact with that person. All of these things and more make for tension for everyone around and also start cases of sexual harassment. Another form of tension is the power struggle between a female with a higher position than another male co-worker. If that woman is a no nonsense type of boss, then she is labeled as an evil boss rather than her just doing her job. These are some of the reasons it’s hard for a women to have and keep a job in the corporate world and why women everyday are fighting for better rights not only in the everyday real world but also just in the
Tahmincioglu, E. (2007, July 10). Male Sexual Harassment is not a joke. Retrieved March 16, 2011, from MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com
An argument can be made that Journalism is one of the very few professions in the world of media that is handled with some sort of dignity and pride. After reading “The Elements of Journalism” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, I realized how important journalism is to each and every one of us. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, the back and forth exchange between provider and consumer is extremely important in pushing society forward. Journalism after all is designed to challenge society, promote new ideas and spark conversation between one another. Despite the positives of journalism, there are issues that exist within the profession that cannot be excused and cannot be ignored.
Clark, C. S. (1991, August 9). Sexual harassment. CQ Researcher, 1, 537-560. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher
Sexual harassment in the workplace has been a huge problem in recent history. It can happen to anyone, and it can happen everywhere. It can affect all types of races, genders and ages. Statistics today show that more and more sexual harassment has become an issue due to the large number of cases presented. Mainstream media becomes consumed covering sexual harassment because of the high-profile cases.
In today’s workplace, sexual harassment is a growing problem. The legal definition of sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance or conduct on the job that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment. Another definition is the making of unwanted and offensive sexual advances or of sexually offensive remarks or acts, especially by one in a superior or supervisory position. Women and men of all ages, backgrounds, races and experience are harassed on the job. Sexual harassment encountered in workplaces is a hazard across the world that reduces the quality of working life, jeopardizes the well-being of women and men, undermines gender equality and imposes costs on firms and organizations.