OPINION The famous author Jan Guillou said that he does not dare to have female acquaintances after #MeToo. The musician (and former SSE Student that never graduated) Alexander Bard tweeted: “Guys, don’t flirt with girls. Ever. And when they flirt with you, ignore. It should at least keep you safe – until they start lying. #metoo”
can do to with their own bodies and define what they, personally, define as sexual harassment. Still unsure? Here are some principles to guide:
In this post-#MeToo world, is it dangerous to be a man who flirts? Of course not. You can flirt, but you cannot sexually harass someone and the difference is obvious. According to Swedish law (and common sense), the one being harassed is always the one to decide whether it was harassment or not. I have the right to decide over my body. So do you. So does the woman dancing in the Rotunda. Everyone has the right to decide what people
• Treat others the way you would like to be treated—with respect! • Consent is golden. Only a “yes” is a “yes”. A lack of a “no” is not consent. • Have you been an ass several times while consuming alcohol? Then it is time to consider not drinking. • Ever in doubt? Ask! • Do you regret something you have done? Say sorry! • Be an “upstander”, not a bystander: If your friend is behaving badly, tell them. • Reflect over your position of power. Are you in a prominent position which might make it hard to refuse?
If you are still in doubt, I have made this quiz to help you understand the difference:
3
Is it okay to use a hug as an excuse to rub your erect penis against someone’s thigh? A Yes, of course. Men’s sexuality is so spontaneous that they cannot control it. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment.
4
You are a teacher assistant. Is it okay to help a student to solve a practice exam? A Yes, of course. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment.
5
You are a teacher assistant. You start declaring your love over email to a student you have never talked to, only stared at during class. You decided to follow her when she walks home. Is it okay? A Yes, of course. B Hm, this one is hard to tell. C Nom, it is sexual harassment.
7
Is it okay for a professor to grade a student’s looks instead of advising the student on the upcoming exam? A Yes, of course. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment.
8
Is it okay to smile at someone you consider pretty? A Yes, of course. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment.
9
Is it okay to yell “Hey sexy!” at someone you consider pretty? A Yes, of course. B Hm, this one is hard to tell. C Nmo, it is sexual harassment.
10
Is it okay to “grab the pussy” of someone you consider pretty? A Yes, of course. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment. Solution (Unless there is explicit consent of course):
2
Is it okay to hug someone who does not want a hug from you? A Yes, of course. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment.
6
Is it okay for a professor to give a student advice on how to pass the next exam? A Yes, of course. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment.
ACCACACACC
1
Is it okay to hug someone? A Yes, of course. B Hmm, this one is hard to tell. C No, it is sexual harassment.
31