SALVA, KIMBERLY D

BSP 1-4

REACTION PAPER ABOUT THE SHORT FILM ABOUT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

In the short film, it revolves around a young woman who grapples with the aftermath of
reporting sexual harassment in the workplace. The practice of harassment in the workplace is
illegal under numerous federal and state regulations. Sexual assault, verbal abuse, and/or
requests for sexual favors are all examples of sexual harassment.
Emma (Angela Wong Carbone) ends up in a conference room with Ben (Tony Costa), an
investigator looking into her claim, after staring at herself in the bathroom. Ben says, "It's a very
important matter." Yet, it doesn't look like it's being treated like one. As they go through each
incident involving Emma's coworker Peter (Frank Lewallen), Ben gives Emma every reason why
her accusations are pointless. "It's not enough to prove your claim for sure," he says with
certainty. "This kind of behavior is not sexual harassment."
Does it count as sexual harassment to corner a co-worker in the kitchen, an elevator, or
after work and make inappropriate comments? If the victim has waited too long or there isn't
enough proof, it doesn't look like it. "What should I have done?" Emma asks. In a bitter irony,
she is the one who has to say she's sorry. Anyone who has ever worked with a scumbag like
Peter will understand the last shot.
Watching this dreadful animation tore at my spirit very deeply. Having been in a situation
quite similar to this one, I can empathize with the strain that this story causes. This short film
covers a lot of ground in just nine minutes, including the desire to apologize, the need to reassure
loved ones about our mental status, and the gaslighting from coworkers. Angela Wong Carbone
perfectly captures the dread that comes from a cycle of patriarchal oppression that never ends.
You can sense everything that is radiating from her. You are put in Emma's position of needing
to reiterate the circumstances of her complaint thanks to the relevant closeups and somewhat off-
center shots that are used throughout the film. This is a common reason why women do not
report sexual assault or harassment. It is never enjoyable to relive traumatic events over and over
again. The writer and director Hazel McKibbin has given a voice to an excessive number of
characters. It is a very powerful and concise short. It says volumes.