The scary truth about political tribalism is that it can cause people to rationalize truly terrible acts.
Over the past two years, political tribalism has led conservatives to chalk up Donald Trump’s admission that he sexually assaults women to “locker room talk.” It’s also given people reason to defend an alleged pedophile, Alabama senatorial candidate Roy Moore.
It's hard to believe that anyone would have defended Trump's behavior if he was just the host of "The Apprentice" or if Moore he wasn't a combatant in the political arena.
And, most recently, people are making excuses for the alleged sexual assaults committed by Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.
In a recent tweet thread, writer, activist, and editorial director at Crush the Midterms, Marisa Kabas perfectly picked apart the excuses made by some of Kavanaugh's supporters.
While some simply don’t believe the allegations, many have made excuses for his alleged behavior, claiming he was “just a boy” and that what he did “shouldn't ruin his life.”
But when they do so, they are neglecting the most important person in the story, the victim.
They say, “this could ruin his life,” without acknowledging it already ruined hers.— marisa kabas (@marisa kabas) 1537185376.0
They say, “he was just a kid,” without acknowledging that she was, too.— marisa kabas (@marisa kabas) 1537185609.0
They say, “it was just a few stupid minutes,” without acknowledging how those few minutes changed all her years.— marisa kabas (@marisa kabas) 1537185724.0
They say, “he doesn’t deserve this,” as if she does.— marisa kabas (@marisa kabas) 1537185859.0
They say “boys will be boys,” without realizing that denied this girl her girlhood.— marisa kabas (@marisa kabas) 1537186179.0
Kabas' tweet threat inspired many passionate responses.
@coton_luver @MarisaKabas @lovepeoplejo https://t.co/YVFvC7S2aj— Francine Lipman (@Francine Lipman) 1537250425.0
@anoneemouse5 @MarisaKabas Thank you. What shocks me is this is STILL the mindset of many & it's 2018. What's even… https://t.co/lAeeggivY6— April Nowak 🖖🏼🖖🖖🏿 (@April Nowak 🖖🏼🖖🖖🏿) 1537324924.0
@MarisaKabas Yes. And also not getting this job is not ruining his life in any way. Employers reject candidates for way less.— MIKE RYAN #ForThePeople (@MIKE RYAN #ForThePeople) 1537189086.0





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