Celebration or Sexual Harassment?

It took more than 70 years for the iconic picture of a young sailor kissing a woman to enter the debates and discussion of ‘sexual harassment’. The picture was taken on 14 August, 1945 amidst the celebrations of the United States of America on their victory over Japan in the second world war. At that time, the picture was seen as a moment of joy and celebration. However, BBC News writes ‘Not everyone sees the photograph as something to celebrate.’

Later investigations revealed that the man and the woman were strangers, making the iconic kiss a non-consensual act. This means that the picture which is seen as a moment of celebration is actually an act of molestation and sexual harassment in full public view. Yesterday, a statue in Florida commemorating the picture was vandalised with the words ‘#MeToo’ spray painted on it. The act of vandalism has been met with mixed reactions. According to BBC News, one Facebook user commented, “It may be called ‘Unconditional Surrender,’ but the circumstance was ‘Involuntary Surrender.’ She didn’t know that guy, he just grabbed her and kissed her.” While for many the image of George Mendonsa kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman represents the joy felt across the US on the day Japan surrendered, ending World War Two.

The City of Sarasota confirmed the graffiti was removed on Tuesday morning.

Source: BBC News