Sex & Power: Why Monica Lewinsky Continues To Get A Bad Rap

One notable figure this election outside of the candidates themselves was undeniably former President Bill Clinton, who has now become a superhouse in the Democratic party.  People adore Bill, the media loves him, some even call for him to run for President again (not that its possible).   But maybe it's just me, but I can't think of Bill Clinton without thinking of Monica Lewinsky and the Oval Office private party for 2 featuring Bill and Monica in the late 1990's.

It would seem to me that all have forgiven Mr. Clinton of his transgressions, his betrayal of country and the vows he took, but yet Ms. Lewinsky, almost 2 decades later remains in the doghouse.  I am not saying that Ms. Lewinsky is a saint by any means, her motives of course were questionable.  At the time her romps with the former President began, Monica was just a 21 year-old young woman who like most twenty-one year olds; was trying to find her stride in a big and sometimes confusing world. Whether or not Monica's saving of the infamous blue dress was part of some plot to "trap" President Clinton is to me, of little consequence.

I want to understand why Bill Clinton has been forgiven by the public and media and Ms. Lewinsky is still branded as a whore.  Certainly, it takes two to tango. One could argue that Mr. Clinton being much older holding the highest office in the land held quite a bit of influence over the young Lewinsky. After all, it was Bill who should have known better, right? Wasn't it Bill who took a vow of fidelity to his wife Hilary? Wasn't it Bill who held the public trust?  Did Ms. Lewinsky do something completely stupid? Absolutely.  But who hasn't at the age of 21? It just so happened that Ms. Lewinsky's transgressions were on a bigger playing field, with a larger audience and much higher stakes.  I have no doubt that Ms. Lewinsky was smart, but sometimes a lack of maturity shows up even in the most brilliant young adults.

It's safe to say that both made a mistake or at least the mistake of letting private affairs become fodder for public consumption. But if I had to choose one biggest looser here, it would be for me, President Clinton.  But in reality, the opposite has played out.  This scandal as followed Ms. Lewinsky around like a plague and according to sources has been unable to secure employment because of it...20 years later!  President Clinton on the other hand, is being paid millions just to show up and speak to large crowds.  And while, being a former President would command such attention, it almost seems as his affair with Ms. Lewinsky is a notch on his belt, a key chain that says "been there, done that".  Bragging rights that Ms. Lewinsky has not nor will ever have.

For me, this doesn't make sense. If one is a whore, then so are both. If one is going to be stoned, in the public eye, so should both. After all, it was President Clinton who was accused of questionable relationships with several women other than his wife.  He was after all, the second President to be impeached for none other than, adulterous affairs with numerous women. But yet, being known as a smooth operator has ironically elevated his status, not tarnished it.   No matter how you slice and dice it, it will be hard to prove that this doesn't boil down to good old fashioned sexism.

What say you? I will be concluding my thoughts in part 2. But I'd love to hear from you!