U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is channeling her inner Elsa this week, telling victims of sexual harassment that, when it comes to workplace misconduct, they should simply “let it go”.
Chao shared her opinions at the Politico’s Women Rule Summit on Tuesday, stating that she had also been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace.
“The person is still here; they’re still around,” she said of the unwanted encounter. She then told women how they should handle dealing with sexual harassment should they find themselves in a similar situation.
“I will fight for other women and I will stand up for other women, but, of your own, you gotta let it go,” Chao said. “Because otherwise, it’s too corrosive, it’s too negative, and it does you a double injury because it holds you back.”
While there may be some truth to her words, many felt that it lacked the sympathy these situations typically call for; in addition, her philosophy, while pragmatic, does little to incite real change in the workplace that would benefit victims of workplace misconduct.
Netizens shared their thoughts on her advice:
What do you think? Should women fight against sexual harassment in the workplace, or should they take Chao’s advice and “let it go”? Let us know in the comments!
