APPENDIX C

Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting
Brainstorming Activity

Materials:

• 6 markers

• 6 sheets of newsprint with the following headings:

1. Sexually Harassing Behaviors

2. Flirting Behaviors

3. Sexual Harassment Feels:

• a. To the harasser

• b. To the person being harassed

4. Flirting Feels:

• a. To the flirter

• b. To the person being flirted with

5. Effects of Sexual Harassment

6. Effects of Flirting

Procedure:

1. Explain to the students that they will be doing an activity that examines the differences between flirting and sexual harassment. For the purpose of this activity, flirting is to be considered essentially positive and fun, while sexual harassment is considered negative and harmful.

2. Divide the class into 6 groups. Give each group a piece of newsprint and instruct them that they will have about 7 minutes to brainstorm whatever list they are given. All ideas are acceptable.

3. Collect the lists. Post "Sexually Harassing Behaviors" and "Flirting Behaviors" together on the board. Ask group members to read their lists. Discuss in large group.

4. Post "Sexual Harassment Feels" and "Flirting Feels" together on the board. Ask group members to read their lists. Discuss.

5. Post "Effects of Sexual Harassment" and "Effects of Flirting". Ask group members to read their lists. Discuss.

Discussion Questions:

What are the similarities and differences in each pair of lists?

What do you think is the major difference between sexual harassment and flirting?

Can a situation start out as flirting and then turn into sexual harassment? How?

In what ways can a person assume power over another person?

Points to Clarify:

• Some harassing and flirting behaviors can be the same.

• Harassers and flirters often have similar feelings.

• A flirter and a person being flirted with often have similar feelings.
• Flirters and harassers may have similar intent - but their effect is different. Remember: the law is concerned with the impact of the behavior, not the intent of it. What is important is how the behavior is received.
• Victims of harassment often feel that they are in some way responsible. The victim is not at fault.
• Both males and females con be victims of sexual harassment, however the harasser is most often male.
• In some cases the harassment is not intended and the behavior is not meant to offend. It is important for the "victim" or a third party to let the person know that the behavior is not appreciated, and the person initiating the behavior must take responsibility for his or her actions and stop the behavior.
• Sexual harassment is an abuse of power. The harasser believes he or she has power over the individual in some way: they are older, stronger, are in a group, have influence because of the relationship (teacher, coach, employer), or believe they are more important because of popularity, gender, race, etc.

This activity was developed by and reprinted with permission from The Center for Family Life Education - PPGNNJ,Copyright 1993

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