An Hour Of Unpleasant Surprises
By Matthew Martinez
Loneliness and sexual harassment do not just extend to the guests. One of the most viscerally uncomfortable perpetrators of this is Valentina, the manager of The White Lotus. For weeks, scenes involving the strict hotel employee have danced around the concept of her isolation. She chases fun-loving girls Lucia and Mia and uses her lunch break to feed starving street kittens. But in this episode, the question of her internal struggle is thrown into sharp relief.
Valentina's fixation with front desk girl Isabella (Eleanora Romandini) does not have to do with an altruistic desire to mentor the younger girl, but with her attraction toward her. Valentina goes out of her way to buy Isabella an expensive broach and warns her about the dangers of men. But sexual harassment is not defined by gender and women can just as easily use status to control those around them for their own benefit. The manager outright hazes front desk worker Rocco for talking to Isabella. When pressed, Isabella insists that Rocco is not making her uncomfortable, but Valentina is so threatened by Isabella's attention toward Rocco that she abuses her power to separate them. She banishes Rocco to the less prestigious beach club on the false grounds that he was harassing Isabella.
Valentina's abuse of power is not just banishing Rocco, but using sexual harassment as a smokescreen for her crimes. Valentina's accusations against Rocco make it much easier for her to exert her power.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
