By now, everyone has heard of the Bill Cosby rape allegations. The 79 year old comedian’s trial is set to commence no later than June 5, 2017.
For those of you who haven’t been following closely, here are some specifics.
Bill Cosby has been accused of sexual assault/rape by an astounding number of women, 58 women to be exact. The incidents are said to have occurred between the years of 1960-2008.
We have also heard of the Donald Trump sexual assault allegations. The 70 year old businessman and President-Elect of the United States has been accused of sexually assaulting roughly 11 women between the years of 1983-2013. Trump has also been accused of raping a 13 year old girl in 1994.
Let me be clear. I am not defending Bill Cosby or Donald Trump. I am not, in any way, condoning sexual assault, rape or sex without clear and verbal consent. The purpose of this article is to examine what America thinks of these infamous men. My sole intent is to highlight how Donald Trump’s privilege as white man has contributed to the ability to preserve his reputation enough to be elected the next President of the United States.
Bill Cosby was accused of drugging a majority of his victims. Most say they have little or foggy recollection of their assault. Whereas Donald Trump’s accusers say that they were completely sober and can recall the assaults clearly.
Bill Cosby is accused of assaulting only adults and Donald Trump has been accused of sexually assaulting teenage girls in addition to adults.
Bill Cosby has been ridiculed, had his donations returned and has been formally charged. Donald Trump has had his name removed from a few buildings and has picked up official endorsements from workers unions, government officials and about 62 million american citizens.
You know that saying “Black people don’t commit crimes at a higher rates, they’re just prosecuted more”? Well, here is a prime example. Two men accused of doing the same thing, with relatively the same amount of evidence. One is white and one is black. One is faces the white house, the other is faces prison. Even alleged monsters are recipients of white privilege.
