People Can Change - I Used To Be A Republican - We Need To Look At Acting Like Grownups - Me Too

[SeaDoo77]

While we process this "me too" movement.

95% of the problem is still under the surface. Maybe 99%.

What I am the most afraid of is not being able to be a gentleman, or girl, pursue someone you desire, and "they" "feel" you crossed the line with a hug, or an attempted stolen kiss, and YOUR LIFE IS RUINED by a posse.

Asking people to act like adults 100% of the time and use their heads and not emotions is like asking the 2 year old to not eat the candy, and then leave the room.

I am not excusing bad behavior but I used to be a Republican. People can evolve. I know a few "popular" politicians who were not pro-LGBT if I recal. and they evolved. They are not evil. Get what I mean?

This is a big complicated "thing". I just don't want to see people over punished, while the true scum are being served their medicine.

Going after minor offenses with the same zeal as going after predators make real change all that much harder. Don't believe me? Watch Fox News for a couple minutes. They will be airing their daily "victim", and they will be able to produce "overly punished" victims by the thousand. All the time it will make it harder to expose the Roger Ailes, and Bill O'Reilly's of the world.

A lot to think about.

Please rec so maybe we can all do a little more deep thought about the difference between jerks (both sexes), false accusers, fame seekers, and real predators.

[member12]

1. The line is different for every person

So it's impossible to know if you or they have crossed the line. I'm not talking about obvious monsters like Weinstein or Spacey.

I'm talking more along the lines of an average workplace.

The thing with Franken kind of disturbs me because he was basically forced to resign without any due process. It looks like a political hit job to me from the start. I could see how that could encourage some dishonest people to stretch the truth a bit because they hope they can get some kind of settlement with their employer or university - or possibly get back and someone that they don't like very much for any reason.

Come down too hard on false accusers, and you could potentially discourage real victims from coming forward. That would be completely counter productive and allow the predatory behavior to continue.

It's a very fine line that society has to walk and I don't think we've found the right place yet. There may not be a right answer in this situation.

[pandr32]

7. Agreed

The entire hitjob against Franken started with a vaudeville picture--followed by a couple of smiling photos taken in public at meet and greet style events that never would have been brought forward without the first false allegation. The fledgling Me Too movement provided the vehicle to take him down.

Patriarchy is still firmly entrenched and the Me Too movement will likely happen in small gusts. Many powerful men will remain rooted in their positions. It will take time to turn things around and draw new lines of acceptable social and cultural norms, but until we do "the line is different for every person" as you say.

[wryter2000]

2. While I dont disagree with your premise

“Stealing” something pretty much guarantees you’re doing it against their will. And one hug is not likely to ruin your life.

[DURHAM D]

3. "be a gentleman, or girl,"

huh?

[SeaDoo77]

9. Girls have issues using their power to influence too

Just not the same way....

[DURHAM D]

10. Still not getting what you are trying to promote.

A girl is an underage female.

[Alice11111]

4. Thoughtful post. I think we can snag some moderate Repubs,

but there aren't many left. Yeah, some people can change. 60 minutes did a magazine about reformed white supremacists.

Some of these RWers are like giant reptiles though, tiny little brains, but very aggressive.

[uppityperson]

5. Men and women, please. Not "gentleman, or girl"

I understand your point, but please recognize the reform of calling men gentlemen and women girls.

[Ferrets are Cool]

6. +1

[Loki Liesmith]

8. Youre gonna get dragged

Nuance gets slapped down