Scenario: Fighting for What?
This scenario contains explicit language and references to sexual situations, including reference to sexual advances, 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 access the 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 sees a poster on the wall with a picture of a naked person wearing only an Army beret. Its caption reads, "This is what you're fighting for!" All the other women are making jokes and laughing about the poster.
Right away, she feels uncomfortable and offended by the poster. She believes the sexualization of any person does not belong 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 believes the poster 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 respecting the dignity of all persons.
- Discuss the ethical values of courage and integrity.
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/CF Values and Ethics.
- Respect the dignity of all persons – Hanging naked pictures does not show respect to 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, IAW DAOD 9005-1, Sexual Misconduct Response viewing, accessing, distributing or displaying sexually explicit material in the workplace is a conduct deficiency of a sexual nature.
- 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 do nothing. S2 Dubois was not the one who hung the picture and does not want to put stress on her relations with her course mates. Based on the discussion, this option is not recommended as inaction has consequences.
- Option 2: Attempt to discover who hung the poster, and then approach the person to ask them to take it down due to its inappropriate nature.
- Option 3: Engage course mates in a conversation about the poster and discuss how the poster does not align with DND/CF Values and Ethics. As a group, decide how to deal with the dilemma; encourage the group to take the poster down.
- Option 4: Take down the poster and engage in a discussion to explain to your course mates why you removed the poster.
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