Outrage over Weinstein is ‘a bit over the top’

I’m a bit perplexed and amused by the column

“How does Harvey Weinstein happen? Visit a gay bar with me.” Marc Ambinder attempts to explain Weinstein’s actions by suggesting how to see this unwanted behavior in action.

Sexual assault, harassment and even behavior that’s inside the acceptable standards is a cultural norm. Why is it difficult to see how different people perceive what is acceptable based on their different cultural position? Being white and rich (of one sexual orientation or another) are just a few of the different cultural influences an individual has to mold moral, culturally acceptable behavior.

While it may seem appalling that Hollywood producers search out sexual favors in exchange for work , it is by no means a natural, ethical taboo. On the contrary, I believe our society is just recently viewing this behavior as intolerable and out of bounds. What happens in a gay bar today is probably very different than what happened in the 1970s or what happens in a gay bar in Bangkok or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

I find the outrage over Weinstein’s behavior a bit over the top. I would not recommend anyone who has some dignity to enter the entertainment field because I assume the power structure is weighted so heavily in favor of these sexual predators as to make those who wish to stay above the fray unemployable. If people, society and those who profess moral superiority wish this behavior to stop, a more concerted effort must be made for actors to vilify and publicize every encounter in which they see happening. There should be no acceptable sexual favors in exchange for acting jobs. When patrons return to gay bars after being repeatedly groped, they have a weak argument that it’s not acceptable behavior.

What Weinstein did will only be morally reprehensible when society decides it is. All of society, no exceptions. Mark Deaton

Gig Harbor, Wash.