Episode 275: A story that I think was completely mishandled and needed to be called out for what it is
Apologies for the long title, I’d also like to preface this with a trigger warning as this is a “hot take” from me, of which a very sensitive topic is discussed…
Story: Unpacking the Psychology of Extreme Frugality and Complaining.
How have both Morgan and Miles both completely failed to say “that man is raping her and this is sexual assault”? I actually rewound to the part of the story where the OP writes “He doesn’t stop when I tell him I don’t like something”. Oh so you’re removing consent for that sexual act, he’s heard that and chosen to continue to do it both in the moment and/or during future sexual encounters? That’s rape. That’s sexual assault. And that’s what needed to be said as soon as the story had finished. Hell, it should have even been shouted out by either one of them as soon as that quote by OP was read out.
Even when reading out the comments for that story, I really struggle to believe a top comment wouldn’t have been focused on or at least mentioned that part.
The rebuttal may be that Morgan and Miles tried their best to say it gently or discuss it from a perspective of “giving OP’s partner the benefit of the doubt”. But I don’t see why you would ever need the “other side of the story” when it’s so clear she’s being assaulted and doesn’t even realise it herself.
If you want to keep your show light and funny, that’s absolutely fine, do that!! The sacrifice there, then, is that you don’t talk about incredibly sensitive and serious topics. Because the only way to address the serious harm that people do to others is by calling it exactly what it is. No censoring, no dancing around saying things directly. No time spent thinking of excuses as to why this might be happening, as if there is any kind of acceptable excuse for this behaviour.
I have never been this mad before while listening to this podcast. Recently, I’ve actually been wondering if my feelings towards Morgan as a host are valid (or is it unconscious misogyny? I’ll save that one for another day), so this failure has really disappointed me.