Women’s particular pain after the elections

Many of us, men and women, are experiencing emotional distress and disbelief at the turn of events in U.S. affairs. However, there is a suffering particular to the women in my life, including partner, daughter and patients, that stands apart from that of the men. Male narcissism has caused untold misery throughout human history, from Attila the Hun to Mohammed to Genghis Khan to Stalin and Hitler, echoed in small scale through every abusive boyfriend or husband, domineering boss and gang leader. Women have suffered disproportionally from this, and almost no woman I’ve met has not been hurt by a man with this trait.

The elevation of a misogynistic narcissist to the highest office in the land affects women like a body blow. Just today, I have heard from my patients and family of women crying alone throughout the day, with traumatic memories evoked of physical and psychic violations throughout a lifetime. The hurt and rage are directed both at the president-elect himself, and at the men, and women, who elected him. The reflections I’ve heard are that it doesn’t matter what economic issues are involved- albeit he has advanced no plans to address any issue- but that fellow human beings would elevate a blatant violator of women to the position of ultimate authority.

I propose that we all, especially us men, address the specific suffering of women in this new situation. We may not have contributed to it, but it is our world and our responsibility to heal it and see that it never happens again. And to protect the ones we love from harm. I want to personally apologize on behalf of all men.