LESSON 3
Avoidance
In Lesson 3 you will be asked to reflect on such issues as (1) sexual harassment and sex role
static, (2) racial tension, and (3) fraternization. You and others in your unit, no matter what your rank,
can successfully avoid all three. The chaplain is available as a facilitator in this endeavor.
For a variety of socio-cultural and racial reasons we know that many women and minorities have
historically had some difficulty in the work force and in the military as well. Largely this has been due
to racism, socio-cultural stereotypes, lack of understanding, and a lack of communication and
misconceptions on the part of others. For those who are well educated and who do understand the
nature of socio-cultural differences, intolerance has played the key role in the social problems and
discrimination against women and minorities in modern society. In a generality, minorities and women
have been plagued with stereotypical attitudes and prejudice that has made some of them bitter and
resentful.
Human beings are human beings. We're all mere mortals, though sometimes that's easy to
forget. Everyone has a responsibility to help prevent sexual harassment, racial discrimination and
prejudice. It is with these issues and the unique problem of fraternization that Lesson 3 is primarily
concerned.
Avoiding Sexual Harassment
and Sex Role Static
Since 1979, sexual harassment has become a significant issue requiring definitive policy and
training guidelines. As early as May 1981 then Secretary of the Army, John O. Marsh, Jr., issued a
memorandum which gave the DA policy on sexual harassment.
11
Previous Page
