Add Another One To The List XII: Les Moonves And Chris Hardwick

Since last fall, the backlash against rich and powerful men accused of sexual assault and/or harassment has been swift and powerful. Men who thought they could get away with such acts without repercussions are finally being forced to admit to their crimes. The newest men added to this dishonorable list is CEO chairman Les Moonves and  comic/podcast host Chris Hardwick.

Last week, Mr. Moonves was accused of using the casting couch to fill his sexual needs in return for work. In June, Mr. Hardwick was accused of abusing and blacklisting an ex-girlfriend.

The accusations against Mr. Moonves are still fresh. Only time will tell if he receives the same statement as Harvey Weinstein or if he is exonerated. As of this week, Mr. Hardwick has been cleared of the charges.

I feel like at this point, our collective response should not be all fire and fury. But that also depends on the severity of the charge. The response to the accusations against Aziz Ansari should not be the same response to Harvey Weinstein.  But that doesn’t mean that they can get away with it.

The message should be clear. Sexual assault and harassment by both men and women will not be tolerated. Those accused of such acts and found guilty will receive a punishment that fits the crime.

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Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream Book Review

Anyone with a goal will tell you that there is no substitute for old-fashioned hard work.

Ibtihaj Muhammad understands the success that can only from hard work. In 2016, she became the first Muslim-American woman to win an Olympic medal.

Her new memoir is Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream. Co-written by Lori Tharps, Ms. Muhammad’s story starts in suburban New Jersey where she was raised by African-American parents who converted to Islam. As a girl, she was athletic, but was unable get involved with most sports because of her faith. Except for fencing, which requires a full body suit as a uniform. As she began to train and built up her fencing abilities, she dealt with racism, xenophobia and ostracism from those who felt that she did not belong to the fencing community.

I loved this memoir. The quality that struck me most about Ms. Muhammad is that she was so determined to succeed, in spite of the obstacles in front of her. She proves that hard work, confidence and sweat can overcome anything, racism included.

I recommend it.