Keep your hands to yourself.This is not a brand new rule, so why is it so difficult to obey?Kids need parents to teach them about the reality of sex at early ages or else they’ll learn it elsewhere. And the gutter version they’ll get will only get them into trouble. Parents don’t need to get graphic. Just start by dismantling the inaccurate notion that adults are perfect. Then, set specific guidelines without hiring the TV to do the job of a babysitter.The parameters are simple: Touching another person without permission should not be done.There are exceptions. A police officer, for example, should not be expected to get the suspected criminal’s authorization for detainment before putting on the handcuffs. And a medic should not let a bleeding person die just because the victim is temporarily incapable of asking for help.The line stops here.Assumptions arise from the spread of sexual patterns based purely on primal instincts. This is cultivated by a massive wave of hooligans who seemingly can’t control their hormones.Since when did those skimpy shorts known as “Daisy Dukes” signify a free admission pass to start grabbing? Those who say provocative clothes attract creeps are trying to redirect the blame. I don’t buy it.I will cautiously admit that people inadvertently send wrong signals. And on occasion, a certain man or woman might mean “yes” even though he or she says “no.” But this possibility should not elicit an aggressive response. Such an interpretation of a person’s “real wishes” are manifested in the minds of those who are trying to justify their self-serving interests. Instead of trying to test the limits of clairvoyance, we must wait for an individual’s expressed consent before we cross the line.Pinching someone’s buttocks is bad enough, but rape gets to the core of unacceptable human transgressions. Rape is right beneath murder in the hierarchy of anatomical violations, which encompasses a wide range of psychological repercussions. It is a rude reminder that our society is sensationalizing sex more than it is punishing offenders.Former Sgt. Maj. Gene McKinney is trying to defend himself against allegations that he abused his position by sexually intimidating six subordinates. With cases such as these mounting, parents need to feel a sense of urgency before their kids are added to the mix. We can only hope justice will be served in the McKinney case. The jury must study the evidence without presuming guilt.That’s difficult with such an emotionally driven case. It is unfathomable how people can derive enjoyment at the expense of others. But women are not the only victims. Last week, the Supreme Court recognized that people can be sexually harassed by members of the same sex. This decision was in response to a suit filed by Joseph Oncale, who said he was sexually harassed by his male co-workers at a Louisiana oil rig. This expands on the protection granted by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Clearly, gender is irrelevant. Just don’t touch.We can’t stop people from fantasizing. We can’t terminate the employment rights of everyone who says something unsavory. The solution starts with discipline, respect, education and consideration.Is it all right to pat somebody on the back? This is an innocent gesture that probably wouldn’t be objectionable to most people. Actually, spontaneous displays of affection are usually welcomed. But if the person you’re patting tells you to stop, you must stop. There should be no debate. There is to reason to compromise. It’s over.
Kirk D. Richards, a junior majoring in journalism, can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]
