It is not often I read the business section of the newspaper on Sunday mornings. Rather, I tend to gravitate towards the Travel and Lifestyle sections. I rarely miss a column by Heidi Stevens.
The weekly column I Just Work Here is written by Rex W. Huppke. I admit, I rarely read it. Okay, I’ve never read it. After all, it is in the Chicago Tribune business section! Big Yawn. This past Sunday, however, a headline on the front of the business section grabbed my attention:
Male Allies Should Call Out Harassers.
Hey, this is something I write about as a health educator. In the Business section?! Heidi would have to wait.
In the article, Huppke discusses the perturbing events highlighted by recent newscasts about the Fox News sexual harassment case. Using that situation as a platform, he delves into typical office shenanigans that happen on a daily basis in businesses everywhere and questions:
“Where are the men in this?”
He argues it is time that men, not just women, step up and shut down any comments, innuendos, and inappropriate sexual transgressions that are offensive and unprofessional towards women.
As educators and parents, it is imperative we teach our boys and young men the importance of respecting women. Most recently I wrote about the Stanford rape case in which the dad brushed off the severity of his son’s actions.
Jackson Katz has made it his mission to educate men about how to behave appropriately towards women.
These two examples highlight the importance of grown men mentoring, or failing to mentor, the younger generation. Huppke is encouraging mentoring as well, but in all places, the business section of a newspaper.
Hum. Now that I think about it, what better place? In a business environment, young professionals are learning the ropes from seasoned pros. Perhaps what is learned in the workplace is carried through to their social life. We need men of integrity to lead by standing up for what is appropriate, professional, and just plain considerate.
I love the challenge that Huppke is presenting to professional men. Heck, all men.
Huppke states: “A real man has the guts to stand up to behavior that harms others. And in the case of sexual harassment, in all its forms, I think we need more real men to lend a hand.”
Well said.
I have some engaging reading ahead of me: I see he wrote an article about getting our heads in the clouds. I think this guy Huppke has a new follower.
Me.
(Photos courtesy Adobe Stock)
