This Kind of ‘Disclosure’ Misleading, Dangerous

Prior to the book’s release, I received a call from a woman writer in Hollywood--in “The Business”--asking me if I knew Hollywood was launching sexual harassment onto the big screen--and guess what?: a white, male corporate executive is going to play the victim. I said, “You’re kidding.” She wasn’t.

Since reading “Disclosure” by Michael Crichton, I’ve withheld judgment pending the film’s release (“ ‘Disclosure’: The Plot Thickens . . . ,” Calendar, Dec. 9). As I entered the theater, I was armed with popcorn, Milk Duds and a preconception the movie would not comport with the type of sexual harassment I do battle with daily in my legal practice. I sat down with concern for the negative backlash this film could spring from its “loins.”

I am now more concerned than I thought I would ever be.

My qualifications to pass judgment on this film? . . . Three points.

First, I am a woman who has actively participated in the American work force for 30 years. I experienced sexual harassment when it didn’t have a name. Ask a woman in the real work force and she will tell you . . . the vile comments, the slaps on the butt, and the quid . . . “I can help you sweetheart if you’re nice to me” . . . pro quo.

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Traversing the Rubicon, I became a feminist and assisted the National Organization for Women in the creation of laws deterring abusive work force behavior toward women, gays and minorities. The law has since grown teeth, setting forth specific damage provisions aimed at perpetrators of harassment. Legislation was needed then; continuing enforcement is needed now.

Lastly, as an attorney in Los Angeles, I have encountered hundreds of victims seeking legal assistance for abuse at work, in schools, in residences and from husbands. Ninety-eight percent of these victims are women forced by social and economic realities to endure unlawful behavior in the name of “two kids and a missing father.” . . . Glamorous?

Unfortunately, for all of us, Hollywood cheated. The film-going public and the countless employees in the garment industry, law enforcement, security and other fields were not considered as Crichton offered his twisted message. Reality was quickly pedaled away by the Stairmaster in the “perpetrator’s” design command post. With macabre humor, a major social issue of our times is submerged in a gender-ironic confrontation between two people.

Forgotten is that the issue of sexual harassment is not about gender or sexual orientation. It’s about people fostering integrity among themselves at home, at work and in the classroom.

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The film is an inaccurate diagnosis of a rampant social disease. Of course, sexual harassment is not about sex: It’s about the misuse of power. The film, however, was about sex and personal agendas. Sexual harassment is about people forgetting other people are human and not only a vice president, secretary, student or wife. It’s about people’s fear of a lack of control over their own lives.

To suggest otherwise, discloses nothing of value to society. In fact, it does just the opposite.

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