Sexual harassment may be illegal, but it is more common in the workplace than many people realize. Part of the reason for this is that it does not always include unwanted physical contact, but may instead include comments that are inappropriate or explicit in nature. That can create a hostile work environment, where someone feels like they are being marginalized or harassed on a consistent basis.
One of the most common excuses, when people are called out for this behavior, is that they say they were just joking. They may even try to turn things around and claim that the other person is the problem. They may say that the person does not have a sense of humor or just did not get the joke.
Why do they do this?
This is essentially a form of victim-blaming. Someone makes an inappropriate sexual joke at another person’s expense. That person feels insulted and reports the behavior. The person who originally made the joke is just trying to cast blame on someone else and say that their actions were innocent all along.
But the key thing to remember is that jokes certainly can be sexual harassment, just like insults, unwanted physical contact and much more. It is unfair to blame the victim or pretend that they are overreacting. In reality, they are being subjected to a hostile work environment that can impact their career, their emotional well-being and much more.
Considering your options
If you have experienced sexual harassment on the job, it can be highly detrimental to your life and your professional aspirations. It is critical that you understand all the legal options you have at this time.