This is one of the more absurd conversations that I have listened to on this topic. It is absurd because of the nature of the two trying to have a conversations about how difficult it is to have this conversation, but at the same time, trying to tip toe around the issues of the conversation in an attempt not to offend any possible listening progressives.
That is to say, there are two issues; one, there needs to be a conversation around relationships in the workplace, and a two, you can't speak about it (as that will be sexist).
In a nut shell men should adopt some or all the Mike Pence rule or similar. Why, because this is your livelihood, without it you can't feed yourself or family. These include things like:
- Leaving your office door open during meetings or having a chaperone at the meeting.
- No socialising with subordinates or peers, over and above what is required by the job.
- No going to coffee/lunch with employees.
- No dating other employees, I think most people do this one.
- I would add having no personal photos or information around the office,
- Have a digital audio recorder in your office.
While I understand that it is uncommonly rare that women lie, would you want to risk your yearly income in the unlikely event that an ambitious subordinate might want to send you into early retirement?
So the reality of the matter for men is:
- The hashtag listenandbelieve was designed to circumvent that pesky innocent until proven guilty thing, at least in the court of public opinion, which is where you will be tried. Your employer will likely not care if you are innocent either, it is all about optics, perception and virtue signalling.
- Your accuser can remain anonymous, and therefore the accusation may be withheld from you. giving you know way to respond to it, this occurs at university.
- In a lot of cases, it will be your word against hers. Not great odds in this day and age.
- Should the case go to caught and you are found not guilty, no one will care. Often the people who advocate this type of action believe that your case (guilty or not) acts as a deterrent to others.
- You have no recourse except a deformation law suit. Again, no one will care about the facts when they are brought to light.
- In a competitive environment, competing on a one variable platform, say your work performance, is rarely a luxury one can afford. Therefore the temptation to employ other means to get ahead is always there.
What I like about this is Sam's, liberal, progressive guest has realised that they have made a mistake, a mistake that effects women, the people who it is supposed to protect. I can't help the feeling that her concern is misplaced as it is not concerned with the possibility that someone is punished for nothing, but rather that the situation will put women at a disadvantage in the work place. Also at about 17:20 in the video, she clumsily tries to explain that in the two cases discussed, the women were admittedly trying to utilise their sexual power for advancement in their careers. However, because that assertion is taboo, has to cloak her words and even offer a little disclaimer.
Trivialising assault and rape, by including actions that are far from such has backfired as a policy, and it is the result of decisions made by people who are not used to making nuanced decisions (the story of feminism really).
The sum of the issue is, as they both suggest in the video, an infantalisation of women and adding another level of risk to men in the workplace. There is little to no risk to a false accuser, as the accuser is allowed to remain anonymous.
Problem is that most decent men take the attitude that they will continue to be decent and hope for the best. Your only option in a game that is stacked heavily against you is to mitigate against the risks, or not play the game.
On the flip side, if you are a woman, and you are honest and you are good at what you do, how can you establish trust in a competitive environment that sees you as a potential false accusation. Very rarely are these professional positions dependent on only one person, you are collaborating with peers to complete the tasks, trust will play an important role in whether you succeed.
LB
