Power, Shame, and Destruction. From Clinton-Lewinsky to the MeTooMovement

The scandal between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky was an abuse of power by the president. There is no denying that Clinton used his power as the president of the United States to sexually abuse Lewinsky. However disgusting the act Clinton committed, it was the aftershock that was truly horrifying. Lewinsky, who was 22 years old, made a terrible mistake, engaging in relations with her boss, was attacked, shamed, and humiliated. Why? Clinton was blamed, but he stayed in office, so why was Lewinsky humiliated? Clinton, the perpetrator received backlash, but the fact he was able to retain his presidency showed the fundamental flaws in society. Furthermore, Lewinsky, the victim, experienced something much worse. She was bullied, harassed, and most people in her shoes would not be able to live to see the next day. To explain this phenomenon, why Clinton was not punished as hard as he should have been, and why Lewinsky was, is to look at the economy and what people believe in. Clinton benefited society and had a much greater impact on the economy, whilst Lewinsky was just an intern. Clinton created the most jobs than any other at the time. People liked Clinton and disregarded another person's life because of their biases. There are many reasons as to why Clinton was favored over Lewinsky in this scandal, but as we look forward, to the MeTooMovement, we start to see society shift to the other side.

As we look at the MeTooMovement, cyberbullying and harassment are more prevalent now more than ever, but women are beginning to gain momentum in a male dominant society. Lewinsky has joined the movement, included herself in many different organizations to help spread awareness of all these different people. Suicide prevention, the LGBTQ+ community, and sexual abuse are among the few causes she is fighting for, but the problem does not lie in trying to give a safe space for these types of people, it lies in the majority of society causing these problems. Of course, it is impossible to stop these people from doing it, but even trying to prevent suicide you can only help so many people. There has to be another way to help people rather than just talking, or providing support. This situation reminds me of the minority trying to stop the bleeding rather than solve the real issue at hand.

https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/11/15/18095050/monica-lewinsky-clinton-affair-tv-series-interview