Working Woman * * * *
This powerful Israeli drama on sexual harassment in the workplace is well worth seeking out.
I don't know for sure, but I sensed this probably reflects the majority of sexual harassment situations.
After a number of years away Orna returns to the work force and finds herself working closely with her boss. After his first advance he claims he misread her signals. She is ready to forgive and forget. Though it is clear there were no actual signals to be misread.
As things progress though his conduct begins to change from"misreading signals" to straight out unwelcome advances. No excuse can be given now though he constantly tries - "Can't you take a joke?"
She is given a promotion, but it is genuine. Her ability to speak French and English and her charisma makes her the ideal candidate as head of sales. Unfortunately for Orna this means working closer with her boss and traveling with him. Meanwhile he seems to feel that their commercial partnership should lead to other things.
Rather than asserting herself she freezes on each "assault", as many would do when faced with a physical threat: Stay calm and don't respond.
The most distressing part of watching this superbly acted, powerful drama is the guilt she feels and her willingness to accept blame for the situation, as though being the object of someone else's predatory conduct is her own fault. As we witness events unfold it certainly isn't the way we feel about it!
I don't know for sure, but I sensed this probably reflects the majority of sexual harassment situations.
After a number of years away Orna returns to the work force and finds herself working closely with her boss. After his first advance he claims he misread her signals. She is ready to forgive and forget. Though it is clear there were no actual signals to be misread.
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| "I thought today went well". "Me too!" |
She is given a promotion, but it is genuine. Her ability to speak French and English and her charisma makes her the ideal candidate as head of sales. Unfortunately for Orna this means working closer with her boss and traveling with him. Meanwhile he seems to feel that their commercial partnership should lead to other things.
Rather than asserting herself she freezes on each "assault", as many would do when faced with a physical threat: Stay calm and don't respond.
The most distressing part of watching this superbly acted, powerful drama is the guilt she feels and her willingness to accept blame for the situation, as though being the object of someone else's predatory conduct is her own fault. As we witness events unfold it certainly isn't the way we feel about it!
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