In today’s world, there exists a troubling reality: many women in the media, like myself, have learned to suppress their feelings in order to navigate a career fraught with inappropriate behavior. Why do we normalize feeling uncomfortable, objectified, or even harassed, both online and offline? Why is it acceptable for new hires to receive pepper spray as an orientation gift alongside warnings about the so-called “crazy guy” to avoid? I’m fed up with the dismissive attitudes and the eye-rolling. The #MeToo movement has opened my eyes—I’m part of the problem if I ignore or fail to address unacceptable behavior.
As I watch my young son grow, I’m committed to instilling in him the values of kindness, respect, and empathy toward women. I want him to understand the strength and independence women possess and that it’s essential to speak up for themselves and each other. However, I also recognize that he’s navigating a landscape filled with temptations and negative influences. Given the pervasive sexual content on social media and the easy access to pornography, he will encounter messages that contradict the values I aim to teach.
So, I’m putting aside my fears of being seen as overly dramatic and making a commitment to discuss #MeToo with him. When he’s older and the moment calls for it, we’ll have these important conversations. Will they be uncomfortable? Absolutely. But I believe teen boys need to hear about sexual harassment from trusted figures in their lives—I hope to be that person for him. If he ever finds himself in a troubling situation, he must know that I’m here to listen and that speaking up is always okay.
Throughout my decade in the television news industry, I’ve been fortunate to mostly avoid the worst forms of harassment. Many of my colleagues haven’t been so lucky; some have had to take drastic measures like filing restraining orders or seeking police intervention due to overwhelming harassment—sometimes receiving over fifty disturbing messages daily. Did you know that local TV anchors are among the most stalked individuals? This unfortunate reality stems from our desire to seem friendly and approachable, as highlighted in an insightful piece from Psychology Today.
I learned that mentioning my marriage often helped me sidestep many unwanted advances. As a “taken” woman, I was deemed less appealing. Still, I want my son to grasp that even non-criminal harassment can be damaging and act as a precursor to more severe violations.
Yes, I am in the public eye. When I share a nostalgic photo from my cheerleading days, it does not grant anyone the right to send me explicit messages about what they’d like to do with me. When I walk away after an interview, catcalling comments like “nice legs” or “great rack” are not compliments. And no, I’m not going to indulge your fantasies by sending you pictures of my feet after taking off my shoes.
Harassment also occurs in public settings. I asked a few fellow broadcasters to share their experiences—out of respect for their privacy, I won’t disclose their names. One story involved a man cornering a colleague at a community event, invading her space and describing inappropriate fantasies. Another happened at a charity fundraiser where a volunteer was subjected to lewd comments while preparing for a dunk tank.
The online harassment is even worse. Female broadcasters face constant attacks while simply doing their jobs. Discontent with the media is one thing, but resorting to derogatory names like “bitch” or “slut” is uncalled for. I want my son to understand that a computer screen is not a shield that absolves anyone of basic decency—if you wouldn’t say it face-to-face, don’t say it online.
It’s worth noting that the majority of viewers I interact with are wonderful and have become friends over time. Unfortunately, the negative experiences overshadow the positive ones, and we cannot let that continue. One former colleague aptly remarked that as television personalities, we are expected to be endlessly polite and agreeable, but #MeToo is pushing us to rethink that expectation.
I sincerely hope this newfound empowerment continues. We must stop trivializing our collective experiences, no matter how minor they seem. If we ignore harassment, we only perpetuate its cycle.
So, my dear son, regardless of what society may suggest, remember the following:
- The people you see on TV are human and have feelings.
- Compliments should stem from kindness, not desire.
- A woman’s attire never implies she is “asking for it.”
- The best way to start a conversation is with a genuine hello or question.
- If you’re unsure whether a comment is appropriate, it’s probably best to keep it to yourself.
- Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it likely is.
- And when in doubt, always come to your mother. I love you and will always offer you the truth.
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In summary, we must foster open conversations about respect, boundaries, and consent. By doing so, we can equip the next generation with the tools they need to navigate a world where everyone deserves dignity.
Keyphrase: “raising respectful sons”
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