An Inclusive Litany

4/12/99

The Rev. Donna Shaper of the United Church of Christ in the Philadelphia Inquirer, February 2, 1999:
It is not the managers' fault that the country itself has enough residual sexism that the very appearance of a woman who has been "outed" for enjoying oral sex (as though there were no others) will kick off a new round of salaciousness.

Nor is it their fault that women bring on the sex—even though men are also involved. Bill Clinton remains a lucky guy; she becomes a Hester, with an A-plus on her breast.

It was, however, the managers' responsibility to call or not to call her to testify.

They could have let this option go—but apparently, they just couldn't. It was too juicy. Too punitive. Too mean.

Learn how sexism works. Once it gets going, it can't stop itself.

It can't help itself. Such is the defense of many convicted rapists.