As a white, highly educated woman, Blasey is seen as more “credible” than other accusers.
Senator Dianne Feinstein used her
opening remarks at Thursday’s hearing into sexual assault accusations against
Brett Kavanaugh to remind the committee of the accuser’s pedigree.
The
senator explained how
Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who accused the Supreme Court nominee of sexual assault in high school, has four degrees ― including a doctorate from the University of Southern California ― and has published more than 65 peer-reviewed articles. Feinstein concluded by saying Blasey is also a wife and a mother of two sons.
The subtext of this the senator’s flattering remarks was clear: Blasey’s degrees and by extension, her socioeconomic background, should make her a credible accuser.
But in reality, many sexual assault survivors are nothing like Blasey. And because
many of them are minorities from low-income backgrounds, their accusations are not taken seriously.
More: Christine Blasey Ford Is The 'Perfect' Accuser. Most Sexual Assault Survivors Are Not.
What an authentic, credible, intelligent and sweet woman! I was totally in awe as I listened and watched her testimony. I've never been so impressed by anyone in my entire life. What she did took incredible courage. She said she was terrified.