The stages of a juicy sexual harassment scandal

In this post I would like to revisit our fascination with sexual harassment in the media in the wake of the recent David Jones scandal.

Sexual harassment is a morally wrong act in which one dominant party (usually a male manager) employs dominance, bullying and bad touch on the subjected party (usually a young, attractive and ambitious woman). Often the subject is too embarrassed to come forward and justice does not always prevail.

But when it does come to light, it sure is enjoyable to read with its sex, money and celebrities (or people more famous than you!).

It tastes like what?!

One Daily Telegraph story starts off setting the scene and the significance of the $37m claim. Then come the juicy details:

-a mouth-watering dessert that tastes” like a f*ck in the mouth”,

-touching of lingerie,

-invitation for sex in a luxurious setting,

-“kissing on the neck”,

-something in the front pocket.

Then, after a phase of moral outrage and satisfying one’s curiosity, there is plenty of time for others to make confrontational comments like those of designer Alannah Hill, who offered herself to McInnes.

Another story (from AdelaideNow) follows a similar pattern of sexy news, putting the negative aspects of the incident aside. Hell, with Hill’s description of McInnes as a desirable hunk, doesn’t that (partially) restore his credibility and trivialise the wrongdoing that he has committed?

Then comes the designer’s apology and a laugh on the radio – the story focus shifts back to entertainment.

The ending of the story suggests that in the world of David Jones, even sexual harassment must give way to the Spring/Summer launch and the latest goss on Miranda Kerr.