“This statement is remarkable in that we so rarely see anything approaching this level of public accountability in these cases, but the fact that it’s an anomaly is a testament to how low the bar really is.”
Though the situations themselves can hardly be equated, the direction for a remedial response in the case of injustice is much the same for many instances of sexual assault as it is in reparations for African-Americans. Both come down to offenders upholding their end of a social contract and being accountable for their actions.
Amira Davis in a way makes the same case as Coates. They both identify transgressions in society that have not received the adequate responses and recompense, and call for accountability. Considering this, I’m inclined to take make a similar observation for the case of sexual abusers as I did for reparations. Society simply cannot move towards a better future for everyone if it excludes its victims from receiving full benefits as human beings; a status only accomplished with the recognition of wrongdoings, the specific statement of wrongs and the process of healing and reconciliation for victims.
Davis explains that this isn’t being done, and that because so many abusers (especially ones in positions of power) are not held responsible for their actions, the ambiguous and incomplete response made by Kobe that was nearly on track to accountability, is ultimately harmful because it sets a lightweight, simple precedent for for future responses of culpability that must be substantial and complex.
Really good connection between the two articles. I think Davis and Coates both have valid points and you did a good job explaining them.
Judah, this is a wonderful piece of writing man! I especially love your terminal paragraph. To your point, there is in fact a standard for responding to gross allegations, and for committing to the cause of moral repair. As you clearly stated, Kobe Bryant did not in fact hit that standard. Furthermore, this low-bar standard reads more like an athlete making a routine media appearance after a regular season loss. Bollocks, and quite unacceptable. As society, much work is needed in reframing the ways in which we understand legacy. Great work man :)!