As a lifelong progressive Democrat and feminist of sorts from birth, I applaud the (albeit slowly) changing mores of our times. “It’s a man’s world” is no longer acceptable; women must be treated as equals.
I’m old enough to remember being born into the culture that said “men only; women not allowed.” It was a tough time for intelligent, independent women. But I’m witnessing the gradual change, and ask only that people remember that today’s middle-aged/older men were also born into this culture. They are having to re-learn their own attitudes. Please let us forgive those men who admit and apologize for wrongdoing and amend their behavior; more cannot be asked of them. Some need to review their approaches to women: let’s let them.
And let’s leave sexual activity between consenting adults alone, shall we? Enough with our apparent appetite for “scandal”!
ԲԱܱ, ٱԱ
I am sick to death of hearing the question, “Why didn’t she report the sexual harassment long ago or when it happened?” By definition, this is not possible. There are two parts to the definition of “sexual harassment.” First, the nature of the offense is sexual; second and no less important, there is an imbalance of power, such that the victim is rendered unable to object to or report the offense.
These situations can be boss-employee, threats to a child that her family will be hurt or killed, or, as my situation was — graduate student and professor. I taught labs for him and he was on my committee. Therefore he held in his hands not only a single mom’s current job but also my whole future career. Would all his male colleagues of long standing believe me? Would they appear to believe me just to write poor recommendations for me later? I was lucky that my initial resistance did not result in major problems for me, but it could have very easily gone the other way.
So please don’t ask why women, and men, don’t report sexual harassment that is the result, by definition, of this insidious behavior.
ʲѲѾ, ԲɴǴǻ
Prior to the recent sexual harassment frenzy, I confess to viewing the typical “Enjoy sex again!” ads that frequent The Denver Post’s pages with modest amusement. The recent allegations and subsequent conversation have helped me recognize the subtle ways our society reinforces (and even teaches) that women are mostly sex objects. The Post’s acceptance of such ads makes them complicit in the degradation of women, and they should review their ad policies to root out any that support this notion.
Gary Camp, Littleton
Re: “,” Nov. 21 Megan Schrader column.
As a 71-year-old white male feminist, I have to point out the problem with Megan Schrader’s column, which is all too representative of what is going on today in general. Just as there are clear legal and moral differences between shoplifting, burglary and murder, the same distinction must be made in identifying degrees of sexually wrong behavior and their potential consequences.
While Sen. Randy Baumgardner’s comment surely was “blatantly gross” and “out of line,” it does not rise even to the level of Rep. Steve Lebsock’s “leaning over and unbuttoning the top button of her blouse” or whatever constituted another lawmaker “inappropriately touching” Rep. Susan Lontine.
And none of the above incidents should be considered as close to equivalent to the predatory actions claimed against Harvey Weinstein, Roy Moore or, yes, Donald Trump.
Tim Flynn, Denver
When I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting, I had no idea how to break into “the industry.” Taking a related class seemed an ice breaker. The UCLA instructor, a producer, required a creative sample from everyone. He began the next class praising one particular writing submission. It happened to be mine. Months later he hired me as a production assistant for a musical he was shepherding. Weeks into rehearsal, he asked, “So, what are you going to do for me?”
Down the road were other Lotharios. Most memorable admonishment: “It can’t be done your way.”
Then came the job at which some of my female co-workers knew of a male colleague’s extramarital affair. Their ultimatum to him: Fire her or we’ll tell on you. The impact on my life (including loss of respect for someone I’d greatly admired) was devastating.
Regarding harassment scenarios, shouldn’t the various dimensions be likewise concerning?
Charlene Porter, Aurora
Every day we read about new sexual harassment claims. The line as defined by President Donald Trump seems to be that if it is a “he said, she said” scenario, the default is to the guy denying the claims. Why did some of the accusers wait 40 years to tell their stories? Because these women live in a culture that has not been open to hearing their accusations. Some have lived all this time thinking it was their fault, and reliving the traumatic experience over and over. Others knew they would have no recourse if they did tell. They knew no one would believe them, so why try? Finally, both women and men are being given a chance to tell their credible stories. It is time now to listen.
Jane Sanford, Englewood
Re: Nov. 20 Rick McKee editorial cartoon.
One hopes that the opinion page editor recognizes that the editorial cartoon published on Monday was incredibly sexist. It showed a man with a megaphone asking, “Raise your hand if you’ve never sexually harassed someone.” There is a single hand raised in the teeming crowd. This clearly brands essentially all males as active sexual predators — a condition which, from my experience, simply does not exist.
But beyond the cartoon, and the revelations about sexual harassment which are coming to light on a daily basis, the underlying issue is not sex but power. Harassers are attempting to establish or reinforce the power that they believe they have over “lesser” persons by demonstrating that they have free access to the body of their victim. It is simply another form, albeit a particularly disgusting one, of bullying.
ҳܲ°Dz, Denver
Submit a letter to the editor via or check out our for how to submit by e-mail or mail.
