Hidden Harassment

A tension arises and the air feels thinner. Breathing turns from reflex to a conscious effort. The stomach begins knotting itself up, and the uncomfortable feeling of nausea swells in the body. The heart pounds faster, as the fight or flight instinct kicks in. Such anxiety feels insurmountable, and yet all that’s said is, “you’re overreacting.”

52% of employees have either witnessed or experienced workplace harassment in 2023 as reported by HR Acuity, which is a relatively staggering statistic, but definitely not far-fetched.

Harassment in the workplace, although it has been delved into and discussed at length, is a startling commonality. From personal experience, it’s one of the most uncomfortable situations to be in. There’s a sort of powerlessness that instantly gives one a victim mentality, as they know that no matter what is said, there are no actions to prevent the incident.

Working in the customer service industry, the term “the customer is always right” haunts many, as retaliation against unwanted words and approaches from customers feels improper. Managers sit idly by, and teenagers especially are thrown to the wolves, which are old, vulgar men who have absolutely no filter and speak their obscenities with enthusiasm and no ounce of regret.

Harassment occurs in various forms and in different degrees. Incidents range from suggestive comments to actual physical interactions, both of which make the victim feel uncomfortable. 

This sentiment is definitely true for an anonymous student in Washingtonville. They explained, “It’s really just a discomfort that just, like…lingers. I hate it, and you know, it just feels like you have no power. I know there are laws and stuff that should prevent sh*t like that, but is it effective? Does anyone really care? No.”

The preventative laws in place were initiated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as the organization was formed in order to diminish workplace issues and ensure safety for the workforce. Violations of such laws can lead to intense legal battles, in which the victims could potentially win a substantial amount of money. But, to get to that place, the victims must be willing to speak out.

One may think voicing concerns is simply common sense. However, there’s a sense of shame that an anonymous recent  high school graduate shared with me is the reason most don’t come forward. “You know, I just think it’s embarrassing. Like, someone would probably laugh at the things people say to me on a daily basis, but it personally makes me uncomfortable. I don’t know how to say this in a good way… but being a victim and knowing that you’re one has a negative stigma that makes you feel like nobody’s on your side. And so, you just think, ‘why would anyone listen to me?’”

This is a hefty topic, not only because of its disconcerting nature, but also because of the frequency of which it happens. The aforementioned recounts are troublesome, and to some, even anxiety-inducing. However, it’s important for the truth to be told, and the truth is that work life can be very uncomfortable, and that such experiences are legitimate and oftentimes occur without repercussions for the perpetrators. 

This poses a fitting question: how does one ameliorate the situation in a way that’s radical enough to truly terminate the issue? Honestly, there might not be a way. Human condition is not changed through the actions of others; there has to be an internal shift within one’s mind that prompts them to change their ways. The only thing others can do is stand up for themselves, express their disdain for the approach, and prepare themselves for it happening again. People and their tendencies will breed discomfort in one way or another, whether that’s at work or in day-to-day life. Mentally preparing for that is the only real solution. And, as a teenager, it’s best to adopt that mindset quickly so that real life doesn’t throw that curveball.