On sexual harassment and transgression

In environmental anthropology one narrative explaining the special relationship an ‘indigenous’ individual holds towards nature in comparison to that of the urban is that the latter sees himself separate from his surrounding.

Urbans do not identify with 'environment', 'nature', 'gaya' or whatever you want to call it, whereas the 'native' does not 'experience' such separation. His perception of himself is being part & parcel of this eco-system, where he lives & makes ends meet. He, the ‘native’ automatically & effortlessly nurtures & protects nature. He is also aware that his existence depends on what is around him and hence emotions of respect and belonging (love) describe to a great extent how the indigenous connects to the environment!  The Notions of bonding/belonging/love,  concern for well-being, respect, interdependence & natural urge to protect describe such a dynamic.

On the other hand you find the urban logging company owner bidding for a plot of forest land perceiving a forest solely as a natural resource. A forest is an 'opportunity to exploit', a cold 'cut and run' operation, then you move on to the next pray. He doesn't perceive this forest i.e unit of nature as an organism or a ‘living thing’ or anything he will have any bonding with. In his mind nature is stripped away from any 'live' characteristics and reduced to an object. – a disposable one that is!

So, in what way is this linked to topic of sexual harassment?

One can draw parallels between the two types of dynamics above and the phenomenon of sexual harassment. The keywords describing the relationship of the indigenous to nature are exactly those missing in the mind and heart of a sexual harasser. The sexual harasser adopts the behavior of the logging company owner transgressing the forest – as he coldly and swiftly transgresses the body of the woman!

The sexual harasser gives himself the right to harass because he first of all dehumanizes the woman, objectives her and sees her as a opportunity to exploit. And of course during his ‘harass and run’ operation this male person doesn’t share any love/sense of belonging/ interdependence or respect for that woman he's feeling up!

This trail of thought started with the word استباحة or transgression, an act not only limited to women, but to anything that is public or not directly mine in our modern day Egyptian society. As to what, why and how the Egyptian male gives himself the right to transgress Egyptian women.. many other articles can be written and I am sure they have been today! This is just a small glimpse into a very complex issue..