Virtual Harassment: An Unusual Crime | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Virtual Harassment: An Unusual Crime

Apparently, there are steps that can be taken to counteract these actions.

36
Virtual Harassment: An Unusual Crime
Google

It’s no secret or unknown mystery that sexual harassment is a problem, a problem for everyone but it is an even greater issue within the women community. It can take place in bars, clubs, on the street, on college campuses, online, in grade schools corporate jobs and even in some of the most of the most unlikely places. But what is one of the greatest surprises is that one of these most unlikely places is within video game virtual worlds.

This situation took me by surprise while watching a news segment that discussed the very odd scenario in which a girl was sexually harassed within the virtual world of a video game. Essentially, her video game character was groped by another character. When hearing about this story initially, I did not take it seriously and puckered my lips even. This was because I just couldn’t believe that it was possible or even a serious topic.

However, after watching the entire segment I came to the knowledge that virtual sexual harassment is a very serious problem and that it is not uncommon. Of course, to escape this form of sexual harassment all one has to do is take off the headset and turn off the game (although no one should have to do that).

However, what lingers is the feeling of being violated and being violated in one of the strangest ways. It can even cause some people to feel guilty about their complaints when it is put into comparison with others who have faced sexual harassment in person. Because of the nature of the crime it can either cause some to brush it off as insignificant or to be outraged.

I, for one am more shocked concerning this type of sexual harassment than other types because of the startling questions that it presents. Such as, "In what kind of society are there people who cannot even escape sexual harassment through video games?" Why does sexual harassment even take place in a virtual world? It makes me wonder what truly lies at the core of sexual harassment because it happens in a place where there is no physical contact.

I looked online to see to if there were any other stories of people being harassed online and to my surprise I found numerous stories. As odd as this recent development may seem I think that it is in fact a serious issue. This is a serious issue because it shows how far people can take sexual harassment.

Apparently, there are steps that can be taken to counteract these actions. But, of course, it is still does not prevent them from occurring in the first place. I wonder if there will be any public discussion of this issue. I wonder if other people will be able to take this seriously. I believe that this new segment was very important in bringing exposure to this subject and hopefully through this exposure light may be given to whatever lies at the core of sexual harassment in order to end it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl with a hat

This is for the girls who have dealt with an emotionally, mentally, physically or verbally abusive father.

The ones who have grown up with a false lens of what love is and how relationships should be. The ones who have cried themselves to sleep wondering why he hurts you and your family so much. This is for all the girls who fall in love with broken boys that carry baggage bigger than their own, thinking it's their job to heal them because you watched your mother do the same.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf Quote
"DESTINY IS FOR LOSERS. IT'S JUST A STUPID EXCUSE TO WAIT FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN INSTEAD OF MAKING THEM HAPPEN." - BLAIR WALDORF.

The world stopped in 2012 when our beloved show "Gossip Girl" ended. For six straight years, we would all tune in every Monday at 9:00 p.m. to see Upper Eastside royalty in the form of a Burberry headband clad Blair Waldorf. Blair was the big sister that we all loved to hate. How could we ever forget the epic showdowns between her and her frenemy Serena Van Der Woodsen? Or the time she banished Georgina Sparks to a Christian summer camp? How about that time when she and her girls took down Bart Bass? Blair is life. She's taught us how to dress, how to be ambitious, and most importantly, how to throw the perfect shade.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Moments Every College Freshman Has Experienced

Because we made it, and because high school seniors deserve to know what they're getting themselves into

580
too tired to care

We've all been there. From move-in day to the first finals week in college, your first term is an adventure from start to finish. In honor of college decisions coming out recently, I want to recap some of the most common experiences college freshmen experience.

1. The awkward hellos on move-in day.

You're moving your stuff onto your floor, and you will encounter people you don't know yet in the hallway. They live on your floor, so you'll awkwardly smile and maybe introduce yourself. As you walk away, you will wonder if they will ever speak to you again, but don't worry, there's a good chance that you will make some great friends on your floor!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

21 Things I've Learned About College Life

College is not what everyone expects it to be.

296
laptop
Unsplash

The college years are a time for personal growth and success. Everyone comes in with expectations about how their life is supposed to turn out and envision the future. We all freak out when things don't go exactly as planned or when our expectations are unmet. As time goes on, we realize that the uncertainty of college is what makes it great. Here are some helpful reminders about life in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Lessons I Learned My Freshman Year

The first year of college opens your eyes to so many new experiences.

141
johnson hall
Samantha Sigsworth

Recently I completed my freshman year of college, and boy, what an experience. It was a completely new learning environment and I can't believe how much I learned. In an effort to save time, here are the ten biggest lessons I learned from my first year of college.

1. Everyone is in the same boat

For me, the scariest part of starting school was that I was alone, that I wouldn't be able to make any friends and that I would stick out. Despite being told time and time again that everyone had these same feelings, it didn't really click until the first day when I saw all the other freshman looking as uneasy and uncomfortable as me. Therefore, I cannot stress this enough, everyone is feeling as nervous as you.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments