The allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo involving sexual misconduct, intimidation and coercion are only symptoms of a boys-will-be-boys mentality that pervades our culture, excuses sexual discrimination, justifies degradation, minimizes assault and protects predators.
It’s why so many turned a deaf ear and blind eye to President Trump’s obscene comments and predatory exploits concerning women. It’s why Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby got away with their escapades for so long. It’s why Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, Rudy Giuliani and Bill Clinton all get a “pass” when it comes to marital infidelity. It’s why high-profile “sexting” scandals are viewed as no big deal, and it’s why promising college males can rape coeds and serve no jail time so as not to ruin their futures.
Every time we rationalize “innocent” locker- room banter, laugh off barroom jokes, excuse the politician, celebrity or athlete who verbally or physically assaults a woman, or “let it slide” because we’re hanging out with the boys, we send a message to our sons, nephews, brothers and friends that it is OK to denigrate, objectify and abuse women.
High-profile men like Cuomo and Trump are easy targets for our outrage. However, our moral indignation is nothing short of hypocrisy if we don’t actively challenge the boys-will-be-boys mentality that is all too prevalent in American society. If we don’t confront our peers and purposefully teach our sons differently, then it should come as no surprise when the next women to be sexually abused and assaulted are our wives, daughters, mothers and sisters.
Keith Kondrich
Swisshelm Park