The Internet is rightfully picking apart Mike Pence’s rule about not being alone with women, and they’ve got some killer points
We learned in March of this year that Vice President Mike Pence never dines alone with women who aren’t his wife. In fact, it’s kind of a policy of his. And though it’s problematic in many ways, the way it’s been used lately is especially concerning.
Over the last few weeks, so many powerful men have been accused of sexual assault and misconduct that it’s left our heads spinning. Harvey Weinstein was the first. Senate hopeful Roy Moore and sitting Senator Al Franken have also faced allegations. Kevin Spacey was accused by Anthony Rapp. And that’s just a few of the many (many, many). Men across several different industries have been called out for inappropriate sexual behavior. Because the issue spans across industry and party lines, it seems clear to us that it’s not any kind of surface-level issue. It’s a deep and systemic one that needs to be addressed.
But instead of examining our society and how it teaches men they are entitled to power over women’s bodies, some Twitter users have come up with another supposed solution. And that is employing Mike Pence’s policy about never being alone with women who aren’t your wife. See what we mean about being pretty concerned about this?
Check out what some have had to say about employing the Mike Pence rule.
Mike Pence’s policy of avoiding being alone with women other than his wife looking better every day, though widely mocked when it first became known.
— Brit Hume (@brithume) November 17, 2017
3 politically incorrect things we could do to curb sexual harassment but won't because we're stupid and terrible:
1) Observe the Mike Pence rule
2) Emphasize chastity
3) Emphasize modesty— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) November 17, 2017
Say what you want about VP Mike Pence and his political decisions, but his personal rule about not meeting alone with a woman who isn’t his wife is above reproach. If offended by it, the problem is you.
— Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) November 18, 2017
As a refresher, The Washington Post reporter Ashley Parker brought this story to light earlier this year.
Mike Pence never dines alone w a woman not his wife, nor does he attends events w alcohol, w/o her by his side. https://t.co/BxfS0JzbAc
— Ashley Parker (@AshleyRParker) March 29, 2017
But Mike Pence himself revealed back in 2002 that he never eats alone with a woman other than his wife.
He also said he won’t attend events that have alcohol without her, either. He does so to “avoid infidelity temptations” or rumors of any funny business.
Naturally, the internet shut these arguments down real quick. Sexual assault victims and allies alike responded to explain why modesty isn’t going to solve the problem.
Huh??? What are you talking about? How about just not being abusive to women?
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) November 16, 2017
Hi. I was sexually assaulted once while wearing baggy trousers and an oversized sweatshirt. Modesty is not Kevlar. It's not a shield. Sexual violence is about power.
— Elizabeth M. (@_ElizabethMay) November 18, 2017
Others argued how the Mike Pence rule would actually hurt women even more.
The Pence Rule would also prevent women from being hired, mentored, and promoted. Forget the Pence Rule. Just don't sexually harass or assault women. It's not hard.
— Eric Christensen (@erchristensen) November 16, 2017
if an male job applicant informed HR he would adopt the "Pence rule" he would be shown the door. The same should be true for male bosses, especially elected officials. You DO NOT get to make different rules for an employee based on their gender for ANY reason. https://t.co/53nALlTX0a
— Cheri Jacobus (@CheriJacobus) November 18, 2017
Someone also dropped this burn.
I appreciate all the men coming out pro Mike Pence’s rule about women. Saying loud and clear that being chaperoned is the only way to stop them from raping women. Good to know guys!
— Leah Pipes (@leahmariepipes) November 18, 2017
Regardless of your political leanings, the tweets made clear that no matter what women (or men) wear, they deserve to have respect. By putting the responsibility on the woman, we set them up to be blamed for not doing enough should someone assault them.
Writer Jennifer Mathieu explained this concept in a TIME essay. “If it’s all the responsibility of the woman to keep the man ‘in check’ through what she wears, then if he crosses the line, doesn’t that suggest she’s at fault somehow?” she wrote.
Instead of telling women, or victims, how to live their lives, here’s a better solution: Abusers, don’t sexually assault someone. And if you’re a man, don’t be afraid of women. Stand up to the men who abuse their power against them.
