In light of the recent surge in sexual assault and harassment allegations that have emerged following the #MeToo movement, many men find themselves grappling with the question: How can I avoid being a harasser? To address this confusion, actress Marissa Jean has taken it upon herself to write a book aimed at clarifying what constitutes unacceptable behavior.
Hosting a recent episode of Late Night with Jamie, while Jamie is on parental leave, Marissa expressed her desire to tackle the growing number of testimonies from both women and men regarding sexual misconduct by those in positions of power. “Let’s be clear—this isn’t just a scandal specific to Hollywood; it’s a deep-seated issue involving the misuse of power that spans all industries. It’s a culture of inequality that has persisted for far too long,” she stated.
While Marissa isn’t entirely surprised by the revelations, she noted that many men appear to be bewildered. “Respecting another person shouldn’t be complicated, yet it seems that’s a challenge for some men, so I decided to write a book,” she explained.
Her book is designed as a straightforward guide for men, effectively a “children’s book” that simplifies the core principles of respectful behavior. It covers the basics—ideas so fundamental that even young kids can grasp them. To illustrate her point, Marissa introduces the character of The Handsy Man, highlighting behaviors that should never be normalized.
The fallout from the allegations against figures like Harvey Weinstein has left many regular men uncertain about how to interact with women. Questions arise: Is it okay to touch them without permission? Can I use suggestive nicknames? Can I expose myself? Marissa is eager to clarify these points, and the answer is consistently a resounding NO.
“No touching,” she emphasizes. If a man wouldn’t engage in such actions with someone he isn’t attracted to, he shouldn’t do it to a woman either. This shouldn’t even need reiterating, yet here we are.
Marissa’s narrative is filled with specific examples of inappropriate actions men should avoid, such as unsolicited back massages. “No. Just don’t,” she firmly states. The playful, sing-song quality of her writing echoes the style of classic children’s literature, yet the seriousness of the subject matter looms large.
She concluded her reading to enthusiastic applause, joking, “Just so you know, this is only part one of a 67-part series.” Unfortunately, even that extensive series would barely scratch the surface of this critical issue.
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In summary, Marissa Jean’s book serves as a crucial educational tool for men struggling to understand the fundamentals of respectful behavior towards women in light of recent events, making it clear that consent and respect are non-negotiable.