Job Discussion Forums

[TokyoLiz]

Kotoko,

I agree, the article has a sensational quality to it, with far too many details that may actually be titilating for people with a prurient interest. But then people read all kinds of things and interpret them in ways that have unpleasant consequences...

It is an uncomfortable read, to be sure. One point in the writer's favour is that he does not interject his opinion. My impression of the article is that the writer lets the story speak for itself. And it tells the story of an incredibly strong and generous woman.

Vince could, if he is agreeable, remove the article and preserve the resource list that follows it.

[Glenski]

Vince,
Japan Times links do not go dead. If you want to keep the article up there, that's your prerogative.

I tend to agree with TokyoLiz about the flavor of the article. I read it from the online paper today, and then saw it here.

Have never known anyone personally who has described any sexual harassment except back in 1985. Does it happen now? Of course. Should people realize this? Yup. To me, the most important part of the article is the information for legal and counseling help at the end.

[Vince]

TokyoLiz, you make a good point about the article being an uncomfortable read. I'll remove it and leave the resource list.

Kotoko, I've seen and heard too much to agree that sexual harassment of foreigners is rare. I've seen several instances of blatant sexual harassment at the school where I worked, and many of my female friends, foreign and Japanese, had experiences ranging from nasty comments to groping. Let's not forget that JR saw fit to put no-groping signs on trains and even designate female-only cars.

The article's point is in its subtitle: Japan needs to address sexual harassment more actively. I don't see anything that suggests it's meant to attack Japan. Granted, it does put Japan in a bad light. But Japan can correct that by getting serious about its sekuhara laws and implementing meaningful sexual harassment policies in its institutions. Until that happens, it's appropriate to let women know that sexual harassment in Japan can be vicious and the system unsupportive.

[TokyoLiz]

Cheers, Vince!