Recently many men from many different positions of power have been accused of sexual harassment by women who worked for them, or with whom they were closely associated. It’s long overdue!
As an old heterosexual guy, I’m ashamed of how men feel entitled to treat women as “inferior,” or even “play toys,” who exist for their pleasure. It’s been happening forever, but it must stop. I’m in my 70s, and I remember when “put down” jokes about women were common. Yes, I often laughed too, even though now I know how wrong it was.
Today, we should know better.
Men who harass women sexually lack empathy and humility. They think that because they have positions of authority, the women around them should be “grateful” for the attention. Some even brag. A prime example is our “groper-in-chief” president caught on tape saying that a few years ago. Some, like former U.S. Sen. Al Franken, think they’re just “clowning,” but it’s still wrong.
Obviously, though rarely, the accusations can go too far, causing a backlash. Let’s stop the pendulum in the middle and fix the problem.
True friendship between men and women is a wonderful gift based on mutual respect. Ending this problem will not be easy, but it has to happen if society wants to advance, or even continue to exist.
— Larry Brown, Glen Carbon
