Professional relationships within the workplace have the ability to galvanize people to accomplish effective work. With the aggregated talents and skills of colleagues, the sky is the limit. The confluence of ideas, opinions and creativity of a united team can bring about outstanding results.

However, the growing list of politicians and celebrities accused of sexual harassment paints an entirely different picture of people who work together. The lewd behavior is sad to hear about, and it renders tremendous damage to all involved and related families.

Instead of disregarding mutual respect, people need to be able to discern what appropriate work behavior entails. Certainly, groping, touching, sexual comments and abuse of power with sexual advances are no small blunder. Sadly, such behavior has gone on for years in countless areas of employment, but more and more instances are now coming to light.

The sexual behaviors of those in the news seem to be insatiable and impetuous and, through the media, the American public is now hearing the long-secret sordid details. In the workplace, there should have been an egalitarian environment for both men and women, but the latest mass revelations have certainly been to the contrary.

In America today, a cathartic overhaul is needed that will appraise where men and women both fall short in how they respect each other.

May the hearts of all people become truly honorable followed by actions of integrity.

Mack Whittier, Lewiston