Biden is NOT a sexual predator, he's a product of a different age, & that's the real problem!
First, I've seen no evidence nor heard even a hint in his past to suggest Biden engaged in any sexually predatory behavior.
But, and here's the real problem, Biden's behavior is unacceptable to our current culture. And current is the key word here. I believe he sincerely believes he’s never touched any woman inappropriately because Uncle Joe grew up in a different age, one where offering “unsolicited affection” and “kindly though paternalistic attitudes toward women” weren’t just acceptable but actually signs of being a “good man."
I grew up in this age...
As a young woman, in the early 80s, I worked at the largest law firm in Boston, a prestigious firm, yet one where I fended off two sexual predators like the Donald. But, there I also worked for two of the "Uncle Joe" stereotype; old, white, lawyers who held “paternalistic” views toward their female support staff. These older guys thought nothing of hugging you in thanks or patting you on the head, shoulders, etc. Never in a sexual way but more like a father with a daughter.
These "kindly gentlemen" were the much sought after bosses at that firm because they were the most generous, and genuinely appreciative of staff efforts and, could be trusted never to sexually harass you. In short, these Uncle Joes were the prized, "good guy" bosses.
One of these "good guy" bosses went out of his way to personally arrange some pro-bono work for one of my family members. I’m forever grateful for his assistance though he hugged me (unasked) and said “you pretty young thing, don’t worry about it.” I could look back now and condemn him as a "sexist, condensing, old fossil" or I could understand that he's a product of a different age, where his attitudes and behavior weren't just accepted but lauded.
Uncle Joes grew up believing offering unsolicited affection to women wasn't just acceptable, but how you shared you really cared.
Uncle Joe is a "touchey feeley, hugger" in an age that has started to ask “wait shouldn’t you ask FIRST if a woman wants to be even touched at all?” And, that very question leaves Biden befuddled. He doesn't understand that his good intentions don't matter, what matters is how the recipient feels about his unsolicited touching.
I don't think Uncle Joe is ever really going to understand this cultural evolution, and he's not alone. A lot of older, white "good guys" are also strugging to understand #METoo or why their behavior "suddenly" is called out as wrong, and some of them are Democrats who I have no doubt are sympathizing with Joe Biden tonight.
But, older white men no longer represent nor speak for the majority of our party, and we must nominate a candidate who simply understands the age and culture we're living in, and that's not Joe Biden.
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2019 · 3:42:30 AM +00:00
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scamperdo
I wanted to add, Joe Biden’s behavior extends to men, too, and I think that’s an important point.
Barack Obama, who we can ALL agree is much more reserved and respectful when it comes to physical overtures towards any sex, has admitted Joe caught him more than a few times off-guard with hugs.