For those uncertain about what constitutes sexual harassment, and what to do if they experience or witness it, there is a new public service announcement (PSA) helping to answer these questions. The animated PSA, directed by Rashida Jones and narrated by Donald Glover, is a three-minute video that answers four questions on the subject. Jones enlisted the aid of Blue Seal Studios to create the PSA. This media company is best known for its 2015 viral video, Tea Consent, that explained exactly what sexual consent entails.
Appropriate and Inappropriate Behavior
The video covers issues falling into a gray area. Most employees are not sexually harassing their coworkers, and want to make sure they stay on the right side of what is considered appropriate behavior. The video tackles subjects such as commenting on a coworker’s clothing and giving a coworker a hug. The latter is considered unwelcome touching. As for clothing, it is fine to think someone looks attractive in their outfit but telling them is another story.
Jones said the video is not intended as a mandate informing people how they must live their lives, but instead is meant for viewers to reflect on their own behavior and think about how people behave while on the job. Jones adds that the PSA’s focus is also on the nuanced dynamics occurring when there is a power imbalance in employee interactions. She specifically sought out Glover as the narrator because of his laid-back energy, which allows the video to invite rather than threaten the viewer. The video also recommends looking at the power dynamic. Dating the boss is inappropriate but dating someone on your own level may prove acceptable. However, there are always risks with workplace romances.
Cultural Shifts
The video addresses the cultural shifts that have rapidly taken place in society. Behavior that may not have raised eyebrows a few years ago is now unacceptable, and many workers are not aware of that. The truly bad behavior is not difficult to figure out, but many workers are not as tuned into daily microaggressions and nuances. As the video states, most employees are not groping others or making inappropriate comments, but they see and hear these things going on in the workplace. Are workers supposed to ignore these incidents, or make it their problem? The answer, according to the PSA, is that it is their problem. Glover compares the situation to playing with a Ouija board in that if those employees are not pushing and pulling, the people who are pushing and pulling make the rules.
Chester County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Advocate for Victims of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, you need the services of the experienced Chester County sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation. We are centrally located in Philadelphia, and we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
