Local view: Sexual harassment at UMD? ‘Rod was just being Rod’

Rozanne S.
Spokane, WA     11/06/2009 11:17 AM

I also read the report and it made me feel uncomfortable for those women who made the complaints. This type of behavior is inappropriate for the workplace and he should not be allowed to get away with it. I am not trying to catty but Emily hasn't been in the workforce for very long as it indicated that she graduated last spring from Duluth East. She needs to open her eyes and needs to live a lot longer in order to see that this type of behavior is not tolerated in the workplace. I know that it would not have been where I work. She was easily influenced by his charm and he knew with her being young and naive that he could charm his way around her. I wonder how long this has been going on and if he preys on young girls knowing that he can potentially get away with it?

Report a Violation

Sarah H.
Iowa City, IA     11/06/2009 11:12 AM

A.M.... When people speak their opinions, they set themselves up to be criticized and disagreed with? Everyone else here is ALSO expressing their opinions. And I would imagine those that disagree with Emilie don't need to worry about being in this same situation and need supporters in the future...If they disagree, they probably don't sexually harass people.

Report a Violation

Kimberly M.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:08 AM

Daniel -- You *ARE* invited to contribute your opinions. You can write a letter to the editor. They will print it, just like they did with Emilie. Private citizens have always been invited and encouraged to write letters to the editor. That is what the entire "opinion" section is. Unsolicited letters that private citizens felt impressed to write. Didn't you know that?

Report a Violation

Sarah H.
Iowa City, IA     11/06/2009 11:04 AM

K.P. You obviously don't know anyone who went to school to study communication?

Report a Violation

Joshua L.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 11:02 AM

While I don't fully agree with the piece written and how it's presented may I remind all of you that this is an OPINION piece and shouldn't be examined with the same lens as that of a full-fledged newspaper article. Opinion and news articles have to be examined differently.

Report a Violation

A M.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 10:53 AM

what is this world coming to? now daniel f. thinks a person shouldnt be able to voice their opinion just because he doesn't agree with it? last time i checked there was a little something known as freedom of speech. if you don't like what you're reading-then read another newspaper. OR, don't read the opinion section. there are way too many negative, judgemental people in this world. i think it's wonderful to know that there are still people out there like emilie who will stand up for what they believe in, despite the nasty remarks they may get back from people such as yourself, daniel, and all the other commentors. but hey, go ahead and keep attacking people you don't know who say things you don't like or agree with like rod and now an 18 year old girl, whatever makes you feel better about yourselves. i just hope that someday you will realize that a situation like this could happen to you, or anyone for that matter. hopefully youll have someone like emilie who will stand up for you when the world is criticizing you and youre defenseless. way to go em, dont let these bumbling fools make you feel bad for voicing your opinion as it is your RIGHT!

Report a Violation

deb L.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 10:23 AM

These comments are so on. It's not a personal attack on this poorly written editorial, but to say that RR was just being RR is like saying that a serial robber or liar is just doing what they do. No big deal.

Report a Violation

K. P.
Cloquet, MN     11/06/2009 10:11 AM

Heather L. I totally disagree. Words are just words, they have no power of their own. The only power that words have is the power people choose to give them. If you feel that someone calling you 'honey' will take away your power, you better get a better hold on it.

Report a Violation

Kolleen K.
11/06/2009 9:41 AM

Dan H, I (hysterically laughing at your comment) agree with you...........

Report a Violation

Heather L.
Superior, WI     11/06/2009 9:39 AM

The fact that he was "just being Rod" doesn't mean his behavior is acceptable; it means that he routinely disrespects and condescends to women to the point that it has become a part of his personality. Maybe he doesn't know he's doing it, which is tragic ignorance. The appropriate response is not to condone his behavior because it's what is expected of him, but to condemn it, hoping he (and his defenders) can someday understand how truly wrong it is. Sexual harassment is about power. By calling a woman "honey," he takes her power away and places himself in a superior position. (To say nothing of the more demeaning things he was found to be guilty of in the report.) That's NOT okay, and it's appalling that anyone--man or woman--would support his actions.

Report a Violation