Rich, white, powerful, influential, male… Amanda Smith unpacks why the more patriarchy-approved tick boxes you check, the more likely the weight of believability lies in your favor
Trump separated families. Weinstein terrorized Hollywood. Epstein, shielded by enablers, hid in plain sight. These powerful figures wielded media and social influence to silence victims, perpetuating a ‘he said/she said’ narrative. Public opinion, swayed by strategic PR efforts, often victimizes whistleblowers. Even legal battles, like Depp vs. Heard, turn into polarized spectacles. Society’s bias favors the wealthy and famous, undermining victims’ credibility. Psychological studies show a tendency to blame victims, preserving a comforting worldview. Money further skews perceptions of trustworthiness. Dr. Tracy Sidesinger highlights patriarchal norms that silence marginalized voices, reinforcing societal biases. Epistemicide, the devaluing of certain knowledge, perpetuates disbelief. Anonymously, a woman describes economic and emotional abuse, overlooked by a male-dominated legal system. Her story underscores systemic flaws in justice. Women’s truths, often dismissed unless visibly scarred, face scrutiny in courts shaped by outdated biases.