Some teachers say they are loath to ever touch their students, even in a purely comforting way, such as a pat on the arm or a hug, for fear of being slapped with a lawsuit. The recent focus on harassment also has detrimental effects on the romantic relationships between men and women. A precarious connection in the best of circumstances, it becomes even more difficult and ultimately artificial in the wake of the new sexual harassment hysteria. When we circle around each other like scared animals, we lose some of the magic, spontaneity and normalcy implicit in relationships. It seems there is no room for misunderstanding or genuine mistakes in today's society.
Someone is always at fault and some sort of wrongdoing always has occurred.
While we cannot dismiss the concerns of women and men, we are becoming increasingly guarded in our speech and actions. By so doing, we lose some of the rich, colorful texture of life. I have said I have never experienced sexual harassment. Well, at least I do not think I have. By today's definition, perhaps the seemingly innocent hug from a friend or the so-called accidental bump I have received while walking to class was actually a form of harassment.