Is a kinder, gentler work environment the new norm?

In recent weeks there seems to be a news article coming out almost every day about some allegation of sexual harassment or other forms of harassment committed by people in positions of power. What was once "accepted" and brushed under because the bullies were able to use their power to get away with their actions is no longer the case. Hollywood, Wall Street, Politics and Silicon Valley, these were where you'd expect it to happen but the reality is that bullying is far more prevalent than people are willing to admit. It happens in the nonprofit sector just as often, perhaps even more frequently, but we don't hear about it....maybe because the stakes are much lower. For victims however, the impact is just as detrimental.  The flood of allegations coming out has emboldened victims to finally come out and share their stories, even at the risk of retaliation. While some allegations may not be true, it would be naive to believe that all or most are not. Perhaps this is a positive sign that things as usual can no longer be the usual; the new norm has to be a healthier, safer environment where bullying (in all forms) is no longer tolerated, accepted, nor ignored...regardless of whether it is based on gender, sexual orientation, race, handicapped or any other categorization. A true leader would not need to bully someone into submission, they earn obedience from respect. It seems we are heading towards a tipping point; victims are no longer going to take it anymore, they shouldn't have to. Organizations should embrace this societal shift, not only because it is the right thing to do morally, but also because it will lead to more optimal performance of employees who feel empowered rather than threatened and add to their organization's bottom line.  This John Simmon's article from the Wall Street Journal is a good example: https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-wake-up-to-the-problem-of-bullies-at-work-1510758000