Monica Lewinsky is a person with feelings.
In 2015 Monica Lewinsky made headlines with one of the top-rated TED Talks ever, “Price of Shame.” In it she discussed the devastating consequences of falling in love with her boss at the age of 22 and what it felt like to be the target of public shaming. You would think that after making this powerful video she could have put her past firmly behind her, but no.
Fast-forward to November 2017. The media still use her name as click bait. For example, a TV special coming out about her affair with President Clinton that led to his impeachment was going to be titled “The Monica Lewinsky Scandal.” Lewinsky, now a tireless advocate for those who are bullied online, stood up for herself. She immediately took to Twitter to correct the title, suggesting it should be called “The Clinton Impeachment” or “The Starr Investigation.” The network listened. The series is now called “The ClintonLewinsky Scandal.” Not perfect, but better.
This is a good example of the power of the internet. We have the ability to change and shake up people’s thoughts through our keypad. It’s truly a doubleedged sword. In this situation, the influence of social media was heard — and rightfully so.
With the news of sexual harassment trending and filling the 24-hour news cycle, the fact that Lewinsky was likely a victim back in 1998 of one of the most powerful men in the country at that time is not going unnoticed. People are bothered that not only did Clinton get away with it — he lied about it. While Americans blamed her for sleeping with a married man, he was able to keep his office.
Monica is a strong, genuine and compassionate person. When I approached her in 2016 to ask her to write a foreword for my book, “Shame Nation,” she agreed. After reading the manuscript, she knew it would be another opportunity to lend her voice to help those who are being publicly shamed and viciously digitally attacked, like she was.
Monica is not a scandal; she’s a person. She has feelings; the next time you see her on Twitter or Facebook, choose kindness like she does. Remember that cliché you were taught as a child: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
In October Lewinsky launched a public service announcement called “In Real Life.” Take a minute, watch it and realize when you put words online, there’s a soul on the other side of the screen — a soul who breathes, sleeps and eats the same way you do.
If you wouldn’t want something mean said to you, your closest friend or family member, please don’t say it to a stranger – online or off.
The next time you see Lewinsky on Twitter or Facebook, choose kindness like she does.