Dr. Ada M. Fisher
- When Republican Congressman Larry Craig was accused of playing footsies in a bathroom stall with some reported homosexual implications the mainstream media was all over him with indignation. Why can Democratic Congressman Barney Frank escape public media criticism for his past tryst on the floor with his male companion in addition to helping get us into a financial mess? When Kanye West acted so rudely at the MTV awards, President Obama rightly noted he acted like an ass. But what of the castigation of the character of women in a joking or degrading fashion which is allowed a pass by “the View’s” women as well as many female stars and politicians.
When the women’s basketball team of Rutgers was assailed by Don Imus he was fired and removed from his show. Does race trump gender? So why is David Letterman allowed to retain his show and command an audience to make fun of the likes of Sarah Palin’s daughter or other sexual character flaws of high profile folks?
The National Organization of Women is exactly right in calling Letterman out. He should be fired. Either political party that doesn’t get this is out to lunch.
Sexual harassment takes many forms. When the boss is sexually involved with his subordinates it creates a hostile work environment for other employees under his supervision, brings into question the fairness of evaluations and advancement opportunities, and speaks poorly of his regard for women in the workplace. My father told my brothers you don’t have sex where you work and I got the message as a manager that sex with a subordinate is not to be tolerated.
Though Mr. Letterman and the legal system may think he is the victim of extortion, David Letterman is really the victimizer of the women who work for him even if they consented to sex with the boss. When politicians chose to engage in sexual escapades with staff, spouses of staff, etc. we are allowing the wrong message to be sent. What of the other folks who won’t get special treatment because they didn’t sleep with their superior? What of our daughters and granddaughters? It can also happen to our sons. Is this the kind of work environment we should quietly allow just because it is Hollywood?
America Wake Up! Let’s set examples for this and future generations in electing folks who get it and can keep their sexual impulses in check on the job.
Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a physician, licensed secondary education teacher in Math and science, former country school board member and NC Republican national Committee Woman. Contact her at P. O. Box 777; Salisbury, NC 28145; telephone (704) 223-2321. DrFisher@dradamfisher.org.
