In light of the many sexual misconduct allegations that have surfaced within the past month, I thought it appropriate to find a hashtag that related to one of these events. The hashtag I chose to examine was #Franken, since the breaking news of Al Franken’s sexual harassment allegations has been rather controversial and politically heated. Al Franken, is most commonly known for the role he has played in politics as a United States Senator from Minnesota, which is why many found it to be disappointing when last week several women came out against Franken, accusing him of sexual harassment. Many are angry with Franken’s behavior and given his position of leadership, some even deem it necessary that he step down from his seat in the senate.
There is no honor left in politics. A serial sexual assault predator gets to keep his seat in the senate. Absolutely shameful.#franken #ResignFranken #FrankenShouldResign #FrankenMustGo #franken https://t.co/LMtFHaeHtS
— Nicholas Morse (@NicMorseCO) November 26, 2017
Sen. Franken behaved like a slime.
He is accused of the same type of behavior that we were shocked when Donald Trump was accused of it. My heart is broken. I loved and admired Senator Franken but I found his apology shallow and inadequate. He needs to resign! #Franken— Engineer Paulo (@WaterSolarWind) November 17, 2017
It does not matter who commits sexual assault, harassment, or child molestation. Your next door neighbor, a candidate for or member of Congress, or President of the United States. It is WRONG! #Conyers #Franken #Moore #Trump
— ExpatSoutherner (@Tedards) November 26, 2017
There’s really no choice now for progressives other than to insist that #Franken resign, or else lose the moral upper hand and the claim to zero tolerance for sexual #harassment. https://t.co/D2fzSvI7fE
— Michael Balter (@mbalter) November 24, 2017
However, not everyone is of the same mindset here. There are those who distinguish his behavior from some of the others against whom accusations have been made, and feel that there were mitigating circumstances surrounding his actions.
Sorry, but asking @alfranken to resign without asking Roy Moore or @realDonaldTrump to resign based on all accusations= unfair republican bullshit. You do not rule the world @realDonaldTrump. The world simply made a mistake.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) November 23, 2017
No. Al Franken should not resign.
He kissed her during a skit rehearsal…for a KISS. Are actors going to be accused every time they kiss their costars on script?
He posed for a joke photo. This is not cool, but it’s also not scandalous & it CERTAINLY isn’t groping.#franken
— Dixie Fresh Kicks (@dixiefreshkicks) November 16, 2017
Prior to these allegations, Senator Franken was a well respected and strong voice in the Democratic party, which makes the situation that more complex and regretful. Opinions continue to be mixed on the matter.
Hey Hannah,
I really liked the way you laid this piece out. I also feel like it did a really nice job in terms of laying out the facts, without presenting it in a way that seemed to prefer one side over the other.