1st September 2013, 10:19 AM
IN a way it is adding to the debate. by showing how things can get out of hand. However, it also shows that there must be a way for people to say - I don't like that... and not feel that they are being somehow in teh wrong.
Just in as much as it should take one request - saying I would prefer that you did not make sexual comments about me... OR racial comments OR etc... IT can be difficult - or even embarrassing, when "everyone else" is treating it like a joke. I try to consider my words and actions. and still amnage to make mistakes. but at least I can see them... and know where I go to far. I often make jokes about an American friend.. however, this is balanced by a very clear signal that it is done in jest and it is reciprocated. and in no way means that either of us have a lesser opinion of each other or each others country of origin. same with sexual harassment. indeed. one has to ask... why people find it needful to make sexual comments about colleagues. that is one of the simplest ones to ( or should be ) to deal with. NO SEXUAL COMMENTS> but... then the nuances come in. like this last few posts.
The point is that we should be allowed to say where the line of propriety is.
Just in as much as it should take one request - saying I would prefer that you did not make sexual comments about me... OR racial comments OR etc... IT can be difficult - or even embarrassing, when "everyone else" is treating it like a joke. I try to consider my words and actions. and still amnage to make mistakes. but at least I can see them... and know where I go to far. I often make jokes about an American friend.. however, this is balanced by a very clear signal that it is done in jest and it is reciprocated. and in no way means that either of us have a lesser opinion of each other or each others country of origin. same with sexual harassment. indeed. one has to ask... why people find it needful to make sexual comments about colleagues. that is one of the simplest ones to ( or should be ) to deal with. NO SEXUAL COMMENTS> but... then the nuances come in. like this last few posts.
The point is that we should be allowed to say where the line of propriety is.