Franken Resignation - Not a Victory
Senator Franken's resignation today was not a victory for feminism. About two weeks ago (things are happening so fast that it is easy to lose track of time) the photograph emerged. Al Franken wrote a heart-felt and sincere apology to the victim and to all women. His apology was authentic and took responsibility for his actions. This was very much in contrast with other apologies that we see that are "I am sorry that you misunderstand my intentions". This was real and indicated that he pledged to work hard to be a better man.
Senator Franken actually did a great deal of good in the Senate. He was a strong voice for reason and he was a champion for those less fortunate.
Once more accusers came to light, he felt he was forced to resign. Well, that is one gone without having to do any penance. It wouldn't have been easy but he could have used his influence as Senator as a springboard to helping feminism in general. He could have gone on a fact-finding mission interviewing silence breakers from all areas of society. He could have faced these silence breakers and heard their stories and made meaningful recommendations to governments about breaking the cycle. He could have lived up to his pledge of being a better man.
Instead, because it was no longer comfortable for him, he takes the easy way out. Who better than him to call out a Senate candidate accused of pedophilia? Who better than him to continue to push POTUS on coming clean to his accusers.
In Canada, we have a societal problem in how we treat Indigenous Women so we have established a Missing and Murders Indigenous Women's Commission which is currently fact finding through our country in an effort to heal.
Franken could have led a similar healing movement in the US.
The problem won't go away with Franken's resignation. It will only go away when society truly acknowledges that it is not a Democrat problem nor a Republican problem nor a Hollywood problem nor a workplace problem nor a rape problem. It is a societal problem that occurs when one group historically has more power and control over another group in society.
Feminists have been defining this problem for decades, however, the lights are still coming on for many people. This is not about sex, it is about power and control. It is sad that it has taken so long for so many, but atleast the light is coming on.
Now that we have adequately defined the problem, we need to work towards solutions. Yes, it means that some will have to be held accountable for their misdeeds and there will be consequences. That is one thing, but that is not the solution. We need education younger. We need role models. We need to create a climate where we are feel safe. We need dialogue between everyone and through that dialogue we need understanding.
Senator Franken actually did a great deal of good in the Senate. He was a strong voice for reason and he was a champion for those less fortunate.
Once more accusers came to light, he felt he was forced to resign. Well, that is one gone without having to do any penance. It wouldn't have been easy but he could have used his influence as Senator as a springboard to helping feminism in general. He could have gone on a fact-finding mission interviewing silence breakers from all areas of society. He could have faced these silence breakers and heard their stories and made meaningful recommendations to governments about breaking the cycle. He could have lived up to his pledge of being a better man.
Instead, because it was no longer comfortable for him, he takes the easy way out. Who better than him to call out a Senate candidate accused of pedophilia? Who better than him to continue to push POTUS on coming clean to his accusers.
In Canada, we have a societal problem in how we treat Indigenous Women so we have established a Missing and Murders Indigenous Women's Commission which is currently fact finding through our country in an effort to heal.
Franken could have led a similar healing movement in the US.
The problem won't go away with Franken's resignation. It will only go away when society truly acknowledges that it is not a Democrat problem nor a Republican problem nor a Hollywood problem nor a workplace problem nor a rape problem. It is a societal problem that occurs when one group historically has more power and control over another group in society.
Feminists have been defining this problem for decades, however, the lights are still coming on for many people. This is not about sex, it is about power and control. It is sad that it has taken so long for so many, but atleast the light is coming on.
Now that we have adequately defined the problem, we need to work towards solutions. Yes, it means that some will have to be held accountable for their misdeeds and there will be consequences. That is one thing, but that is not the solution. We need education younger. We need role models. We need to create a climate where we are feel safe. We need dialogue between everyone and through that dialogue we need understanding.
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