Criminality and Misbehavior: there is a difference

 A year ago, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars and instantly set the world on fire. Since then lots of people have weighed in with their opinions on the actions of both men and how it affected intra-racial race relations, gender relations, and the state of American politics. Months later Kanye West engaged in a series of actions and statements that equally launched more opinions than the global population. In both cases, questions ultimately focused on traditional American behaviors, the things that your parents taught you never to do or say in public. True to form, it did not take long for someone to respond to defend the offender. And suddenly, the person lending a hand to the offender was subject to the same or even greater levels of scrutiny. 

Lessons learned from these two incidents is that American society can be forgiving or unforgiving, not depending on the offense, but on the manipulation of the offense. I can say or do the most heinous things and get away with it if my crisis is well managed. The articulation of my points, the rationalization of my argument, my ego, and my public perception by the larger society can salvage even the worst of crimes. If not the punishment can be swift and financially damaging.

So how will the nation respond to the latest transgressions by Tucker Carlson of Fox News and Congressman George Santos of New York? Both have proven to be liars and have clearly broken the public trust. Santos, the newly elected member of Congress has fabricated every aspect of his American story since leaving his native Brazil. He crafted a narrative that he attended two universities and earned a MBA and worked for a Wall Street firm. Posing as a gay Republican he was married to a woman. However, the worst offense was stating that his mother was at Ground Zero and subsequently died from the toxic fumes. Carlson the ex-CNN and MSNBC host had seemingly found a home at Fox. His highly rated show was one of the biggest supporters of President Trump and "the big lie". However, in the discover phase of the Dominion Voting Machine case his private text messages were uncovered. It appears that Carlson also has profited from lying. Stating in texts that he passionately hates President Trump, and that the network needed to continue broadcasting that the election was stolen presents a conflict of interest for the network and for the people who rely on him for news. As Carlson's most recent broadcasts continue the myth of January 6th being a peaceful event, one has to wonder when his relationship with his base will implode?

In America we often confuse misbehavior with criminality. Kanye West misbehaved. His actions were offensive. In coming to his defense Kyrie Irving was ignorant, but within his rights. He did nothing wrong. Yet, both were financially punished for their actions. 

Chris Rock was injured but did not press charges. He got his "revenge" in a televised special. Will Smith misbehaved and technically broke the law. Rock saved him but Smith was punished by the academy and the industry and this will affect his earning power. 

Santos has committed several crimes and still was able to take a seat in Congress. He has also misbehaved since taking the oath of office. Carlson has misbehaved and is indirectly supporting domestic terrorism. Despite the daily criticism, it seems that America will be forgiving of Carlson and Santos. That racism will be levied as the reason why neither suffers financial punishment and personal humiliation. I tend to believe that Santos who claimed Jewish heritage but is not Jewish will not face charges of being Anti-Semitic and that Fox will never disclose to its viewers that Carlson lied about his feelings towards the 45th president or the events of January 6th. Their "social and legal crimes" are far greater than those of West and Smith, but the media was and remains more fascinated with these black men than the white ones. Santos and Carlson could potentially end up behind bars, but we all know that will never happen.

Lesson learned from these two is that a Ron De Santis presidency will not change this type of American portrayal of race and criminality. Personally, I hope I am wrong on all counts. 

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