Scenario: Fighting for What?
This scenario may contain explicit language and references to sexual situations, including sexual violence which may be emotionally activating for some people. If you need support, you can contact the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) at 1-844-750-1648 (24/7/365) or have access to services for Canadian Armed Forces members and Defence Team employees.
Group Size: 4-15
Scenario
Sailor second class (S2) Charlotte Dubois just returned to the school barracks with some of her fellow course mates after a long day of classes. She sits down in the common room to rest, and does she ever get an eye full! There is a poster on the wall with a picture of a naked man wearing only an Army beret. Its caption reads, "This is what you're fighting for!" All the other women are making jokes and laughing.
Right away she feels uncomfortable and offended by the poster. She also knows she would be equally uncomfortable if she saw a poster of a naked woman in common areas. She just does not think sexualization of any person belongs in the CAF culture. She doesn't know what to do. She has become very close with the other women on her course, and she does not want to be seen as a “party pooper.” On the other hand, she knows it is inappropriate and that they would all be in big trouble if word got around.
Categories
- Principles: Respect the Dignity of all Persons
- Values: Courage, Integrity
- Cultural themes: Service
- Misconduct types: Sexual Misconduct
- GBA Plus themes: Gender
- Audience: Canadian Armed Forces
Facilitator’s Guide
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the ethical principle of Respect the dignity of all persons in this scenario.
- Discuss the ethical values of courage and integrity in this scenario.
- Discuss Duty to report in response to incidents of sexual misconduct.
Facilitation Questions
- What is the ethical dilemma in this scenario?
- Open group discussion.
- The ethical dilemma in this scenario is whether S2 Dubois should report the inappropriate poster or keep quiet to avoid upsetting her friends.
- How does this poster lead to a toxic culture within the CAF? What kind of posters contribute to positive and respectful culture?
- What considerations are at play with respect to Defence Ethics and the CAF ethos?
- Open group discussion.
- Morale and cohesion of the group
- Violation of DND/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Values and Ethics
- Respect the dignity of all persons – Hanging naked pictures does not show respect the dignity of all persons.
- Courage – It will take S2 Dubois courage to speak up in this scenario.
- Integrity – Adhere to the highest ethical standards and act with honesty.
- Does this scenario represent sexual misconduct?
- Yes, DAOD includes the following in the definition of sexual misconduct: “viewing, accessing, distributing or displaying sexually explicit material in the workplace.”
- What should S2 Dubois do in this situation? Why? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each of these options?
- Option 1: Ignore it and pretend it doesn’t bother her. S2 Dubois was not the one who hung
- the picture and does not want to put stress on her relations with her course mates.
- Option 2: Approach: Approach the woman who hung the poster and ask her to take it down
- due to its sexual nature.
- Option 3: Report the incident to an appropriate authority e.g., course officer. CAF members have a duty to report incidents of sexual misconduct.
*Note to facilitators: Please review DAOD 9005-1, Sexual Misconduct Response for the definition of sexual misconduct (section 2) and about duty to report (section 5).
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