Sexual Harassment 2 - Because We Can

The Cube is not distressed about sexual harassment. The Cube has been sexually harassed. It did not disturb the psyche. It did not destroy the sense of self. It did not inspire devastating dreams nor shatter The Cube's career hopes. It did confirm in The Cube the increasingly obvious suspicion that the job in question was a pithole of inequity and that, if the career had any meaning, then now was the time to climb out of this situation.

The Cube was flattered by the attention - at first. But then, like a blind date developing into an off-step relationship, the awkwardness did not dissolve into comfortable intimacy but, rather, became an oh-my-god embarrassment of uncomfortable moments. There was a sense of pity about the situation, really, and The Cube felt sorry for the harasser.

Pity. Thatsa one of the worst emotions you can have for another human bean who is trying to strike up a sexual relationship with you. When exhibited in a singles bar, it is the inspiration for high cash intake by the establishment owner and many a DUI on the streets thereafter. But, as my Gramma used to say to Cousin Nell: "Nell, you're goin' ta meet some sad characters in your day, who'll look at you like a hungry dawg and maybe even try to give you a touch in the wrong places. Jes' remember, girl: you didn' do nothin' wrong, an' it didn' harm you none, and jes feel sorrowful for them pitiful creatures who's only got that way of feelin' human." (Gramma, alternately known as "Big Mama," "Mamaw" and - by the high church members of the family - "Grandmother," was a European immigrant transplanted to Southern belle philosopher. French-Polish-Jewish-Catholic married to a Creole-Anglican-Baptist. I think she broke the hearts of the local merchants during the Great Depression by sweet-talking them into funding anything she desired when there was no money for anyone. In her era, the aura of her sexual proximity was the only business asset she had to offer but - much like any good Greek goddess - she understood that the temptations of Tantalus had more allure than the consummation. It was business, it was fun, it didn't hurt anyone - especially her today-prized "self-esteem." This is waaaay off-base now, but Gramma would have been proud of The Cube's bragging about her, even if this version of the story isn't as colorful as she told it.)