In a previous post I expressed some scepticism and
ambivalence with regard to the recent spate of harassment claims. The men are
indeed bestial and ungodly in their behaviour and yet many of these women,
especially in the arts or corporate settings are not wholly innocent.
In other cases the behaviour can only be described as
predatory. While an aspiring entertainer or businesswoman can always walk away
and maintain virtue (even at great cost) there are those in other situations
that are under real authority in the form of the state and thus under actual
threat. These situations are often different in their nature and the women
subjected to abuse are truly victims. I'm speaking of officials who hold badges
and offices, who wear uniforms and carry guns. These men who use their
authority to abuse the weak are of a different and very pernicious stripe.