Sexual harassment is in the eye of the beholder which is the crux of the problem. Is a hug or kiss harassment? Those acts are uncomfortable to some when they are not of a romantic nature? Many families are huggers and kissers, so when those women meet someone, know they are apt to hug, then kiss and hug when parting. If the roles were reversed would it be harassment?

Many families teach their children to hug and kiss each other, relatives, and even family friends. I can understand why some parents teach their kids to be overly friendly and I see why others teach handshakes. Are the hugging and kissing parents training their kids to be harassers when they grow up?

How does someone decide if a kiss or a hug is innocent or harassment? Is it when a hug is tight and prolonged? Some of those are innocent and to give emotional support. Is a kiss on the lips instead of cheek harassment? (Tongue action definitely is!) Can the place of the act be the definition for one and not the other? My solution has been to be a fast hand to show a handshake is preferred.

Many of the reported charges against famous people have been in the eye of the beholder. If a man is groped he may be thrilled, if it happens to a woman, it is harassment.

What a can of worms sexual harassment claims can be, especially if the act was many years ago. How can one defend oneself since memories fade and others are created? We can’t look to spiritual leaders for advice since hundreds are guilty themselves. Sexual harassment is fluid and defined by the times.

Where’s the sympathy for Anita Hill? She was roasted, slandered and demeaned when she came forth about her boss, Clarence Thomas. When Thomas was asked about her charges, he was very nasty and said anyone who agreed with her as participating in a lynching. He had artfully played the race card stopping any more questioning. He was confirmed to be a Supreme Court Judge.

Anita Hill’s reputation was destroyed with few brave enough to stand up for her. In today’s environment she would have the support and Thomas might not even be in his old job. Why don’t we bring that up again and get him to resign?