This is a really good point.
Many people believe that if the intent was not to harass, it is not harassment. But intent is not all that matters. Impact does. No matter how good the intentions, if the other person feels harassed it is harassment.
Societally, we do have a problem that somethings have been considered harmless flirting or just humor or "locker room talk". Many of us feel it should not be a big deal. But many women have felt violated by it, and feel compelled to shut up because it's not a big deal.
I think many people are trying to view this situation in a black/white and right/wrong lens here. We need to be more open to nuance.
Listen to the victim.
Is it possible that Zaira felt molested?
YES!
Is it possible that she was afraid to speak up in the plane?
YES!
Is it possible that fear overrode logic?
YES!
Is it also possible that the man did not intend to molest?
YES!
Is it also possible his rubbing his feet on her back and neck was accidental and unintentional?
YES!
This is a lesson for everyone in personal space and travel etiquette.
The man should apologize to Zaira for violating her personal space and express remorse that she felt molested. He should take the experience to be a better traveler in the future and not spread his feet out as he pleases.
Zaira can choose to accept the apology or continue with the legal proceedings. It is after all the victims prerogative on how to seek justice.
The court of law is responsible to make a nuanced decision based on both sides. If the court believes that the man should have known better and it is impossible to accidentally rub neck and back with one's feet - they will charge him for molestation. If they believe it was a mistake, they may charge him with a misdemeanor.
And I will repeat it until I am hoarse. What the man did is indeed poor travel etiquette. He deserves some repercussions for violating another person's space. He maybe innocent of molestation. But to say he is innocent carte blanche is problematic.
Mostly agree here. It might be the case of etiquette and violation of privacy than molestation. Also it might have caused serious repercussions on her amounting to emotional abuse which is a punishable offence.
Why form preconceived opinion and hold prejudice without enough knowledge of what transpired there. Wait for the police probe to complete.
The questions and accusations thrown at her clearly show how a girl who hits back at harassment is treated with suspicion.
Molestation, for a teen is a shocking, disturbing incident. She can't be blamed for not speaking out at that precise moment when she felt attacked. Every girl may react to it differently. It's her prerogative as to when and how she chooses to retaliate.
She has so far followed the due process. She has filed police complaint and got her statement recorded.
When she chooses to call out the harassers why her past controversies, political views (which I don't approve), celebrity status(PR etc) come under scrutiny.
It's now the job of the relevant authorities to investigate and find out the truth. The least we can do is to wait for the law to take its own course .
Edited by Mira25 - 6 years ago
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