Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

YoungDemCA

(5,714 posts)
Sat Dec 6, 2014, 03:54 PM Dec 2014

On Bill Cosby and sociopaths/predators in high places

I wish I could say I was shocked by the recent allegations of sexual assault/rape against Bill Cosby from (literally) dozens of women (and counting) who have come forward over the past few weeks. However, I'm not shocked at all-and here's why.

Here's a simple fact: Bill Cosby is a very wealthy, and very powerful man. This is fairly uncontroversial, yet its significance to the current scandal is-IMHO-under-appreciated. Being in a position of power and authority in society or a particular field of work (entertainment in Cosby's case), being a celebrity and household name (like Cosby is-an added bonus for him), and last but not least, being trusted by people-including women-is the dream scenario for a sociopath/predator, because they are much more likely to get away with horrific acts.

There are a lot more sociopaths and predators in high places, in positions of power and authority, than most people would like to believe. They are a lot more "normal" and well-adjusted than you'd think. And in many cases-particularly in cases of sexual violence-they prey on people-women, men, and children-who know them and trust them. That is a terrifying reality to recognize.

-My $0.02.



5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
On Bill Cosby and sociopaths/predators in high places (Original Post) YoungDemCA Dec 2014 OP
Sociopaths tend to be charismatic in the superficial sort of way that opens doors but, Tuesday Afternoon Dec 2014 #1
high places jakeXT Dec 2014 #2
Well put ismnotwasm Dec 2014 #3
Perhaps the same qualities which help people attain wealth and fame, make them more likely nomorenomore08 Dec 2014 #4
Bill Cosby, Himself: Fame, Narcissism and Sexual Violence economistman Jan 2015 #5

Tuesday Afternoon

(56,912 posts)
1. Sociopaths tend to be charismatic in the superficial sort of way that opens doors but,
Sat Dec 6, 2014, 04:25 PM
Dec 2014

does not press to dig deeper so people accept them on a social level but, never see their seamy underside until it is too late.

jakeXT

(10,575 posts)
2. high places
Sun Dec 7, 2014, 11:08 AM
Dec 2014

Another alleged Cosby victim, PJ Masten, told CNN that he woke up naked and bruised in a bed with Cosby after receiving an alcohol drink in Chicago, and she thinks that she was raped that night back in 1979. Masten revealed herself on Friday, saying she wanted to stop the comedian from harming others.

Masten said she had worked at Playboy clubs in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Jersey, and knew Cosby from his visits there. She was told not to report the rape because of Cosby’s status as Hefner’s “best friend,” she alleged. As more women have come forward, however, she decided to break her silence, she said.

http://dailydigestnews.com/2014/12/bill-cosby-friend-hugh-hefner-calls-sexual-abuse-allegations-saddening/

ismnotwasm

(42,020 posts)
3. Well put
Mon Dec 8, 2014, 01:55 PM
Dec 2014

The narassistic aspect of these people will keep them feeling entitled even if they are not actual sociopaths, and attract them to exploit/harm whatever and whoever they please, either conscious free, or justifying their behavior.

nomorenomore08

(13,324 posts)
4. Perhaps the same qualities which help people attain wealth and fame, make them more likely
Wed Dec 10, 2014, 05:32 AM
Dec 2014

to behave in a predatory fashion. There's a certain personality type which lends itself to both.

Of course, this is in addition to said wealth and fame making it easier to get away with such crimes.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»History of Feminism»On Bill Cosby and sociopa...