Why are some MeToo targets easier to impact than others?
Holding people accountable can come down to the conscience and support system of the alleged offender
The MeToo movement hit society like a more humane form of tear gas in 2017, exploding fury, a sense of justice, and even confusion throughout the land. After actress Alyssa Milano encouraged people to share their difficult experiences under the hashtag on Twitter, film executive Harvey Weinstein was among the first to fall.
Before long, the movement spread to politics, medical, law, and other professions. At least four GOP pols — Blake Farenthold, Joe Barton, Tim Murphy, and Trent Franks — have been forced to resign, along with at least four Democrats — Al Franken, John Conyers, Andrea Ramsey, and Ruben Kihuen.
Still, some seem to live above the volcanic rumblings. I call them the Teflon Abusers because nothing seems to stick to them. You know who they are — the Donald Trump’s, the Newt Gingrich’s, the Rush Limbaugh’s — who can do and say virtually any bigoted, sick thing they want without apparent repercussion. Look at the photo of Trump, below, signing his name above a woman’s almost exposed breast. How many men can do that and hold his job the next day? Not many. But the guy in the White House can.
