1st Place, Bylined Opinion Article
2021-22, Division 4, News Writing
By Ria Lowenschuss
The Communicator
Ann Arbor Community HS
Recently, I was harassed by a customer at my job in a bookstore. I walked him over to a section and he called me cute, reaching over to clasp my arm. I stopped myself from recoiling and smiled at him. He is being nice, I told myself. He is a harmless old man.
I have been working in a professional environment for almost six months now. Before that, I did various odd jobs: babysitting, dog walking and yard work. In almost all of my working experiences, men have harassed me. They have commented on my body or demeanor, blatantly stared at me and touched me unnecessarily. And every time, without fail, I told myself I was overreacting.
When a coworker calls me “princess” or “baby,” I shake it off and continue on with my day. When people look my body up and down while I shelve books, I smile and turn away. When a customer grabs my hand while I ring them up, I swallow my retort and tell them their total.
These experiences are not unusual — especially for teenagers. Men feel entitled to our bodies and our time, especially when we work in service or retail. According to E.J. Graff, a researcher at Brandeis University’s Schuster Center, about 200,000 teens are sexually harassed at work every year. This is likely a low estimate, as the majority of these sexual harassment cases go unreported.
Lucy Cassell-Kelley, a junior at CHS, works at a gym where she teaches children gymnastics. She often has to deal with parents who comment on her body and behavior. Cassell-Kelley described an older man — a grandparent, she thinks — who comes into the gym every Monday and calls her nick-names such as “sweetie.”
“[His comments feel] weird because this is a professional place and you have no idea how old I am, especially wearing a mask,” Cassell-Kelley said.
Although Cassell-Kelly loves her job and overall describes it as a positive experience, she has been negatively impacted by the verbal harassment from parents.
Carolina Smith* has been a customer service coordinator at a retail store since June 2021; she started her job in Feb. 2021 as an associate. Harassment, according to Smith, is almost constant while she is working. She is called names like “doll” and “baby girl,” as well as “b*tch.” Men have caressed her hands and arms and looked at her body.
The constant harassment that Smith faces at work overwhelms her and makes her blame herself for this behavior. She feels uncomfortable at work and often has to take breaks after she experiences verbal or sexual harassment from customers.
“[The harassment] does feel like a personal attack at myself, even though I know I’m only doing my job and there’s nothing I can really do,” Smith said. “Over time, I’ve learned that I’m just doing my job and people have bad days. It’s not my fault.”
I love my job for so many reasons. But more and more often, my shifts have left me drained. I find myself on the verge of tears and utterly exhausted, specifically be-cause of the harassment I am faced with. Being called nicknames, be-ing touched against my will, being yelled at — it takes a toll, especially on teenagers.
We deserve better — in professional environments and all walks of life. Sexual harassment against young women is only increasing, affecting two out of three teenage girls. We will not stand for this in-excusable abuse. No longer should I be forced to deal with offensive and demeaning nicknames, with hands clasping my shoulder and staring at my chest. I deserve to feel safe and comfortable. We all do.
*Name changed for anonymity
NW-07. Bylined Opinion Article
Article of personal opinion carrying the byline of the writer(s) presented in a style consistent with modern opinion column standards. The article should comment on a news or feature subject of interest (including sports) and/or concern to the readers, or may express dissent from the majority opinion expressed in editorials.
Judging Criteria
- Topic relevant to interests and/or welfare of school or students
- Wins reader interest with a compelling lead that urges action
- Presents evidence/interpretation in logical sequence
- States issue; uses effective examples, facts and comparisons to clarify
- Deals with specific issue; avoids preaching, rhetoric and cliches
- Shows sufficient thought and knowledge of subject, developed with personal style
- Proposes solution where appropriate
- Sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly
- Proper diction/grammar