THE ME TOO BLUES

One of my favorite TV programs, The Great American Baking Show was pulled after only a few episodes because a judge was accused of sexual harassment. Why punish the audience, not to mention those star bakers whose talent has earned them the spotlight!!! All they had to do was replace the judge. Or if the show was pre-recorded just run a banner at the beginning of the program. Good grief!

A friend called 2017 The Year of the Pervert. She also calls The Great American Baking Show, Dianne's porn. She right on both counts!

Still I'm glad all these sexual harassment issues are finally coming to light. I've been there, just as every other woman!

However, I was fortunate during my 20's because I worked for my father. My dad was not the type to sexually harass or molest anyone. My father was quite a handsome man, often I watched women throw themselves at him!

He told me of 2 separate occasions where 2 different women (casual business associates) took him by surprise and planted a kiss directly on his mouth! He said he could never be attracted to either and resented this. Afterward, he distanced himself from them. So this is not just a female issue!!!

We had a number of salesmen drop in who were notorious huggers. Whenever I saw one heading straight for me I'd fold my arms and give them a look. They got the message!

But the workforce was a far better place than High School! There, I suffered EVERY form of harassment you can possibly imagine.

During my 40's my father showed me his class ring with pride. "I was always surprised that you never wanted one," he said.

I told him with disdain that I'd rather blot it from memory and have no reminders!

"But that's one the happiest times in life!" he replied with a chuckle.

"No," I stated. "It was the most miserable. I hated every second there!" I didn't even get into the sexual harassment due to embarrassment.  But I mentioned the snooty caste system and the numerous cliques.

"I can't believe that!" He huffed "It was nothing like that when I went to school!"

"I don't care how it was in your day. Believe me, I had very different experiences!" I stated matter-of-factly.

He gave me that I'm-sure-it-couldn't-have-been-that-bad look. Actually it was worse!!! I used to cringe every morning when the building came into view.

One of the boys who made my life a nightmare left school to serve in Vietnam. A middle school student at my bus stop was corresponding with him. I told her, "I hope he comes back in a box with dismembered pieces inside!" She was horrified and accused me of not supporting our troops. I told her it was just that one particular guy, and then I told her why.  

"Oh, but he's sooo sweet, I can't imagine him ever doing anything like that!" she said.

"So I'm a liar then! Were you there?" I replied. No matter what I said, I realized she would refuse to believe me. -- And she had never even met him in person! Ugh!

A few decades later, I learned this guy had become a Preacher! I don't believe for a minute he's changed. The creep has just found a perfect cover!

I had the misfortune of being forced to sit beside this slime bag in Science Class. He had a filthy mouth and wandering, grabby hands. The last row behind us was filled with boys who cheered him on and laughed. The entertainment at my expense! We had a male teacher who turned a blind eye to this. The class room was small, so I could never understand why he didn't notice! I thought teachers were supposed to have eyes in the back of their head. This one seemed to be blind!

I couldn't turn to my parents because I feared my father would maim or murder the boy and I didn't want my dad going to prison. My mother was now a paranoid schizophrenic living in the Twilight Zone. Also I was mortified to verbalize it.

Finally, I went to the Guidance Counselor and told her I wanted to be transferred out of that class. Deeply embarrassment and in tears, I gave her the reason why! I remember she lowered her eyes and smirked as if I'd just told her a dirty joke. She then stated it wasn't a serious enough reason for a transfer. I was in disbelief!!!

I was never going back there! I informed her that I would be skipping class.

"Then you will be expelled," she replied with a cold stare.

I didn't care, I told her!

Then, I decided I would go back. But first, I'd buy a switchblade. And I was fully prepared to use it! By then, I didn't care if I went to jail. I had run out of options. I was desperate!

During my last period class a messenger came and I was handed a note. I gave a big sigh of relief! The Guidance Counselor had changed her mind. My transfer was granted. I was out of there!

Up until then I was a chronic nail biter. Immediately I made the decision to stop. And I never weakened, not once. I swore that if anyone ever did those things to me again I'd leave a mark on their face that would last a lifetime. Or I'd shove my thumb deep into their throat! Fortunately, during my senior year, no one harassed me, at least not sexually.

People often admire my long, beautiful fingernails. They came about because of a loathsome troglodyte back in Science Class!