I honestly want to ask:
Is there something wrong with the mindset of people who came up with “No Sexual Harassment” signs?
This isn’t an emotional outburst. It’s a serious question.
Because with even a basic understanding of law and logic, the whole thing feels absurd.
Let me ask this clearly:
Among all democratic and legally developed countries in the world,
which one considers sexual harassment legal by default, except in certain places?
None.
Sexual harassment is already illegal by law.
It’s not a gray area.
It’s not culturally debatable.
It’s not situational.
It is explicitly unlawful—everywhere.
So here’s the real question:
If it’s already illegal, why do we need a sign that says “No Sexual Harassment”?
This is not the same as signs that say “No Parking,” “No Drinking,” or “No Smoking.”
Parking, drinking, and smoking are all legal actions by default,
but restricted in specific locations due to safety or public interest.
So those signs make sense.
They tell you: This action is normally allowed, but not here.
Sexual harassment is different.
It has never been “normally allowed.”
It is illegal at all times, in all places, toward all people.
So what message does this kind of sign actually send?
The implication is troubling.
It subtly suggests that sexual harassment is something that merely needs reminding,
as if saying “please don’t do this here” is enough.
Worse, it shifts responsibility downward.
As if the problem is a lack of reminders,
rather than a lack of accountability, enforcement, and consequences.
Let’s be honest—
Do these signs stop people who actually commit sexual harassment?
Of course not.
People who harass others aren’t doing it because they’re unaware it’s wrong.
They do it because they don’t care,
because they don’t respect boundaries,
or because they don’t believe they’ll face real consequences.
A sign doesn’t change that.
What these signs really reveal is institutional laziness.
They’re cheap.
They’re safe.
They create the appearance of action without requiring real reform.
But justice doesn’t work through signage.
And responsibility isn’t fulfilled by slogans.
If a society needs a sign to remind people that sexual harassment is unacceptable,
then the real failure isn’t public awareness—
it’s the system itself.