Following the discourse on a crisis of masculinity and a lack of male role models, let’s compare the two men that hit the news headlines worldwide this week, Donald Trump and Leonard Cohen. I take special interest in their attitude towards women.
“Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.” (source)
Donald Trump, businessman and reality tv person, elected as the next president of the USA.
“I wish the women would hurry up and take over […] Then we can finally recognize that women really are the minds and the force that holds everything together” (source)
Leonard Cohen, singer, songwriter and poet, who passed away at 82.
Yes, it’s quite selective and black-and-white, but still very revealing concerning these public images are present in media and as such are influential characters.
Cohen always appeared as the perfect gentleman, respectful and respected, while Trump acts like a schoolyard bully who never grew up. In this context, the circumstance of events —one passed away, the other soon a president— is most unfortunate.
On a positive note, Leonard Cohen’s work and persona will not be forgotten. And there’s hope (isn’t there always hope?) that Trump will reveal a more respectful side of himself once he’s finally “on top of the world”, if that would finally give him enough self-respect…?