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University Daily Kansan / Thursday, October 17, 1991
OPINION
Sexual harassment
Senate circus creates awareness of issue
Though sexual harassment occurs in both directions and even within the sexes, the overwhelming majority is inflicted upon women by men. Combine this fact with the physical differences between the sexes in a male-dominated society and it becomes clear that the far more threatening abuse is men against women. This editorial focuses on that fact.
The issue of sexual harassment finally landed on the front page. It does not speak well of the world that it took a circus of a Supreme Court confirmation hearing to get it there. Now that this problem is center stage, it is the perfect time for educating people, heightening awareness and creating environments that improve relations between men and women.
Sounds all good and fine. It is not that easy.
The question begins, of course, as one of definition. It is compounded by the
sexual nature of human existence. It becomes downright frustrating and potentially frightening for its victims because of ignorance and discourtesy.
If anything is evident from the fiascoin Washington this week, it is that people have different perceptions as to what constitutes sexual harassment. Can a man in upper management ask a female member of the sales force out TGIF-ing? Can he ask twice? After the events of the last week, will he? Will he even hire a woman who could potentially misconstrue a remark? Where do you draw the line?
Draw it at the repetition of that which the woman has made clear to a man is harassment. Women, tell the S.O.B., tell his boss, tell the Better Business Bureau, tell the cops if that's what it takes, but tell somebody. Silence will not fix the situation.
Our essence is sexually charged. Sex sustains our species. You need not look
too far to find it. The media is permeated with it. Someone once said that people always are motivated by a desire for sex. Precisely that kind of attitude, regardless of its validity, is what requires exposing this behavior. It is our only deterrence.
Men, be aware of the ramifications of what you say and do. Sensitize yourself to this issue and the feeling of being treated like a piece of rump roast. Real men don't sexually harass women.
The Thomas/Hill sideshow has given us a chance to address a problem that has plagued women for ages. This issue is bigger than Clarence Thomas, larger than the Supreme Court.
It is a matter of respect toward your fellow woman.
Michael Dick for the editorial board
Columbus Day
U.S. indoctrination distorts historical facts
Critics of our educational system would say that the United States does not educate its children; it indoctrinates them.
On Monday, our country observed Columbus Day. In elementary and high school classrooms across the country, teachers probably taught the traditional Christopher Columbus story: In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue and discovered the continent of North America.
However, next month these same teachers will tell the story of the Pilgrims and of the first Thanksgiving. They will tell the story of how the American Indians helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter in America.
The American Indians were experts at survival on this continent. They had lived on it for centuries.
How can one say that Columbus discovered America when the American Indians were here already?
Are America's fundamental principles upheld when we teach our children blanket lines such as, "Columbus discovered America"? How can one discover something that another already knows? If Thomas Edison had discovered the electric light bulb, and then
The point is that many people, including adults, have never thought twice about Columbus as the discoverer of America. This is a supreme example of how U.S. education is indoctrinating students and not teaching them how to think
years later Richard Pryor learned of the light bulb, would we say Pryor discovered the light bulb? The answer is "No!" We would give credit to Edison.
America observed Columbus Day, but not every American celebrated.
James Baucom for the editorial board
Question: Because there were people on the North American continent when Columbus arrived, do you think it is appropriate to have a national holiday honoring his discovery?
Mary Rudy Freshman Undecided Ozawkie
"I have mixed feelings. I'm still trying to figure out whom he helped — certainly not the minorities."
Mark Johnson
Freshman
Undecided
Marysville
"Yes, because the people in Europe didn't know this even existed. It was a discovery to them. It's good that we celebrate it. There might not have been what is here today."
Dawn Haverkate
Applied English Center lecturer
Lawrence
"I do question Christopher Columbus 'treatment of the people he found here. I don't think it's fair to honor him as a hero when he came and took advantage of the American Indians."
Aaron Sheaks
Junior
Communications
Wichita
Jean Gordon
Freshman
English
Mason City, Iowa
"If they're not sure who was here first, how can you go out and have a national holiday? It's not fair."
"Yes, I do feel that we should celebrate it. We owe a lot to Christopher Columbus whether it is true or not what he did. Nobody can really know for sure because we weren't here."
Stacy Vanderveer
Sophomore
Advertising
Minneapolis, Minn.
"I think that the American Indians really discovered America and Christopher Columbus is overplayed."
KANSAN STAFF
HOLLY LAWTON Editor
JENNIFERREYNOLDS Managing editor
TOM EBLEN General manager, news adviser
Editors
Editors
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Marketing director.
Creative director.
David Habiger
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Last Hurrahs
by Mike Romane
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