Sexual harassment `amusing' to males

Sexual harassment `amusing' to males

JAKARTA (JP): A survey reveals that the majority of male
executives in Jakarta regard sexual harassment as amusing.

The two-month survey, conducted by Tiara trend and lifestyle
magazine, involved 193 male and female executives, between 25 and
65 years of age.

Dr. Sukiat, a psychologist who led the survey, explained that
sexual harassment has become an important phenomenon in society.
Cases of sexual harassment have frequently appeared in both
foreign and local media.

The most recent case, for example, appeared in one of the
country's largest newspapers, Kompas. In yesterday's edition, the
daily reported a case of alleged sexual harassment involving
North Sumatra Governor Raja Inal Siregar and a 36-year
businesswoman. Although the woman finally dropped the charges
against the governor - which made it impossible for the public to
find out whether the initial charge was true - the case has
already become a hot issue nationwide.

Reports of sexual harassment involving US President Bill
Clinton have proven that this issue is not a laughing matter,
said Sukiat.

Sexual harassment may occur anywhere, but so far there is no
study to determine if it is also common among high-ranking
managers and professionals, Sukiat said.

The survey reveals that 70 percent of the 127 male respondents
said they do not intentionally want to physically harass their
female colleagues or subordinates. Many of them said they just
want to make fun or to create a closer relationship. A large
number of respondents also mentioned that they did not realize
that such actions are categorized as sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment comes in the form of verbal and physical
action, including "inappropriate whistling," sexually explicit
jokes, and touching parts of male or female bodies. Kissing and
other sexual activities are considered serious forms of
harassment, said Sukiat.

He added that complaints (of sexual harassment) are raised
when people refuse to be submit to behavior that they consider to
be sexual harassment.

Madyana Ganie, a vice president of a pharmaceutical company,
commented that, "It is very common for executives to make sexual
jokes or to comment on the physical appearances of their female
or male colleagues. Sometimes we need it to create an informal
situation to relieve us from the stressful working atmosphere."

Comments such as "You are very sexy today" or "Your hair looks
wet" are always associated with sexual joking. In eastern
culture, people are required to take a bath and wash their hair
after they have a sexual intercourse. The "wet hair" joke, for
instance, has become very popular, he said.

"It cannot be denied that physical harassment also occurs
among executives. It really depends on each person's morality,"
Madyana said.

While most of the male executives regarded sexual harassment
as a farce, 67 female managers involved in the survey viewed this
issue as a very serious manner.

'Sour jokes'

Most female respondents said they felt irritated whenever they
heard "sour jokes" against them or other female workers. Most of
them would react angrily if they found their male bosses or
colleagues physically harassing them.

The survey also indicated that sexual harassment against
female colleagues or subordinates would surely affect their
personal lives as well as their working performance.

Indah Sukotjo, a model who became a prominent executive,
shared her experience of becoming an object of sexual harassment.

"I was very angry and shocked when I heard my male business
partner say I was sexy and beautiful. But then I realized that I
had to improve my physical appearance and to act and behave
properly to avoid such harassment."

Indah also suggested that female workers avoid drawing the
attention of their male counterparts by not acting coquettishly
or wearing sexy dresses. "It will encourage any man to sexually
harass them," she said.

Another woman executive said that it would be quite easy for
women managers to avoid harassment, but not female workers. Many
of them put up with harassment from their superiors because they
were afraid of losing their jobs, she said.

Sukiat said that male executives should treat their female
colleagues and workers properly because their current view on the
issue may lead them into serious trouble.

He admitted that the survey did not indicate the general
opinion on sexual harassment among executives, but stressed it
did show that more and more women were becoming aware of their
rights and demanding better treatment. (raw)