There is something especially odious about a powerful man taking advantage of a young woman as if she were an especially nice massage pillow. It is doubly so when that man seems completely unable or unwilling to appreciate what he is doing:
From Harvey Weinstein:
“I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it. Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.”
At least he’s going to work with therapists and “deal with this issue head on.”
www.nytimes.com/…
Sounds like a new diet or a really, really, really sincere promise to stop being late to meetings.
Weinstein’s tactics don’t quite rise to Cosby levels, but how far are they? He coerces young women with promises of career opportunities, and leaves the choice to them. He also knows that he doesn’t need to threaten career death because many of his victims will make that connection for him. It’s still their choice. After all, they don’t have to care about their futures. Right.
There are many things I don’t know about. Long time visitors to DK will tell you that (as they tell me) in no uncertain terms.
This is something I do know: This behavior is wrong. It is unacceptable and it wrong to dismiss it as something that powerful men do. It isn’t a natural and excusable consequence of power. It isn’t manly. It’s not an “issue” to be dealt with “head on”. It’s not a natural part of the entertainment industry, no matter how many times somebody winks and nods over mention of “the casting couch.” It is dangerous and contagious corruption of the soul. It hurts those who are coerced and it hurts those who will not allow themselves to be coerced.
I imagine that “poor old Harvey” will drop out of site and show up at sessions for a while, then return with all forgiven. That’s the advantage of being rich and powerful in America. He won’t be on any sexual predator lists, but that’s what he is.
Fortunately, she seems to be a lonely voice.