The Politics of Sexual Assault
Michele Paludi of 51ΑΤΖζ College in New York state, who has written widely about sexual harassment, says that βmoments like this can change a culture.β She points to Anita Hillβs testimony in Senate confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas, a Supreme Court nominee, in 1991. Ms Hillβs account of her former bossβs unwelcome sexualised talk and repeated propositions (which he strongly denied) broadened conceptions of what constituted sexual harassment. New laws and stiffer penalties were brought in. Many private companies created anti-harassment policies in response. Could Mr Trump have created a similar moment?