Resistance and oppression as a self‐contained opposite: An organizational communication analysis of one man's story of sexual harassment

This analysis of discourse displays the interplay between resistance and domination using one man's description of sexual harassment and his attempts at redress. The interpretation of this tense situation illustrates the complexity of discursive practices which result in unexpected outcomes. These outcomes, at times, appear to be in direct opposition to the intention of the discursive practice. They are described as self‐contained opposites. The analysis begins by addressing an article detailing one man's story of sexual harassment which was published in a local newspaper. The analysis is then extended through interviews with the harassed man. The interpretive analysis reveals how the articulation of resistance becomes oppressive and the articulation of oppression offers resistance. The self‐contained opposite of resistance/oppression reflects a hegemonic moment. The impact of the micro‐level discursive practices are discussed in terms of their relation to the macro‐level gender structuring of organizations.