The increased sexual assault accusation rate on Caucasian men in Hollywood is alarming. There have always been cases of sexual misconduct involving men in power, however, these cases sky-rocketed after multiple women accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Some of these Hollywood stars include comedian Louis C.K. and actors Kevin Spacey and Ben Affleck.
On Nov 9, Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick was accused of raping two women. Kristina Cohen and Aurélie Wynn shared their stories through social media about how they were pinned down, and their clothes were ripped off.
However, the worst part about these allegations is that they are becoming routine in news cycles. People are no longer shocked when new rape allegations arise because as long as a man is powerful enough, people don't mind that he abuses women.
Why are people so shocked that men in power abuse women when the leader of our country is allowed to do the same with no consequences? The man that 45.9 percent of the United States and 304 members of the electoral college voted into office thinks it's okay to "grab them by the pussy," to make women do what he wants. Whether President Trump was just using "locker room talk" or recounting his personal experiences, men are trained from birth to be deceptive, aggressive and selfish. These traits are valued in men and seen as masculine.
A woman who always gets her way, won't take no for an answer, and skews the truth to get to the top is a lying bitch. But a man who can manipulate a situation and push his agenda is successful and accomplished. When the traits of masculinity are taken into a sexual nature instead of a political one, the outcome is that of Ed Westwick, Louis C.K., and Kevin Spacey.
Realistically, not all successful men are rapists, but we shouldn't view abusive behavior of powerful men as a condition of their fame. We need to reevaluate which professional qualities we value that align with the sexual harassment that we excuse, and denormalize sexual violence.