In a recent UK employment tribunal, a judge ruled that giving a colleague an “air kiss” does not amount to sexual harassment. The ruling came after Jing Jing Chen, an employee at a whiskey bar in Brighton, claimed she was sexually harassed by her manager, Paul de Newtown, who gave her an air kiss after walking her home. The tribunal found that Chen had misinterpreted the gesture as a sexual advance and dismissed all claims made by her. The judge stated that an air kiss cannot be regarded as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and noted inconsistencies in Chen’s evidence.
Air kissing involves making the sound “mwah, mwah” on either side of someone’s face without actually making lip-to-cheek contact. This gesture was popularized by the characters Edina and Patsy in the British comedy series Absolutely Fabulous. The ruling may be seen as a victory for common sense by some, while others may view it as a cultural difference and a misunderstanding of social interactions. In countries like France and Italy, air kissing is a common form of greeting, while in the UK, handshakes, fist bumps, and hugs are more typical greetings.
The differences in cultural greetings can lead to misunderstandings and discomfort when it comes to social interactions. While air kissing is a part of the culture in countries like France and Italy, it is not as commonly accepted in the UK. The recent ruling in Jing Jing Chen’s case highlights the importance of understanding cultural norms and tailoring greetings accordingly to avoid making others feel uncomfortable. While the ruling was a victory in clearing someone of false accusations of sexual harassment, it also serves as a reminder to consider cultural differences in social interactions.
In France and Italy, air kissing is seen as a social expectation, with different variations of the gesture depending on the region. The main rule is to avoid the recipient’s earhole at all costs. In the UK, there is a general discomfort when air kissing replaces traditional greetings like handshakes. The ruling in Chen’s case may spark conversations about the importance of cultural awareness in social interactions and the significance of respecting individual boundaries. As societal norms evolve, it is crucial to navigate these differences with sensitivity and understanding to ensure mutual respect and comfort in social exchanges.
