There have been quite a few high-profile people exposed for sexual impropriety recently. It seems like the dominoes are starting to fall. Sadly, all we are hearing are half-hearted apologies and denials. I have seen comments that certain of these men have shown courage for apologizing. I would argue that it takes very little courage to apologize after one has been exposed. In addition, the organizations that have harbored these men (in many cases, for decades) seem to take no responsibility. How these can claim that they were unaware is beyond comprehension. The reality is that we must all take ownership.
Matt Lauer was just fired from NBC’s Today Show following accusations of “inappropriate sexual behavior”. Now, I do believe that one is innocent until proven guilty. There seems, however, to be overwhelming evidence of his guilt, as NBC was very quick to terminate him. Apparently, Variety and The New York Times were investigating Lauer and that may have prompted NBC to act. Sadly, if other news organizations were aware of his behavior, it is incomprehensible that NBC was not. Clearly, two things should have happened in light of the Variety and NY Times revelations. First, Lauer, himself, should have come forward. If he is innocent, he has nothing to hide. He should have owned the accusations, apologized, and professed to the world that such behavior is unacceptable. Second, NBC needs to take ownership. Someone needs to admit that such behavior was allowed and tolerated.
Women are finally finding the strength to stand against those who have persisted in making unwanted advances and worse in the workplace. Some may be wrongfully accused, but there is no doubt that countless women have be harassed and assaulted in the workplace—in places where they should feel safe. My heart hurts for these women. Moreover, my anger boils for those who have allowed it to happen.
We who observe inappropriate behavior in the workplace must speak up. Organizations who have stood silent are equally at fault. Acting, now, only because they are threatened, is no sign of righteousness. If we are to be at all redeemed for our complicity, we must take ownership. We must admit that we turned a blind eye to the impropriety and a deaf ear to the cries for help. We must own it and act to make a difference today.
I was taught many years ago to “avoid the appearance of evil”. In other words, conduct yourself in such a way as to give nothing to your would-be accusers. If we act as such and avoid situations in which we can be without a strong defense against false accusations, we cannot be wrongly accused.
We have to be upright in our treatment of others. We cannot believe it is appropriate to sexually harass another. Moreover, we must speak out when we observe others act inappropriately.
This has not been a usual post for me, but something that I needed to get off my chest (and remind myself).
Be your best today (for others); be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!