By Andrew La Bee
Staff Writer

Jojo Miller hosted an event on campus this term that delved into the romanticization of stalking in the media and how that can impact real world mindsets by watching the first episode of “You”.

Miller is a confidential resource worker that works with Clackamas Women’s Services. Miller put on the event to help promote understanding of what stalking actually is and how to help people in trouble find safe spaces.

One media trope is the guy gets put in an embarrassing or compromising situation where he has to either hide from his love interest or talk his way out of the scenario.

“You” is a psychological thriller on Netflix that depicts the manipulation, obsession and psychopathic behavior of Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley.) The staling plays out in a scene in which Joe breaks into his victim’s house while she was out and ends up hiding in the shower.

When she returns and turns on the shower, she’s conveniently distracted by a phone call allowing Joe to escape. During this scene Joe’s inner monologue states how “This is just something that happens to those guys in the TV shows.”

Character Joe Goldberg in the show ‘You.’ Photo by Netflix

“Unfortunately for the people of the outside world, these situations could be all the more real,” Miller said stalking in real life is more serious. “This is a form of downplaying his actions, something most stalkers do.”

When thinking about a stalker, you would think it’s secretive, right?

According to Miller, “Stalking is a tactic to induce fear into someone, less keeping track of them without the person being stalked knowing, a stalker will make sure that they know they’re being watched.”

Doing so will typically convince others around the person being stalked that the stalker is actually just a good person, and the person being stalked is making something up because they would never do that, when in reality, they would do exactly that.

Gaslighting is to manipulate (someone) using psychological methods into questioning their own sanity or powers of reasoning.

If you have any questions or concerns about you or someone in your life who might be a victim of stalking, abuse, or even elder abuse; Miller is available on campus Monday to Tuesday 2-5 and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-2.

You can reach out to Miller, chat with someone online through CWS, or even call the toll free number (888) 654-2288. If you have any issues with peers, teachers, or someone that is on the campus please contact John Ginsburg, director of student leadership, at 503-494-3030 or email him at john.ginsburg@clackamas.edu