As a result of her affair with President Bill Clinton in 1998, Monica Lewinsky became one of the first victims of cyberbullying. Immediately, Clinton, and subsequently Lewinsky, were swept into a national political and media hailstorm. Yet, the recent advent of the internet allowed for an unprecedented barrage of hateful messages directed at both individuals. While Clinton received major criticism, especially by Republican senators such as Mitch McConnell, Lewinsky absorbed the lion’s share of blame. Although she was in her early twenties during the affair and had a relationship with her employer (also the President of the United States), society decided to place the onus on her, a literal victim of sexual harassment.
Despite the terrible abuse she received, the internet was still very new in 1998. Since that time the internet has assumed a greater role in contemporary life. Subsequently, cyberbullying also rose in that time; 25% of American teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying in their life. Adults, particularly entertainers, experience cyberbullying as well, despite common misconceptions. Former NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has struggled with depression since his departure from the Toronto Raptors in the summer of 2018. Many NBA fans voiced their opinions on social media by posting insensitive and offensive memes about DeRozan’s poor performances, especially in comparison to the outstanding contributions of Kawihi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
In the context of the modern #MeToo movement, the narrative around the Lewinsky-Clinton Affair would likely have been completely different. Over the past decade, American society learned to condemn sexual offenders, in spite of fame, fortune, or popularity. In 2016, Jane Doe sued former NBA MVP Derrick Rose for sexual harassment; even though he was acquitted, the rape allegations continue to haunt D-Rose’s complicated legacy. In fact, Lewinsky stated herself that
[she owes] a huge debt of gratitude to the #MeToo.” She contributes her reemergence on to the public stage to the amazing progress against sexual harassment during this decade.
[she owes] a huge debt of gratitude to the #MeToo.” She contributes her reemergence on to the public stage to the amazing progress against sexual harassment during this decade.
Ultimately, the Lewinsky-Clinton Affair became a landmark in the development of both of these contemporary phenomenons. Unfortunately, it set a precedent for cyberbullying that still thrives. But, it has served as an inspiration for many brave individuals to end the stigmas around and the practice of sexual harassment.
No comments:
Post a Comment
What do you think about this issue?
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.