Living next to a giant means we keep a close eye on what it does and who's in charge. I'm talking about the upcoming presidential election in the US, of course, as a Canadian. I'm not expert on politics but I do follow it as a human interest story. Lately, I'm amused by the righteous indignation that followed the release of an audiotape where presidential candidate, Donald Trump, speaks about how easy it is for him to kiss women and grope them. He seems to be bragging that it's easy to do if one is rich and famous.
If I were his speech writer, I might explain these words by suggesting that he was showing some insight and that he was amazed that women are willing to let themselves be treated this way just because he has some fame and wealth. He might also comment that he's noticed other men take advantage of this phenomena as well, with Bill Clinton, being an obvious case in point. He might add that he's since learned that he has a choice as to whether he takes advantage of this with women, or not, but that he realizes how hypocritical it is for men to be scolding him when many, if not most of them, in similar positions of power have done so as well. Read our history. It's full of such accounts. How many descendants is Genghis Khan supposed to have? That's only one example.
Studies a while back showed that if men were not stopped or punished for raping women, a large percentage of men would follow through with it. Luckily, we've realized that and have made laws to keep this in check.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not excusing men's behaviour when it comes to "conquering women". I'm simply stating that this is a constant battle and we need to keep reminding ourselves that we no longer want to be that way.
Now, let's move on to the other presidential candidate. I'll just pick one incident that I'm aware of. I admit that I've gleaned all of this information from various media. So, if I'm misinterpreting what I've read, I apologize. But, I'll dare to delve in. When Assange (wiki)leaked the military secrets, the US establishment was aghast and angry. Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State at the time. She apparently said at a meeting of the top brass, "Why don't we drone him", meaning kill him using a drone. In other words, assassinate him. Apparently, she said it without humour, which would have been an indication that she would like to do so but was only kidding.
Again, we can get on our high horse and condemn her for her words and her wishes in this case. This, again, is the "privilege" of being in a power position. She had the power to make that suggestion and if the others had agreed it would have happened. So, why isn't the media and her fellow Democrats condemning her for her words? Some are, but quietly, I'm sure. Again, because we all have had thoughts like that. Again, we have laws and social norms that now prevent that from happening easily. Not in all countries, mind you, but so far in North America. That could change at any moment, if we don't keep a close watch.
See the similarity between the two? Once in power we think and act differently as we're given certain privileges (private law). Fortunately, there are checks and balances and condemning such behaviours helps to stop it or at least slow it down.
So, my question is this. Why aren't both being taken to task for their comments not in a condemning way but by asking whether this is the way they plan to continue to behave or whether they have learned their "lessons" and now know better. Of course, actions speak louder than words.
That, to me, is more important than knowing that they succumbed to the "traps" of being in power and went along with them, no questions asked.
We, who are not in power positions, have a responsibility to monitor their behaviours and not condone them. Not in a judgmental way but simply reminding everyone that it's not okay.
This blog is meant only as a beginning of a discussion that needs to take place if we are to make real change. Simply condemning these behaviours doesn't change anything. It just stops it temporarily. Let's start this kind of discussion now....
