You’re allowed to be wrong.
You’re allowed to have an opinion I disagree with. That’s why it’s an opinion. You’re allowed to express it, and I’m allowed to disagree, as long as we both are approaching the situation with respect and professionalism.
So I don’t have a problem with people expressing opinions that I agree to disagree with. However, I do have a problem with arguments built on false information. And as the most wild political race we have seen begins to come to a close, there’s a lot of false information out there. Maybe I shouldn’t be policing this information – but hey, it’s me.
Recently there was an article released in the news section of Her Campus media entitled “I’m a College Woman, & Despite Everything, I Still Support Donald Trump.” In this article, the college-aged author expresses her reasoning behind supporting the outrageous political candidate Donald Trump. Bless Her Campus for allowing us writers to choose our topics freely and express ourselves no matter where that voice leads us; I will always appreciate that about this magazine. However, due to the widespread circulation of this particular article, I have decided to address some key points that not only embody false information, but are simply dangerous in nature.
1. “The allegations against him, whether true or false, were all over 10 years ago”
What exactly is the grace period you are going off of here, I wonder? So if the allegations appeared earlier then there’d be a problem, but because of this arbitrary span of time, all is forgiven? Does this apply to other horribly harmful actions, like murder? I’m sorry but I’m appalled by the empty basis of this argument that echoes throughout the article. Further, and this is something I’ve been wondering a lot about: Why the hell don’t we believe victims of sexual assault when they come forward? It is utterly, heart-wrenchingly terrifying to come forward regarding sexual assault. According to studies by both NSVRC and RAINN, about 63% of sexual assault cases are unreported. Let me say that differently: The vast majority of those who are attacked and violated live with silent trauma hidden inside for the rest of their lives. And yet, we question these individuals to no end, despite the fact that many studies, including NSVRC, have found that as little as 2% of sexual assault reports are false.
2. On the “locker room talk”: “We’ve all heard men talk about women in this way—it’s extremely common, especially in high school and college… obviously Trump felt as though no one would know”
This is essentially reinforcing the “boys will be boys” argument, which is both outdated and just ridiculous. Just because others are doing something, doesn’t make it okay. There are still many people who are deeply racist in our country – does that make racism, hate crimes, or the KKK okay? I am disgusted for being put in a situation in which I even have to ask that. When you excuse this conversation, you encourage its continuation, and you enable hatred and bias to hurt our neighbors and perpetuate rape culture. The commonality of rape culture language does not, at all, make it acceptable. Also, that immature boy talking sexist smack in the locker room isn’t running for President of the United States. Our expectations should be higher than this.
3. “On the subject of his mistreatment towards women, I don’t believe that everything that has come out is true. Many of the scenarios have been taken out of context”
I understand the intent of this statement, however I do not find it applicable. Trump has said blatantly direct statements regarding women, ranging from their appearance to their actions and how they should be viewed and treated. He has commented that Hillary Clinton doesn’t have a “presidential look”, fat shamed former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, said Megyn Kelly had “blood coming out of her wherever”, and insulted Carly Fiorina on the account of her face, among others identified by the Huffington Post. But further, on the statement “I don’t believe that everything that has come out is true”: So not everything that Trump has said is true? So you’re saying he’s a liar? We want a liar for our country’s leader now? Yea, okay, sure.
4. “The man stepped outside of his comfort zone—business—and is trying to take on the responsibility of running this great country.”
Oh yea? So if I as a Communications & Media Studies major decide to perform brain surgery – which is definitely outside of my comfort zone – will I be applauded? No, I’ll be in jail, because I will have just killed someone.
5. “Trying to connect Trump to a rise in rape and sexual assault cases is outrageous. Do I fear that the chances of me being groped or grabbed will increase if Trump is elected president? Of course not. One person stepping into the White House is not going to increase the likelihood of sexual assault”
Trump has proved time and time again that sexual assault is not an issue he cares about. He essentially stated that military sexual assault should be expected, shown in a 2013 Tweet:
And according to the Huffington Post, he was given the opportunity to amend this tweet recently, but responded “Well, it is a correct tweet.” The President is not just “one person”, the President is supposed to be a role model for not only US citizens, but for the world. His (or her or their) actions set an example. If we allow our role model to openly hold and express these opinions, it is not far fetched to believe that more will follow suit. Anyhow, as previously mentioned, the vast majority of sexual assaults are not reported, so that is not something I presume can be accurately measured anyway. Don’t call me outrageous for not supporting a man who perpetuates rape culture. Sexual assault is an issue we need all care about.
6. “This is a man that wants to help us, not hurt us.”
I respect the author, the publisher, and the right to a different opinion. It’d be one thing if her arguments were based on her ideology parallelling the Republican party. However I believe that this article was written with extreme bias and used faulty arguments in a feeble attempt to show support through the excuse of inexcusable actions. As one commenter put it, “Y’all need to quit. It’s a losing battle. Better to say: Yea, he’s kind of a douchebag but in spite of that, I still support him for x, y, or z. Just be honest and own it. Quit making excuses.”
Readers: I urge you to consider toxic bias when reading articles like this. I beg you to fact check, to do your research, to not excuse actions delivered from a heart full of hatred. Never be silent, never look the other way, as that only sends the message that the behavior is acceptable. The one point I agree with: “Do I fear that this country will suffer depending on the outcome of this election? I most certainly do. And if I were you, I would be pretty worried, too.”
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