Mike

WHEN it comes to understanding why men don’t realise unasked-for hugging, knee touching, groping and suggestive remarks are viewed as predatory by women and not just a bit of fun, the 1970s has to take a lot of the blame.

A look back at the TV shows from the time – Benny Hill and On The Buses to name just two of a multitude – provide graphic evidence as to why blokes who lived through the decade and based their world view on it think they can do anything.

The memory of unlovely, leering, groping middle-aged men in pursuit of women who could be their granddaughters to an upbeat soundtrack has a whole new context today.

The problem is a lot of people were brought up being told it was all good clean fun.

To the women at the sharp end it was creepy then but had to be endured with a forced smile unless they wanted to be socially ostracised and labelled frigid – there’s a 1970s word for you.