Virtually all of the discussions in recent weeks about alleged child abuse and rape, and the abuse of power at Penn State University (PSU) and then Syracuse University, have focused on individuals, groups, and institutions. Talk has been directed at the disproportionate power held by college coaches and their assistants, and how this power has been left unchecked in the insular culture known as college athletics. While these points are valid, understanding the dynamics of power (see CQ Megaskill) requires us to adopt a broader and wider angle lens. Otherwise, we look upon these events as an aberration, rather than as a larger social problem.
In the larger society, it is commonplace for those in power to make the norms and then put themselves above the norms. Unfortunately, their power enables them to manipulate the media, violate the public’s trust, and prey on those who are most vulnerable, in this case our children. This is not all that rare. Think back to those so-called nice, upstanding citizens, people in positions of trust who have abused their power repeatedly, such as certain youth pastors, priests, school teachers, Little League coaches, Boy/Girl Scout leaders, as well as volunteers who work with children with disabilities.
Is it any wonder that these kinds of abuses are kept secret? In the case of PSU, the alleged victims basically said that they did not want go public, because doing so would tarnish PSU’s sterling reputation. Also, when we think of an child abuser, how many of us think of an Assistant Coach at PSU or Syracuse? And when victims courageously reveal their stories, they are often met with suspicion and disbelief. Look at the initial reaction of Jim Boeheim, the head coach at Syracuse University. He branded allegations of child abuse against his long-time assistant as a bunch of lies.
In the wake of reports of rape by priests, the President of the Foundation to Abolish Child Sex Abuse said this is not a Catholic issue. Nor is it simply a college sports issue. Rather, what we have is a culture of power. Cultures of power may revolve around race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or age. Because of their relative lack of power, children are marginalized and may be invisible. This culture of power heightens the likelihood of child abuse and therefore, needs to be understood, scrutinized, and controlled. Anything less will continue to put those most vulnerable at risk.
I fully agree with your blog. The Joe Pa situation is completely unthinkable. To imagine that a grow man in his power, knew what was going on and did the bare minimum is disgusting. That whole program now has a dark cloud over it because of what he didn’t do. We must make everyone accountble for their actions, no matter what power they have.