I guess the matter made headline news when Harvey Weinstein was first accused, but remember, he hasn't been to court and been found guilty yet. The old idea of a 'casting couch' for producers is rightly considered abhorrent, but we cannot assume an accuser's word is enough and that the accused is always guilty. That doesn't seem to matter now as many celebrities have been added to the list of undesirables because of alleged historical harassment. Once accused, the person concerned is considered persona non grata.
But here's why I'm in a quandary. Whilst considering the allegations, I've seen the tabloids which, between the salacious reports of the above, are filled with photos of women scantily dressed, trying to look provocative. That's how they earn their money and although I may not agree that it's a wise way of making their fortune, I won't criticise them for it, because I think it's their choice. If they want to flaunt themselves in front of a lens, there's always an audience ready to admire them. It just seems hypocritical of the media to condemn men who may have approached women in a questionable way, whilst the same men can readily admire the physical attributes of 'celebrities' flaunting their bodies and being photographed for the same media. I'm not suggesting that a woman scantily dressed gives the right for a man to grope her, as that is clearly wrong, but it does blur the line that shouldn't be crossed. Not all women feel offended by a lighthearted flirt.
However much we seek equality, there's always going to be a difference between men and women, and we can't deny that. The book 'Men are from Mars, Women from Venus', by John Gray ably explains the differences, starting from when we lived in caves. What we now need are parameters understood be everyone; respect for others, and a recognition that men and women will always be different. Acknowledging that times have changed is a start, but then constricting the boundaries of acceptable behaviour to an unrealistic definition will not be the answer. Let's lighten up and enjoy living together, without reproach or abuse.