I'd like to begin this article with the disclaimer that I'm incredibly embarrassed to be writing about this issue. Not because it's embarrassing to be an American during this election (although for that too), but because the content herein is lewd, disgusting, and not something that should be talked about unless it has to be.
More than likely, especially if you're reading this article, you've heard the things Donald Trump said in 2005 (when he was 59 years old). I will not quote them here for the aforementioned reasons (crude, horrible, etc.) and because the issue with which I am most concerned is not with what he said, but with his excuse for that behavior.
Again and again, even during the debate last night, Donald Trump has tried to dismiss his braggadocious words about sexual assault as, "locker room talk."
I've discussed this issue, specifically Trump's excuse, with multiple friends and heard two distinct perspectives that approach the issue of "locker room talk" differently but still condemn Trump's words and actions.
The first perspective says that words like Trump's are actually what "locker room talk" is. The phrase implicitly (or explicitly) suggests the objectification of women as well as incredibly lewd behavior. Even if this is true, it means that locker room talk is a component of rape culture. Being comfortable talking about women in this way suggests that coercion and rape are not as bad or wrong as they actually are. And if this is true, then "locker room talk" is actually the worst excuse Trump could use because it confirms that he takes part in and talks about rape and assault as if they are a normal part of life.
The second perspective is that the offensive, crass things Donald Trump said are inexcusable and should not be labeled as locker room talk. This perspective says this excuse is sexist, claiming all men take part in this behavior is a generalization that should never be made. Beyond sexism, it claims that athletes do everyday what he did. Donald Trump trying to excuse that behavior as anything other than what it was (disgusting and horrible words that should never be said about actions that should never be done) is irresponsible.
Either way, Trump is a man I would be afraid to stand in the same room with. His behavior is the furthest thing from presidential. And no woman should be afraid, either for fear of being judged harshly for the way they look or fear of being deemed worthy of assault.
