In the modern political world, major figures often point fingers at one another to fulfill their own agenda. However in the democracy of the United States, not only do these politicians have to make decisions, but they must take into consideration the opinions of the people. This is outlined in the First Amendment found in the United States Constitution stating,“ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Due to freedom of speech is for everyone in the country, citizens are allowed to accuse top political officials if these people have done something wrong. These accusations can include sexual assault, discrimination, and the list can go on (if it's all true). Especially in modern day politics, women are always targeted by these top politicians and can say something but little could happen. Compared to the play “A Streetcar Named Desire” written by Tennessee Williams, Stanley sexually assaulting Blanche wasn't a “scandal” as what modern politics would call it, but a harsh reality. The quote “I couldn't go on believing her story and live with Stanley" (Stella, 1232) not only represents how Stella is emotionally coping with how her own husband raped her sister, but it also represents how compared to the modern world (especially in politics) women are looked as less educated and treated as a minority just based off of being physically different in structure compared to men.At the time this play was written women were perceived as weak. in the rape scene at the end of Scene 11, it is clear how at the time women were viewed as powerless. Tennessee describing how Blanche was “sinking to her knees” and being “picked up to the bed” (Tennessee 1231), shows how Tennessee wishes to illustrate that women at the time were “weak.” Even when Stella says “I couldn't go on believing her story and live with Stanley" (Stella, 1232), she didn't have the courage to stand up to Stanley because she knew her voice would be irrelevant. On top of everything, Stella has a kid with Stanley and she depends on him. Due to the social hierarchy that was made in New Orleans surrounding Stanley, his reputation is huge and people know him as the great bowler in town with charisma. This makes matters worse because if Stella said something that would make Stanley look like a culprit, it would have no effect towards him. The 1940s were not kind to women, but as time passed and we came to a modern day government and democracy, things have started to change. From women being able to vote and to have a say in matters to fighting for gender equality, there have been great strides for women since modern society’s creation. Despite this progress, women today are still looked down upon in certain situations and thought to be “targets” for these major figures in the government, whether it be sexual or discriminatory.
In an environment with "so many young women," said one ex-House aide, the men "have no self-control." "Amongst ourselves, we know," a former Senate staffer said of the lawmakers with the worst reputations. Sometimes, the sexual advances from members of Congress or senior aides are reciprocated in the hopes of advancing one's career -- what one political veteran bluntly referred to as a "sex trade on Capitol Hill" (Lee et al, 5). For many men, women in the political world are viewed as weak individuals whom can be easily manipulated. A clear connection can be made when comparing between reality and with the play Streetcar Named Desire in the article. Throughout the play, Stanley did not have any self-control and would grow aggravated when the littlest thing would happen. Once he raped Blanche, he revealed his true nature; he became an animal. Just like Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, Stanley began as a man with a reputation living a life in New Orleans with Stella. Once Blanche came into play, he evolved to a monstrosity of a human being, as demonstrated in the acts he committed. As some of these corrupt politicians in the real world do the same thing, committing these horrible actions in the workplace, it's unfortunate how there has to be some sort of “cover-up” for these major officials. For example, one politician, Roy Moore, was running for Alabama's senate. He caught the majority of the public's eye due to him being more conservative and seemed like the ideal candidate. However, there was a woman who came forward, saying that he had raped her when she was sixteen. After this allegation, many people couldn't see Roy Moore becoming a senator. "Mr. Moore attacked me when I was a child," Nelson said, adding that she was 15 when he began flirting with her and 16 at the time of the alleged assault. "I want Mr. Moore to know that he no longer has any power over me” (Watkins, 3) Due to this occurrence, he lost the election for Senator of Alabama. Connecting to the play after Stanley raped Blanche, just as the people who were voting looked at Moore, Stella was disgusted.
As the play comes to a conclusion, Blache is taken away by the doctors because she is psychologically ill. Stella knowing that her sister is crazy and “two-faced”, she questions to see if the story that Blanche told her about Stanley raping her is just a made up story or reality. Compared to modern-day allegations, women who convict politicians such as Roy Moore and others on capitol hill could potentially lose everything in the process just from someone's voice. But the fact that these people still commit these actions because they think of women as a “lesser” people is completely horrific. Stanley side by side to Roy Moore can be similar due to their mindsets of having women in “handcuffs” so to say. Due to them compressing what women want to say for a long time, they know they have a certain dominance which is completely revolting. Whether Blanche's story was true or not, it doesn't hide that the attitude Stanley has had over both women throughout the play was animalistic. Even today, these major political figures will show disrespect towards women whether in the office, the household or in public.
Lee, MJ, et al. “More than 50 People Describe Sexual Harassment in Congress.” CNN, Cable News Network, 14 Nov. 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/11/14/politics/sexual-harassment-congress/index.html.
Watkins, Eli. “Woman Accuses Moore of Assaulting Her at 16.” CNN, Cable News Network, 14 Nov. 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/11/13/politics/gloria-allred-roy-moore-alabama/index.html.
Staff, LII. “First Amendment.” LII / Legal Information Institute, 10 Oct. 2017, www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment.
Williams, Tennessee “A Streetcar Named Desire”
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