Sexist insults may soon be forgiven, but they will not be forgotten quickly

Forgiveness is often presented as a foundation of peaceful coexistence. Yet the deeper the divisions between political views, nations, religions and parties become, the harder forgiveness seems to come. The column opens with that tension, arguing that people may eventually forgive sexist humiliation, but they do not quickly forget it.

The author points to families split between supporters and opponents of Donald Trump in the United States, widening ideological gaps in Europe and bitter arguments in Austria over a proposed ban on headscarves for girls until their 14th birthday. Opponents invoke parents’ right to raise their children. The column counters that this right has limits: parents cannot beat their children or send them to school in Nazi clothing.

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A full, free, and absolute pardon for all offenses against the United States that he, Richard Nixon, committed, may have committed, or participated in during the period from January 20, 1969, to August 9, 1974.

If the ban survives constitutional review, the author writes, girls would at least be able to feel the wind in their hair, remain visible and be free from sexualization. Seyran Ateş, the German-Turkish Muslim feminist, author and publicist, is cited as supporting a general headscarf ban in state institutions and education, partly to protect girls from self-appointed guardians of morality.

The article also recalls that September 8 has been observed as the International Day of Forgiveness for 52 years. On that date in 1974, US President Gerald Ford granted Richard Nixon a “full, free, and absolute pardon” for offenses against the United States that Nixon had committed, might have committed or participated in between January 20, 1969, and August 9, 1974. The column closes with a blunt answer to whether every politician must be forgiven: “No. On the contrary.”

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No. On the contrary.