On Friday, the infamous video of Donald Trump and Billy Bush went viral on multiple social media platforms. This caused division within Trump's supporters and forced a lot of intermediates to Hillary's side. As for me it made my voting choice even more clear.
Donald Trump referred to his recorded conversation as "locker room" talk. Instead of acknowledging that what he discussed was sexual assault, he ranted on about ISIS and how he will make the country safe, but safe from who? Because since Friday all I could think of was that this is the fire that fuels Brock Turners around the country. This is what makes boys think that their actions are okay and forgivable because "boys will be boys." So yes, maybe Donald Trump will make us safer from international threats, but what about on our own homefront? Who will protect victims of sexual assault when the President codones this lewd behavior.
Donald Trump's refusal to accept and sincerely apologize for his action is a reflection of earlier this year when Brock Turner's father claimed that Brock's punishment was "a steep price to pay for twenty minutes of action." The inability of these men in the spotlight of our nation to own up to their horrible actions is a representation of rape culture within our nation. Rather than punishing these offenders, we excuse it as "reckless behavior" or "just words."
Sexual assault isn't just words and it isn't just "boys being boys." It is a prevalent issue in our country that blames the victims rather than the offenders. It is real, and Donald Trump's excuse for his behavior just adds fuel to the fire.
I don't want that in the leader of my country. I don't want to fear the lessons he implements in our country.
