Exactly, or at least in the US we have laws to deal with harassment, although they'll vary from state to state. However the "directing" part is as I understand

Exactly, or at least in the US we have laws to deal with harassment, although they'll vary from state to state. However the "directing" part is as I understand it critical. I.e. saying something in isolation, that won't through some mechanism come to the attention of the targeted party, doesn't qualify.