NBC: Link
Npr: Link
Representative Ruben Kihuen faces sexual harassment charges and resignation for making unwanted sexual advances towards his prior finance director known as Samantha. The woman has accused him of nonconsensual touching and unwelcome propositions; she even states that at one point he followed her to her car sprouting claims about wishing he could date her. Nancy Pelosi has called for Kihuen to resign stating that, “In Congress, no one should face sexual harassment in order to work in an office or in a campaign. The young woman's documented account is convincing, and I commend her for the courage it took to come forward.” Kihuen says he doesn’t remember such incidents regarding the director, but that he sincerely apologizes for making her feel any discomfort from working with him. This allegation can be added to the wave of sexual misconduct and harassment claims that have been cresting over the media and business industries this year. Personally, I agree with Nancy, no one should have to spread their legs-among other things- to be able to work at their desired occupation and those who have been seriously charged with such allegations should pay the proper consequences to their actions.
Side note: be civil in the comments please.
Questions:
- How do you feel about this sudden outpour of sexual harassment claims, not only in the media, but in Congress as well?
- Are you surprised at the sheer amount of sexual misconduct allegations being stated during this time period?
10 comments:
Over the past few weeks, I have been shocked with this sudden outpour of sexual harassment claims in both the media and Congress. Mainly, I am surprised with the amount of people being accused of sexual misconduct. I have always known that women have been taken advantage of, treated unequally, and treated unfairly, but I never fully understood how widespread this epidemic was. I never truly understood how this type of behavior happens in various industries, anywhere from typical office jobs to the government to the entertainment industry. Most recently, Matt Lauer from the Today Show on NBC has been accused of sexual misconduct in the workplace, and this was so shocking to me and my mom that we could not even believe it because his everyday demeanor does not insinuate that he would do something like that. Overall, I am just disappointed that so many men, who I thought just a few days ago were one of the good guys, are actually one of the bad guys.
I believe that the recent unveiling of widespread sexual harassment in both the media and Congress is completely unacceptable. These many different allegations have shown that sexism and sexual harassment run rampant in many facets of our society. The various respected industry's in which these claims are stemming from should be investigated and held accountable for claims if found true.
While there may have been many accounts of sexual harassment in Congress, I believe that there should be more investigation. From the article, it sounds like the woman made a claim that she was sexually harassed and this man now faces resignation from his job as a result. If by any chance that she was lying and the man was innocent, his life and reputation would be ruined. Without more evidence and a deeper investigation, the media should not jump to conclusion about Kihuen.
I think that it's about time for people to step forward. Yes, it might be overwhelming to hear about all of these allegations, but it is admirable for people to finally feel comfortable to talk about what they have gone through. I agree with what Pelosi said as well.
Yes the amount of allegations have been overwhelming, its good that women feel more comfortable speaking up for themselves. Its gotten more common, having these allegations come up to the point where its not as shocking as it would have been a year ago but its still good people are seeing the severity of the situation.
Going off of what Pelosi said, I believe sexual harassment should not be tolerated in any work environment. As a woman, I'm proud of all the women who have stood up to what has been going on. From a young age, women are taught to be inferior to men and finally in 2017 times are changing in ways they should have been years ago. It is very sad to see some of the men, who I've been following and supporting for years, treat another individual in such a way, but their actions have to have consequences.
I believe that the amount of women coming out and speaking up for what has happened to them is an incredible step up. And I am proud to see women stand up for themselves and not just letting sexual harassment be considered "normal." I am some what surprised from all of the claims, but it's become like a wave of sexual harassment allegations, and it has brought up many cases. And I feel that the men need to be held accountable for their actions.
Throughout the many reports of sexual assault, the common theme has been that abusers are in much higher position than the accused. This of course creates a dangerous environment because the abusers assert and use their power to their advantage, placing those abused in a very vulnerable state. We studied how female representation is much less then male representation in Congress. Not only did the woman hold a position that was below Representative Kihuen, but she is also one of very few women present in Congress. The actions of Kihuen and others who have taken advantage of others is unacceptable.
I think all the recent allegations against sexual harassers are shocking, but I believe it is a very good thing. I think it's great that finally, after so many years of staying silent, victims are finally speaking out, and aggressors are being held accountable for their actions. I'm surprised that there are so many people who did these terrible things, but am glad that now everyone knows what's really going on. I am hopeful that in future, there will be less victims because of the attention brought to this issue.
I was initially surprised as to how many people were coming out about sexual harassment from multiple different celebrities and government officials. But now I do think it makes sense as to why so many people are coming out in such a short amount of time. Since so many people are revealing their experiences and abuse, this can give courage to a silent person who might have been abused of harassed in the past. This really shows how people in power believe that they can get away with actions of abuse and harassment just because of their status.
Post a Comment