Joe Biden’s sexual assault allegations represent a trend in politics
Start writing a post
Community

Joe Biden’s sexual assault allegations represent a trend in politics

The way that America responds to sexual assault allegations during presidential campaigns speaks volumes about rape culture.

246
Joe Biden’s sexual assault allegations represent a trend in politics

This week has been a major turning point in the Biden presidential campaign for all the wrong reasons. Last week, Joe Biden 's former Senate staffer Tara Reade claimed in a podcast interview that Biden sexually assaulted her when they worked together in 1993. Biden has vehemently denied these allegations and spoken in a public statement about the work he's done through the Violence Against Women Act and the "It's On Us" campaign on college campuses to help prevent sexual assaults. These allegations have surfaced after many years of light banter over Joe Biden's handsiness, specifically with young girls, as shown in various videos. This scandal is reminiscent to me of sexual assault allegations that were brought forward against Donald Trump in the months prior to the 2016 presidential election. This pattern of allegations is a signal of a greater issue within rape culture in America.

The dialogue surrounding women coming forward against powerful men has stayed much the same for a long time. The statements that are thrown around most frequently include, "Why hasn't this person come forward sooner?" "This is likely a personal campaign for revenge." or "The accuser is looking for money and exposure.". I have a real problem with all of this dialogue. If we track back to the various women that have come forward with sexual assault allegations against men in high-powered careers, often politicians, we see trends in the way that these cases are handled. Firstly, these women get public attention, but of the worst kind. They are slandered in the media, their story is dissected and questioned at every turn, and they are often painted as the archetype of a manipulative and vengeful woman. By making the choice to come forward, these women sacrifice their reputations and privacy, even on the incredibly rare occasion that their accuser is found guilty. Most often, the accusers issue public statements about their good deeds and support of women. This happened both with Trump and Biden. What feels most disingenuous about this ploy, is the concept of men trying to use their status as "pillars of the community" as a way to prove their innocence, when in reality, the work you've done in your career has no bearing on whether or not you've followed the law.

For the overwhelming majority of women who come forward in the public sphere, the case is decided the second they open their mouth. And yet, women still come forward. The most disturbing part about rape culture is to watch a pattern of injustice that is perpetuated by people who have money, power, and influence. It is concerning to think about how many representatives of this country have been perpetrators of rape, but will never be confronted because their victims choose not to go through the painful and humiliating process of coming forward. It is heartbreaking to see that even in the age of the Me Too Movement, we have not advanced past siding with the accused rather than the victim because it is more convenient.

As I researched more about Tara Reade, I observed how the media uncovered some discrepancies in her past. She has changed her name many times throughout her life, and praised Joe Biden a few years ago for his work on the "It's On Us" campaign. Reade also made conflicting statements about her reasons for leaving her work in politics. Whether or not Reade has concocted this accusation against Biden, I will never have the authority to judge. If she is lying, it certainly only makes matters worse for real victims who are contemplating going public. The truth about Tara Reade's accusation is that regardless of its legitimacy, it was never going to be believed. All you have to do is look at how sexual assault allegations were handled during the last presidential election. As long as we as a culture continue to silence women, victim blame, and side with those who have power and authority, we will never escape electing leaders who have exploited others on their way to the top.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Love Lost

Being the girl that is falling for the boy is never easy.

277
Love Lost
Pexels

You constantly text my phone telling me that you want to see me and hang out, even though we may not have sex we cuddle and that’s intimacy in its own. I’m tired of buying you food and being there for you like a girlfriend when you consistently tell me you aren't ready for a girlfriend. I am constantly feeling I’m getting slapped in the face because I’m doing all these things and getting nothing in return. Every day I feel myself liking you more which is just crazy because why would I even waste my time liking someone there isn’t a future with. I just want you to be honest with me and with yourself, tell me how you feel from your heart, stop just saying you aren’t ready. You are wasting time telling me you aren’t ready because while you are “getting ready” some guy somewhere else is telling me that he likes me and thinks I’m beautiful and wants to date me. I’m not asking for much, but I at least want exclusivity because you ask me for all these things but in return you give me nothing.

Keep Reading...Show less
Pretty Little Liars

From reading the books in eighth grade to watching the television show all throughout high school, "Pretty Little Liars"basically defined my teenage existence. I was completely and totally obsessed on all accounts. However, even though I loved the fact that the books and the show are starkly different, there are simply just some ways in which the books are much better. Let's take a look:

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

To The Girl In The Back Row

I just want you to know you are loved. You are loved so very much.

1107
To The Girl In The Back Row
Sojo.net

Recently I was blessed to be a counselor at a wonderful camp, secluded in a cornfield somewhere in Virginia. I consider myself to be a seasoned camp counselor, as I have not only been a camper for most of my life but have been privileged enough to work multiple camps with all kinds of different facilities. I have worked camps with multi-thousand dollar facilities, with zip lines, rock walls, ropes courses, and boats. I have worked at camps with amazing water sports, camps with paintball, camps with canoes and paddle boats and floating blobs or trampolines in the middle of the water. I have worked at camps with in ground pools and camps without any pools, and even some camps with go-karts. I've had problem kids, kids who refuse to listen to anything I say, kids who sneak out after lights out to meet a significant other, and kids who are every camp counselors dream.

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Why The United Nations Is Key For The World

"As to the U.N., things will be different after Jan. 20th"- Donald J. Trump

1542
Why The United Nations Is Key For The World
Flickr/ses7

The United Nations (UN) has been in existence since June of 1945. Since then, the world has come together to work on and solve some of the harshest problems that face the Human Race. Be it children in societal ills like Human Trafficking, natural issues like Deforestation, or issues of extreme poverty, the UN has worked together in an attempt to make it a better place for us all. It's the only organization in the history of the world to bring people together in a willing, peaceful way; a feat that not even the League of Nations could do in the Post- WWI era. Why was it that one organization failed, and the other one is still going strong, 72 years later?

Keep Reading...Show less
Rory Gilmore
Bustle

Quick-witted and insanely smart, Rory Gilmore has a track record for memorable, relevant quotes that have become a part of fans’ repertoires. With it being finals season, many of Rory’s words can be conveniently interpreted to reflect life during the last weeks of the semester. Here are some of Rory’s wisest words that explain your life during finals season.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments