Sexual Harrassment
Phillip Goodman is the sole director of Rivers, a multi-million-retail store. He has been accused of sexual harassment multiple times, by both Sallyanne Robinson [here] and Rachael Adampoulos [here]. Both ladies wish for Goodman to pay for the damages in relation to depression and stress caused because of their sexual harassment.
Generally speaking, sexual harassment cases are surrounded with stigma, with the ‘victim’ often being accused of lying to obtain money. Perhaps this is true in some cases, but is it true in this case? Let’s look at the evidence.
Goodman is the head of Rivers, making him a millionaire. In Australia where prostitutes are not illegal, wouldn’t it make sense for him to simple hire a prostitute? I mean, he’s 55 and can’t be unaware of the consequences of sexual harassment.
On the other hand, why would multiple women who have never contacted each other, file similar sexual harassment cases if it weren’t true? Filing a public case like this is sure to receive backlash, especially when up against a much wealthier man. It is true that they would receive money if proven correct, but if they weren’t being completely truthful, would they risk their reputation like this? Would they face comments by Mr Goodman's lawyers about breast size and personal relationship details in court? It is also note-worthy that Sallyanne Robinson has a boyfriend who accompanied her to court.
It’s evident through writing this post, that even without a bias; it is hard to determine who is in the right. Although pretty much all evidence points towards the defendant being guilty, there is still the inkling of doubt.
Combine this inkling of doubt with the ultimate racial prejudice which was present in To Kill a Mockingbird and it would be extremely difficult to determine right from wrong. From a third perspective, it was evident that Tom Robinson was innocent, however, when feelings and prejudice is involved, a person’s judgement tends to become clouded. Perhaps even when the jury members during the court scene of To Kill a Mockingbird tried to be unbiased, racism subconsciously blinded them to the facts.
Sexual harassment cases are not black and white; many different factors must be taken aboard before making a judgement. I guess we’ll have to see what the jury thinks.
Goodman is the head of Rivers, making him a millionaire. In Australia where prostitutes are not illegal, wouldn’t it make sense for him to simple hire a prostitute? I mean, he’s 55 and can’t be unaware of the consequences of sexual harassment.
On the other hand, why would multiple women who have never contacted each other, file similar sexual harassment cases if it weren’t true? Filing a public case like this is sure to receive backlash, especially when up against a much wealthier man. It is true that they would receive money if proven correct, but if they weren’t being completely truthful, would they risk their reputation like this? Would they face comments by Mr Goodman's lawyers about breast size and personal relationship details in court? It is also note-worthy that Sallyanne Robinson has a boyfriend who accompanied her to court.
It’s evident through writing this post, that even without a bias; it is hard to determine who is in the right. Although pretty much all evidence points towards the defendant being guilty, there is still the inkling of doubt.
Combine this inkling of doubt with the ultimate racial prejudice which was present in To Kill a Mockingbird and it would be extremely difficult to determine right from wrong. From a third perspective, it was evident that Tom Robinson was innocent, however, when feelings and prejudice is involved, a person’s judgement tends to become clouded. Perhaps even when the jury members during the court scene of To Kill a Mockingbird tried to be unbiased, racism subconsciously blinded them to the facts.
Sexual harassment cases are not black and white; many different factors must be taken aboard before making a judgement. I guess we’ll have to see what the jury thinks.
*EDIT*
Sallyanne Robinson’s case has been settled after two other women have come forward and claimed that they have faced similar harassment from Mr Goodman. Although Phillip Goodman has agreed to settle the case, hours after the women coming forward, he still denies SOME allegations.
[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/rivers-boss-philip-goodman-settles-sexual-harassment-case/story-fni0fee2-1226709210406]
Sallyanne Robinson’s case has been settled after two other women have come forward and claimed that they have faced similar harassment from Mr Goodman. Although Phillip Goodman has agreed to settle the case, hours after the women coming forward, he still denies SOME allegations.
[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/rivers-boss-philip-goodman-settles-sexual-harassment-case/story-fni0fee2-1226709210406]