My Essay on The Week: “Trump and the Everlasting Problem of Men Demanding Apologies From Women”

As a writer, there are certain things that I wish I didn’t have to write about. My latest op-ed for The Week falls in that category. Trump and his treatment of the four Congresswomen is yet another reveal of his deeply racist and misogynistic character, and I’m so over men demanding apologies from women. SO. OVER. IT. Women do not owe men the word “sorry.”

Needless to say, I’ve been fuming ALL WEEK. Well, actually, I’ve been fuming since 2016, but that’s beside the point. These are scary and dangerous times that we’re living in, and I knew I just had to write an op-ed about this culture of men thinking women owe them apologies. Make no mistake, this sense of entitlement is peak misogyny. Because the truth is…

WOMEN DO NOT OWE MEN.

They don’t owe them their time. They don’t owe them their attention.

Here’s an excerpt of the piece, which found a home on The Week and includes far too many examples of instances in pop culture, politics and even sports where powerful men have demanded that women apologize and atone for their supposed wrongdoings…

With this in mind, it becomes clear the apology is a tool — or perhaps a weapon — wielded by misogynists to suppress strong, confident women by making them feel humiliated, ashamed, and small. Trump, in particular, has a history of going on the attack any time he feels threatened or intimidated by a strong woman, and his is a predictable MO, one that he established long ago. He’s afraid of these four congresswomen because they’re not afraid of him. They’re not going to acquiesce or back down, and so Trump falls back on naming, shaming, and demanding repentance.

My op-ed was also featured on The Week’s homepage!! Think the Trump will see it??

This illustration is by my friend Meaghan Elderkin (remember her inspiring napkin drawings?) and is such a powerful statement of these amazing Congresswomen of color.

I stand with these incredibly brave and powerful women. Squad goals forever and always. Thank you, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. We see you and we support you!

You can read the full piece here and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me anytime at mellow1422@aol.com and let’s chat! And of course, feel free to share my essay on Facebook, Twitter or even your local refrigerator. If you share on Twitter, be sure to tag me @melissablake so we can connect! I can’t wait to hear from you! Love you all… xoxo