19-year-old Benjamin Glaze recently auditioned for the television singing competition American Idol. Prior to singing, Glaze mentioned that he had never been in a relationship and never kissed a girl. Katy Perry, 33-years old and one of the three judges (for a contestant to advance to the next round they must receive the approval of at least two judges), summoned Glaze over to her for a kiss. Glaze appeared hesitant, but did kiss Perry.
The internet is abuzz as to whether Perry committed sexual harassment. Some people are pointing out the disparity in power, which is a central theme found in the #MeToo movement. Also, there is the question of would it make a difference if it was a 33-year-old man summoning a 19-year-old girl for a kiss?
I believe that Perry did commit sexual harassment.
What do you think? (I believe itās helpful to watch the video of the encounter.)
How creepy! I do not like this girl at all. She also got in some trouble a while back for (very poorly) appropriating multiple cultures in her music video.
I would absolutely say this is harassment. Itās sad that it wonāt be as big of a deal as it would if it was a young girl and a famous man.
My daughters like KP, and so do I. I think this #metoo movement has everyone wound so tight, theyāre just looking for stuff to get sanctimonious about.
I understand. Weāre of the age that we wouldāve paid Perry to kiss her (at least me).
However, let me ask you this: If you had a 19-year-old daughter auditioning for American Idol, and a 33-year-old male judge asked to kiss her, would it make a difference to you?
I think itās ultimately up to this guy whether he thinks he was harassed or not. At the very least, itās an example of how mysoginy hurts men, because it makes them feel like they donāt have the option of refusing sexual advances without being accused of being weak or impotent in some way. Or gay, and the fact that thatās considered an insult is a whole other conversation.
It can be, depending on the circumstances. If you are in a position of power over the other person, it could easily be sexual harassment, because the other person might feel pressured into accepting due to that power dynamic.
And @kindness, if it was me, I would absolutely consider it harassment. But itās ultimately up to the kid. If he enjoyed the encounter, and did not feel upset/uncomfortable, than it wasnāt harassment. Itās up to the individual to decide if it was harassment or not. From the video, it looks like he was upset, but I wonāt go assuming his feelings unless he decides to share them.
The Times they are a-changināā¦