If We Won’t Punish Harmful Men, Can We at Least Not Reward Them?

On power, privilege, and punishment

In the headlines these days, it’s not unusual to read about public figures who have been exposed in some social or sexual wrongdoing. Racism, sexism, and other marginalizing behaviors are far more likely to be reported on and discussed than they were twenty years ago. Whether it’s Louis CK, Ryan Adams, or Liam Neeson, men in particular are facing criticism over inappropriate behavior. This is good. We need to have these discussions.

Unfortunately, these discussions follow a predictable and flawed pattern. First, the public and commentators respond with skepticism. They cry that we must offer the man the benefit of doubt. Next, when it is clear something is wrong, they thirst for details, asking “Was it really that bad?” But the step that seems to generate the most press and discussion is, “Does he really deserve such harsh punishment? Should this ruin his life?” We focus on how the fallout, from his actions, will harm the man involved.

The question of how to appropriately and effectively respond to abuse and other irresponsible behavior is an important one. We could stand to apply such thinking to crimes such as drug possession and sex work. But when it comes to well-known men who have done harm to women and other…