sallyyates:

I think it’s worth noting that Dianne Feinstein asked both James Comey and Terry Crews the same question at both their hearings and pointed out the hypocrisy of victim-blaming. Long post under the cut:

I think it’s important to note why she asked them both the same question regarding their size and strength–physical and moral:

1. A person testifying cannot talk about why they did or did not do something unless they’re specifically asked about a subject.
2. It gave them both the opportunity to shut down a victim-blaming line of questioning right away because she is asking to show how wrong it is to ask someone those kinds of question, where someone else on the senate panel would ask them as their real questions.
3. It gave her the opportunity to highlight the ridiculousness and offensiveness of those kinds of questions, which she pointed out on her twitter:

In Terry Crews’ case, the issue of victim-blaming questioning is obviously wrong because he’s an actual sexual assault victim. In Comey’s case, the tones in his questions where present too–and not just from Feinstein, who had a point and purpose to her questions–which the media picked up on, too. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) 

James Comey is not a sexual assault victim, but he was a victim–of sorts–of a known sexual predator, a man known for abusing his power over people he sees as “below” him. I think it’s incredibly important what Dianne Feinstein does in these hearings with these questions. Here is what she achieves with that question:

1. She is showing that abuse of power happens everywhere–in Hollywood and in government, in an office, at a school, anywhere that a someone abusive is in power.
2. Men experiences various forms of assault, abuse, and harassment too!
3. Being “big” or “tall” or “strong” does not mean people with those characteristics won’t be assaulted or harassed.
4. Every victim’s story needs and deserves to be heard, and the abuser must face consequences for their actions.
5. People with the power to make changes and to protect people–like senators!–need to stop shaming and blaming victims.
6. HOLD PEOPLE IN POWER ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS!!!