Stereotypes
In the movie North Country, people justify inappropriate conduct towards others by the use of common stereotypes associated with people across cultures. The mine is the primary source of income for the town. As a result, many people come to work here including both men and women. A major stereotype that women are not supposed to do physically demanding work comes out strongly. Many men at the mines use this stereotype to harass sexually and intimidate women. This stereotype is so inbred that even the leadership at the mines does not find it unusual. Another stereotype commonly held about young parents being promiscuous comes into play in this movie. Joey’s father thinks she is promiscuous because she had her first child as a teenager. At work, when Joey tries to complain about sexual harassment, many men counter these claims with assertions that she attempted to seduce them before making these claims. Her son Sammy even comes to believe these claims. Most young parents become victims of stereotypes even before facts under which the parenthood came about are established. Apparently, in this case, Josey was raped. This proves that the thoughts held against her are invalid full of prejudice.
Sexual harassment
At the mines, there occurs quid pro quo sexual harassment. The women are afraid of supporting Josey in her claims of sexual harassment at work. They are afraid of losing their jobs. They would rather suffer these demeaning acts than lose their jobs. Even though this changes later, the harassment had been severe. There is also a hostile work environment. Very offensive language and visual references are used to portray women as sexual objects. They are also made fully aware of this. This makes the women subjected to this kind of sexual harassment very uncomfortable and insecure at the workplace. Jeremy for instance physically assaults Josey in the powder room, using sexually offensive language. His advances do evidently not impress Josey, but there is no much she can do as he pushes her on the ground. In a later scene, Glory advises Josey to “Grow a thick skin” to keep her job when Bobby sexually harasses her (Youtube.com, “You Gotta Get a Gator Skin,” 2014). This roughly means that she should put up with it and not tell. While doing this, Bobby inappropriately touches Josey as he moves around her, using sexually suggestive language. In another scene, a group of male employees shakes up the mobile toilet while Josey is in it. They shake it up until it tips over, spilling the dirt on Josey. This, they do with a heavy influence of male chauvinism, evident in the conversation they had before she entered the toilet (SHRM, “Sexual Harassment”, 2015).
Understanding
When in the courtroom, Josey needs the support of workmates to have the case go through. Many of the female workmates are initially reluctant but later amass the courage to stand up and join her. This happens when Glory, in a wheelchair at the back of the court gives her husband a note proclaiming her support of Josey. Some male workers stand up to support Josey. This indicates acceptance and understanding between the genders that the harassment that has been taking place should stop (Jolie, 2013). There is a general feeling across the genders that sexual harassment is not acceptable, and they feel better fighting it alongside Josey.
References
Jolie, S. (2013, June 4). National Women’s History Museum.
North Country (2/10) Movie CLIP – You Gotta Get a Gator Skin (2005) HD. (2014, February 14). Retrieved November 3, 2015.
Sexual Harassment: What are the different types of sexual harassment. (2015, March 17). Retrieved November 3, 2015, f