/EDITORIAL riCiTm. American sexuality remains unchanged As the fires sparked by the Thomas hearings are slowly extinguished, men and women alike are left to ponder the issue of sexual harassment and what appears to be the rampaging sexuality of the nation. Many males scoffed that they could no longer talk jokingly about sex with women (without it being termed harassment), while women grew defensive. Psychologists analyzed it, women's groups held panels on it, classes discussed it, and Geraldo covered it. And what's happened to the sexuality of America? Have we tightened the reins? Tethered the animal? Clamped down on the multi-million-dollar industry of pornography? Not exactly. What has happened? Basically nothing. While the outcome of the hearings did change the way some intelligent men and women relate to one another, I don't think it's an issue that had an equal impact on all Americans. I know I personally have not seen any noteworthy changes in society. Sex is still a hot topic among both men and women, pornographic movies are still popular (especially a certain one), and Harrisburg construction workers are still very outspoken. Last week I had the great displeasure of encountering a very distinguished-looking, older gentleman, who obviously didn't give a rip about sexual harassment. Didn't give a rip that I was the same age as his daughter. And definitely didn't give a rip if he made me feel uncomfortable or threatened in any way. I was just doing my job, checking the videos he had just returned into the system, when it started. First it was just a question. Had I ever seen either of the movies? "Anal Angels" and "Edward Penishands" were the "movies," and I use that term VERY loosely. A rush of heat spread up my neck through the top of my head as I turned a color I can only describe as "stop sign red." I gave him a curt "no," and continued looking down at my computer terminal. Then more questions. Did I ever watch "those kinds of movies?" Did I have a boyfriend? Did he like "those kinds of movies?" Would I like to "watch them with him?" My response to all his questions, "I don't answer personal questions from strangers." I tried to remain businesslike, collect the money and get him the hell out of there when I realized I was alone with him. My manager had gone to the back room to get change, and no one else was near the counter. No one heard the rude comments or saw the redness of my face. No one could help me and later, no one would believe me. I asked him for the $6 he owed and he held out a ten. I reached for the bill and he grabbed my hand. His hands were warm and sweaty. He brought his other hand up and put it on my shoulder. More questions. "What's your name, darling?" "Are you looking for a man?" I stepped back from the counter and broke his hold, took $4 from the drawer and tossed it on the counter. The cocky bastard smiled and picked it up. I turned and walked as fast as my shaky legs would carry me. A lady was waiting at the ■/ / > / / is r" 0 /l&f*' • £7o/li<p/U' mm. / A newspaper for the student body ( Capital Times } Editor in Chief... Karen M. Putt News Editor... T. J. Brightman Sports Editor... Michael Givler Copy Editor... Elin Marcel Photography/Graphics Editor... John Rudy Staff Artist... Craig Smith Advertising Manager... Rodney May Adviser... Dr. Peter Parisi Staff: Lee Ashton, Sharon Barris, Robert Caton, Celia Fox, Jeff Hildebrand, Ann Feeney-McGovern, Stacey Simmers,Mike Starkey Nancy Strawhecker, Angela West, Andy Zee and Hilary Zeiders Capital Timet is published by the students of Penn State Harrisburg. Concerns regarding the content of any issue should be directed to the editor in room W-341 of the Olmsted Building or by calling 944-4970. Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not representative of the College administration, faculty or student body. Capital Timet welcomes signed letters from readers. Unsigned submissions cannot be printed; however, a writer's name may be withheld upon request The Capital Times does not endorse its advertisers. counter, but I left her stand and headed for the bathroom where I washed my hands four times. When I returned to the counter I told the manager about it. She was disgusted and outraged, and said she’d get the owner (a man) to close his account. But the man, who rents two porno movies a day, is a valuable customer to the store owner. He has spent over a thousand dollars at the store, and never bothered a fly. As for me, I only work there two days a week and I have another job. Solution? Avoid him. Let other people wait on him and don't give him a chance to be alone with me. Neat. I guess it's true, the more things change, the more they stay the same. A 4.m CONTEXTUAL HARASSMENT f f ? lit Knren Tt. Putt Ectttor -in-chief
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