Sexual harassment ‘not about sex, but power’

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‍By CGTN's The Point

“It was not shocking. It was deeply disturbing,” Kelly Desmore, founder and producer of the Chico Independent Film Festival in California, said of the ongoing sexual harassment scandal making waves in Hollywood.

The outpouring of sexual harassment allegations began with producer Harvey Weinstein, proving to be just the tip of the iceberg as more and more victims keep coming forward with their stories.

“It’s not about what gender you are or (what kind of) career you are in. It just happens to people,” said Pang Yixin, who is pursuing an acting career in China after having studied and lived in the US for a number of years.

Actress Pang Yixin speaks on CGTN's The Point. /CGTN Screenshot

Speaking on CGTN’s The Point, she shared the story of a female friend who stepped up and spoke to her rapist. Despite the fact that she was ashamed of the experience, she was finally able to tell her story to other people. However some called her a liar.

“A lot of time, it is really hard to prove. It is not like other kinds of criminal acts that you would have really strong fiscal evidence,” Pang said, “For victims of rape and sexual harassment, a lot of time they can’t really do with it at that time.”

But America boasts some of the world’s most comprehensive anti-harassment laws and policies, and schools and companies dedicate vast resources to sexual harassment education and training.

“I worked in the United States for 10 years, not in the film industry but in bio-tech. Every year there is sexual harassment training from the HR. The rules are very strict in workplaces. But in showbusiness, producers and directors have very big power over who they can choose,” Joe Huang, a comedian and TV host pointed out.

“Absolute power costs absolute corruption of power,” he said.

Now, the Hollywood scandal is making waves beyond the glittering world of show business. After a former US president and an Alabama candidate for senator were accused of sexual misconduct, 1,500 former Capitol Hill aides have signed an open letter to voice their protest against harassment in Congress.

Comedian and TV host Joe Huang speaks on CGTN's The Point. /CGTN Screenshot

“I think it has always been there. With the Internet and the fast flow of information, we now know faster and easier,” said Huang, adding that it might be difficult to improve the situation.

But Pang Yixin was more optimistic.

“We finally have more awareness of this kind of issue, on women’s rights and on sexual assault against women. Society is transformed,” she said.

The Point with Liu Xin is a 30-minute current affairs program on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 9:30 p.m. BJT (1330GMT), with rebroadcasts at 5:30 a.m. (2130GMT) and 10:30 a.m. (0230GMT).