Must we get our knickers in a twist over smalls?
Three cheers, please, for Professor Richard Ned Lebow. The American political scientist, who teaches at London University, was in an elevator at the International Studies Association (ISA) meeting in San Francisco when a lift attendant asked people to shout out their floors. “Ladies lingerie,” quipped Professor Lebow.
A few days later, the distinguished academic learned
that Simona Sharoni, a professor of women’s and gender studies who was also in the lift, had filed a complaint against him and he had been referred to the ISA ethics committee. Prof Lebow emailed Prof Sharoni, apologising if he had upset her while suggesting gently that complaints about lame jokes could be “unhelpful for real victims of harassment”. The ISA responded by finding him guilty of mouthing an “inappropriate and offensive” phrase. They also insisted he offer an apology.
“Knickers!” No, he didn’t quite say that, but it was definitely the gist.
What can we deduce from this farcical yet sinister story? Apart from the fact that Professor Sharoni is a very sad woman who has never watched Are You Being Served?
Something tells me that earnest, high-minded face would never crack at smile at the mention of Mrs Slocombe’s pussy.
It’s not especially funny when an ethics committee gets its smalls in a twist over ladies lingerie. And this humourless, unfair trend has a darker side. If women are going to lose all sense of perspective – and fail to see the funny side – don’t be a bit surprised if men do the same.