Diddy and Our Culture’s ‘Himpathy’ for Powerful Men

This week we're taking a break from the election and turn our attention to the allegations against Sean Combs: Where has #MeToo succeeded or fallen short? And what happens when the lines blur between rumor mill and conspiracy theory? The Opinion columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom and the Opinion writer Jessica Grose join the conversation. Plus, Jessica has a recommendation for Plath-heads.

(A full transcript of this episode will be available on the Times website.)

Recommended in this episode:

[Mor_timer]

the problem is that we equate power and success with morality. which is why it will take 20 years and 50 average women to finally believe allegations against one powerful man. in our brains, the powerful man has more inherent value and thus should be given more benefit of the doubt than the 50 women, who are probably "looking for fame and money"

[B-Nice]

There was a distinct change in hip-hop as Diddy ushered in the “shiny suits and flashy things” era that made it a point to objectify women (even more than hip-hop of previous). As a hip-hop fan, it was sad to see watered down misogyny rap become the popular culture in rap. I STILL LOVE H.E.R. THO!!!

[jessicamorales]

This analysis was just too smart and elegant. Keep publishing on these topics. thank you

[EdoRiver]

Wow Ross this is one of the most impressive podcast I have heard in a…….several weeks 😅😅😅😅!

[AmandaNicholson-sz]

The moral compass with power and celebrity and protection of the entitled need’s closer examination so wealth doesn’t mean a get out of jail card .

[miravlix]

It always shock me how primitive America is. Men did childcare around here in the 70's and we know they also did it 1000 years ago, it's not a new invention, I've just only lived through it here since the 70's.

[nedludd]

@06.45 - There you have it: 'A snowballing cascade of stories coming out of the internet'. Mainstream media, where were you? Were you asleep at the wheel or turning a blind eye? Which one was it?

[AmandaNicholson-sz]

The pressure test of examination of conspiracy theories brilliant expose the crazy excellent proposal.

[MethSloth]

I have never heard of anybody empathazing with diddy lmao

[AmandaNicholson-sz]

Brilliant organized structural predation that is why Nicole Kidman/ Reece Witherspoon set up production companies and Margot Robbie and Lucky Chap production’s. Robert Evan’s Hollywood producer had legendary parties as did Hugh Hefner predatory behavior with cocaine and sex .

[EdoRiver]

I love the “collective you”.😂❤. I’m a75 yr old mostly retiree, Southerner living in Japan😢

[grammykcalloway]

What are good news sources? Most news has turned into panels of opinion, secondhand maybes and "what ifs". Where is Walter Cronkite who reported news, not opinion or slanted drivel. Money has replaced the need to report facts, not alternative facts. News people need to look in the mirror, reassess their values and STOP giving into CEOs who only care about money. Influencers are taking your place and not with facts, but with hype. Stand up, take back your place and "just the facts" please.

[nak]

I'm saddened by the lack of empathy displayed by people who don't find concern over young male children compelling. This is one of the things that turns me off liberals.