A Question of Respect

January 14th, 2016

Mr. Christopher Gayle, a highly esteemed Jamaican cricketer, embarrassed a woman reporter recently. As such, I feel he disrespected her.

I have often thought about the word “respect,” a frequently used term in Jamaica. Many Jamaicans simply say “Respect,” in response to a comment, or in concluding a conversation. It’s a kind of acknowledgement of the worth of the person they are conversing with – usually in agreement with that person, but not necessarily so. Respect simply recognizes that the other person in the conversation has value.

Christopher Gayle found his own sexist remarks to a reporter amusing. She did not feel the same way.

So where did Mr. Gayle go wrong? In my view, apart from all the concerns about obvious sexism and sheer egoism that his comments betray (and not for the first time, sadly, in his case) he was simply ill-mannered. Respect has a lot to do with the right way to behave under certain circumstances – decorum, if you like. It is about showing the consideration that is due to another person. In other words, it is about appreciating that person’s feelings, his/her rights or wishes, through one’s actions, one’s behavior, and especially perhaps one’s words. Mr. Gayle surely could not have thought that the reporter would be delighted by his “Don’t blush, baby” comment, in the context of a live media interview in front of officials, fans and players. Perhaps he expected her to simper prettily. If he did think this was fine, then he is suffering from an excess of ego and poor judgment, to say the least.

Sexual harassment is considered a serious societal problem in countries like Egypt. (Photo: tnnegypt.com)

Sadly, evidence of respectful relations between Jamaican men and women seems pretty thin on the ground, in general. I am sometimes told that a man  grabbing hold of a woman’s hand or waist on the street is a compliment. If the woman doesn’t see it that way, there’s something wrong with her, is the implication. “It’s just a joke,” as Mr. Gayle would say. Very often the woman does not know how to react to this physical assault. She has been brought up not to be rude; or perhaps she does not wish to hurt the man’s fragile ego. Perhaps (quite likely) she is afraid to reject him. So she smiles bashfully – almost apologetically – and tries to pull away with an air of feigned reluctance. I have observed these kinds of interactions played out time and again. It’s part of the culture, I am also told. It’s a culture of sexual harassment, and it has no place in today’s society where equality should be the goal.

Which brings me to the Sexual Harassment Bill, which was tabled in the Lower House in December 2015 by the Prime Minister. One hopes it will not be too long before the legislation come up for debate, but meanwhile perhaps the Gayle episode has helped to kick off the discussion. The Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre believes that sexual harassment is a form of gender-based violence. It is indeed forcing an unwanted sexual approach on a person, and it creates a hostile environment, especially in the workplace.

An atmosphere of mutual respect in the workplace goes a long way. (Photo: Forbes.com)

Just like rape, sexual harassment is an exercise of power. Male bosses will feel they are quite entitled to force themselves on their subordinates. The old-fashioned image of the boss chasing his shapely secretary round the desk etc. is now considered offensive, but was once found amusing. But has the Jamaican mindset strayed very far from this picture? There is still that sense of entitlement; rather like the employer in a colonial household who would sexually harass and abuse his servants, and moreover encourage his son to do likewise, to get some “experience.” That tendency has not entirely disappeared in upper class households with domestic helpers. And in the office, what kind of example does this set for younger male employees? Well, they might try it too.

One can take it a step further. Offensive comments about women in general can also be considered harassment, in my view – just as offensive as racially-tinged remarks (not necessarily directed at an individual) should still be considered racism. I am not sure if this is reflected in the legislation, but perhaps this takes us back to the word “respect.” In an environment that is respectful and considerate, one would not start a conversation that denigrates any particular group, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. It’s a human rights concern.

The organization Respect Jamaica understands this. I have great hopes for them. I look forward to hearing the debate when it comes up, and to hearing their comments, as well as those of women’s organizations such as 51% Coalition.

It’s time we cleaned up the toxic mess that is sexual harassment. Let’s create a healthy environment instead!

Tags: 51% Coalition, Christopher Gayle, gender equity, gender-based violence, Lower House, Prime Minister, racism, Respect Jamaica, sexism, sexual harassment, Sexual Harassment Bill, Women's Resource and Outreach Centre