In response to “From the other publisher: Paradigm shift” published on Oct. 4.
A thank you to Karen York for her “Paradigm shift” column. As the mother of four well-adjusted, successful adult children, I lived through the “boys will be boys” stage many years ago when my sons were in high school. The other parents at the all-boys private school didn’t tell me about certain planned activities which, by the way, could have gotten them killed, because they knew I would object and blow the whistle. Damn right. I was so steamed that these parents were nonchalant about illegal behavior because “boys will be boys.” What is troubling nowadays is the sexualizing of pre-teen and teen girls, worsened with social media. Parents allow it because “everyone is doing it.” It’s a tough road for male teens with raging hormones. It’s important to remember that your kids are not your friends, but instead children who need help making good decisions.
As a lawyer, I am sure Arnold York has seen more than his share of false accusations. #BelieveWomen is a powerful rallying cry, but should it be without exception? Many women I know are vociferous about judging all accused men as guilty and because I do not agree, am I a traitor to my sex? No. As a female 40-year crisis management expert, working with attorneys defending men falsely accused of rape, I can tell you that these men suffer derailed careers, havoc in their family lives and worse. It’s prudent to look at the facts and have faith in the justice system, not the media. I believe that one is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, not the court of public opinion.
Susan Tellem