I have worked for years in male dominated industries. As a woman I have to say I went into those industries with my eye wide open, understanding the male persona.
Did I hear a lot of ‘off color’ stuff, yes. The only time I got offended was when porn was posted within view of the general plant. I could care less if they had that stuff in their lunchboxes or lockers. And when they were asked to remove it, by me personally...they did it. Not because I was offended, but because as I explained...clients could see it.
I, too, have worked around men in all kinds of environments. In fact I deal better with men who are straight forward and direct. My sense of humor can be rather warped, but I don’t put up with vulgarity. And I’ve never been in a situation other than if I said ‘HEY! that the over the line stuff didn’t stop. And yes, porno pics on the walls is not acceptable unless it’s a totally male environment with little visitor traffic.
As for sexual harassment, you dress and conduct yourself like a hoochie momma and invite attention, you’re going to get it and eventually have to fight off those that will take advantage. lol And then of course there are some that will try to take advantage regardless. What I found that works is, “If you don’t back off, Bud, you’re going to find the most precious things you value up between your ears.’ And I say it in a very quiet soft manner that only he and I can hear so as to develop a private understanding without involving anybody else. Lots of times that will earn you their respect. And I only used that when just walking away didn’t work.
But mostly I’m just not going to troll the workplace looking for an opportunity to make a slick dollar off some guy or the company.