This past week, I came across an article titled, “Why You Shouldn’t Report Sexual Harassment.” Initially, I thought it was going to be a parody article by the famous parody news source, The Onion. But upon further inspection, I found a CBS News opinion writer named Penelope Trunk wrote it. I wasn’t sure what was more appalling: that it was actually a published work by a news station, or that a woman wrote it.

As I read the article, I felt nauseated. Not only are her reasons androcentric, but they support predators and rape culture as a whole.

“The laws don’t work,” Trunk says. She’s right, they don’t. But does that mean we tell those harassed and assaulted to disregard their discomfort? No. We work to change those patriarchal laws — made and enforced by men who are more than likely guilty of harassment — so the victims are respectfully heard and the perpetrators are punished.

Second, she claims, “Harassment is an unfortunate part of climbing the ladder.” This is a false and a disgusting thought to support. If men are able to work their way up without feeling in danger, so should women. Climbing the ladder happens with hard work, not by being harassed.

Her third argument is, “International norms are ridiculous.” She writes that in other cultures and countries it’s normal to be harassed, and women should dress so that men aren’t distracted — which translates to men acting like mindless creatures who cannot keep their hands to themselves if they see a bit of leg or shoulder.

Again, rape culture and victim blaming find support in people saying women get harassed and assaulted because of what they wear. But it’s also incredibly insulting to men. Rape and assault have been occurring for centuries. Across that time, fashion has changed. Clothes aren’t the problem — rapists are.

Trunk’s final point is, “Know the difference between sexual assault and harassment.” She defends creeps by saying that the men often don’t realize what they’re doing. People are all different, with different comfort levels. But if someone is reporting sexual assault or harassment, that’s not just being particular about personal space or not liking to be touched. This is being fearful, uncomfortable and violated — which is never permissible.

There are harsh realities living in an androcentric society, but that does not mean that any victim is worthless or unimportant. The laws and “norms” desperately need to change to benefit all employees, regardless of who they are. We need to stand up for those who are victims of these injustices and demand change in the workplace and society.

One of Trunk’s initial statements couldn’t be more horrifying and untrue: “Just because you identify it, though, doesn’t mean you should report it. In fact, smart women don’t file formal complaints against ordinary harassment. They either ignore it or handle it on their own.”

You are never alone when it comes to serious things like assault and harassment. Identify it. Report it. Demand justice. Having documentation of the occurrences can only help in building a case against the perpetrator. Your well-being is more important than protecting some creep’s job.

Steph Gartner is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected].