Dr. Rosanne Granieri: Sexual harassment is not funny
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Recently, we’ve all likely heard them. They are, unfortunately, the type of stories we’ve heard before. Television networks, magazines, online news sources and newspapers carried the details and subsequent fallout.
Let’s start with alleged alleged escapades of Andrew Cuomo as New York governor. These stories finally ended with Cuomo’s departure as the head of the Empire State. A man, previously a hero in the way he calmly and expertly guided New York City through the first wave of the devastating coronavirus pandemic, and who appeared to do more than the city’s own mayor, is now exiled in disgrace due to his inappropriate words and actions toward women. He has received his well-deserved share of criticism and a professional blow from which he most assuredly will not recover.
Cuomo’s behavior, to put it succinctly, is inexcusable, and his own explanation of his behavior is unbelievable: “In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I didn’t fully appreciate.”
Mr. Cuomo, let’s set the record straight. The line of decency has not been redrawn. It’s always been there, firmly fixed in the field of integrity. It has never been right to use one’s position of power to mistreat, disrespect or sexually harass women (or men) in the workplace. Please don’t attempt to excuse your behavior by hiding behind the genuine and innocent warmth Italian-Americans exhibit when they interact with others. There is a difference between a warm hug, respectful banter, or a double-cheek kiss and nonconsensual sexual verbal or physical advances. C’mon, Mr. Cuomo. Generational and cultural shifts do not explain your downfall.
If this wasn’t enough, a second issue reared its head in the aftermath of Cuomo’s resignation. Immediately, and as if on cue, late-night talk-show hosts weighed in. Stephen Colbert quipped, “Don’t let the door hit you on the butt on the way out. But if it does, that door should also resign.” David Spade, on his last day of filling in for Jimmy Fallon, followed suit by saying that after his final day of hosting the show, he’s “heading to Hooters with Cuomo.”
The comments of Colbert and Spade did not result in public criticism. Instead, audiences laughed, and this laughter gave encouragement to them to continue on. Their sophomoric humor was supposed to entertain, but in reality it trivialized and mocked the seriousness of the issue and on the national stage humiliated and disrespected Cuomo’s victims or anyone who has ever been sexually harassed or assaulted.
Mr. Colbert and Mr. Spade, let’s set the record straight. This is not funny. Nothing about this is funny. Would you mock or joke about this if your wife or partner, your daughter, your mother, your sister or your friend was involved? I certainly hope not. C’mon, guys, try a little harder. There’s got to be plenty more great fodder out there for real comedy.
If this wasn’t enough, enter Mike Richards, the man initially chosen as the new host for “Jeopardy!” after the death of Alex Trebek. He recently stepped down over allegations of derogatory and sexist comments he made toward women, coupled with other inflammatory remarks toward others. These comments occurred while he hosted a podcast which, in his own words, was “intended to be a series of irreverent conversations between longtime friends who had a history of joking around.” As part of his feckless apology, which appeared to show more concern for network ratings than anything else, Richards said, “My attempts to be funny and provocative were not acceptable.”
Mr. Richards, let’s set the record straight. This is not funny. Nothing about this is funny. Disrespect toward women by words or actions is certainly not acceptable. Your attempts at humor fell flat on those who understand the pervasiveness, persistence and seriousness of this issue. Your words and actions, along with those of Cuomo, Colbert and Spade, can be perceived as giving tacit approval to a behavior that puts women in jeopardy.
Rosanne Granieri, M.D., is a retired physician from Upper Burrell.