National Harassment Day

Young adults engaging in uplifting and positive pranks, laughing together while wearing colorful clothing, vibrant and joyful city setting.. — National harassment day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Harassment Day! Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of mischievous pranks, harmless jokes, and hilarious shenanigans. This day is all about spreading laughter, as long as everyone involved is on board with the fun and no one gets hurt. So, buckle up and get ready to embrace your mischievous side!

When is Harassment Day?

It's national harassment day on the 15th November.

Internet History of National Harassment Day:

Back in the early days of the internet, when social media platforms were just starting to gain popularity, a group of internet-savvy tricksters decided to create a day solely dedicated to harmless online pranks. And thus, National Harassment Day was born!

History behind the term 'Harassment'

1651

Emergence of 'harassment'

The term 'harassment' first appeared in English in 1651 and was derived from the French word 'harasser,' which means to exhaust or weary. Originally used in a military context, it referred to the act of wearing down the enemy through repeated attacks or raids.

1618

The Origins

The term 'harassment' finds its roots in the French word 'harasser,' which means to tire or exhaust. It was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe the act of fatiguing someone through constant demands or attacks.

1526

Turkish Origins

The term 'harassment' dates back to the year 1526, with its origins rooted in the Turkish language. It is derived from the Turkish word 'haras' meaning to attack, raid, or seize plunder.

1848

Birth of the Term

The term 'harassment' originates from the French word 'harasser', which means to tire or exhaust. It was first used in English in 1848 to describe the act of persistently troubling or tormenting someone. The term focused on the idea of causing annoyance or discomfort through constant pressure or repetitive actions.

1618

Military Context

The term 'harassment' found its way into English in the year 1618, during the early stages of the Thirty Years' War. It was primarily used in a military context to describe the act of persistently attacking the enemy forces through raids and small-scale engagements, disrupting their operations.

1880

Expansion into social and workplace contexts

During the 19th century, 'harassment' began to be used beyond the military sphere and extended to social and workplace contexts. It became associated with persistent annoyance or torment, particularly in instances where a person was subjected to unwanted attention or pressure.

1970

Legal Recognition

In 1970, the term 'harassment' gained legal recognition in the United States with the passing of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The act prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was the first time the term was explicitly included in a law, highlighting the need to address persistent and unwanted behavior in the workplace.

19th Century

Military Connotation

During the 19th century, 'harassment' gained a military connotation. It referred to the tactic used by military forces to inflict small-scale attacks or annoyances on the enemy, weakening their morale and capabilities.

1980

Extension to Other Forms of Harassment

During the 1980s, the definition of 'harassment' expanded to include various forms of harassment beyond the workplace. This broader understanding recognized the prevalence of harassment in different settings, such as schools, public spaces, and online platforms. It highlighted the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for all individuals.

1882

Extended Meaning

The meaning of 'harassment' expanded beyond military conflicts in 1882. It began to be used to describe persistent, unwanted behaviors or actions aimed at troubling or disturbing individuals, particularly in interpersonal relationships.

20th Century

Labor Strikes and Worker Rights

The term 'harassment' started to encompass issues related to labor strikes and worker rights during the 20th century. It described acts of persistent pressure, intimidation, or unfair treatment by employers towards workers advocating for their rights and better working conditions.

1960s

Harassment in civil rights movements

In the 1960s, 'harassment' gained significance in the context of civil rights movements. Activists and protesters faced various forms of harassment, including intimidation, surveillance, and discriminatory practices. The term became associated with the systematic oppression and subjugation of marginalized groups.

1964

Civil Rights and Gender Discrimination

The concept of 'harassment' expanded further in 1964 with the Civil Rights Act in the United States. It prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation marked a turning point and set the stage for addressing various forms of harassment, including sexual harassment.

1970

Legal Recognition

In 1970, the concept of 'harassment' gained legal recognition in the United States with the passage of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This legislation aimed to prevent workplace discrimination and included provisions addressing sexual harassment, laying the groundwork for future legal protection against various forms of harassment.

1970s

Sexual harassment enters the spotlight

In the 1970s, the concept of 'sexual harassment' emerged as a distinct form of harassment. It gained attention through groundbreaking legal cases, such as the 1976 case Alexander v. Yale, which recognized sexual harassment as a violation of Title IX. This pivotal moment led to increased public awareness and activism surrounding gender-based harassment.

1990

Global Awareness

By the 1990s, 'harassment' emerged as a significant social issue worldwide. International bodies, organizations, and governments started advocating for awareness and action against harassment in various areas, including workplaces, schools, and public spaces. This growing global awareness contributed to increased discussions and initiatives to combat harassment in all its forms.

1990s

Global recognition and legal reforms

During the 1990s, 'harassment' gained global recognition as a social issue. Many countries enacted legislation to address harassment in various contexts, including the workplace, schools, and public spaces. This marked a significant step towards creating legal frameworks and protections for victims of harassment.

1975

Sexual Harassment Defined

The term 'sexual harassment' came into prominence in 1975 when it was defined by the first U.S. federal guidelines on the issue, issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Sexual harassment was officially recognized as a form of gender-based discrimination in the workplace.

1990

Growing Awareness and Legal Protections

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act expanded the legal protection against harassment to individuals with disabilities. This demonstrated the growing awareness and recognition of the harmful effects of harassment and the need for comprehensive legal safeguards.

21st century

Digital harassment and online platforms

With the rise of the internet and social media, 'harassment' took on new forms in the 21st century. Online platforms provided a breeding ground for cyberbullying, hate speech, and online harassment. This led to further discussions on the intersection of free speech, privacy, and the need for effective measures to combat digital harassment.

21st Century

Digital Harassment and Cyberbullying

With the rise of the internet and social media, the term 'harassment' expanded to encompass online behaviors. 'Digital harassment' and 'cyberbullying' emerged as new forms of harassment, highlighting the challenges presented by the digital age and the need for preventative measures.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Harassment Day is also known as 'Pranksgiving'? It's a day when people to unleash their inner prankster and make others laugh. Just remember, keep it light-hearted and ensure everyone involved is having a good time!