Profiting From Guilt
you think the guilt
this guilt
this humiliation
is a benefit
that I somehow enjoyed
being reviled
being castigated by the press
by pundits on TV
people who have never met me
but who felt no compunction
in demonizing my actions
my alleged actions
which by the way
have never been conclusively been proven
guilt by accusation
not by proof
but once that accusation has been uttered
innocence will never return
a loss that was a benefit
oh yes that was the main benefit
I have experienced as a result
my face on every news channel
by name on so many lips
my reputation
in every gutter in the world
good thing
I’m not here to be popular
only to be rich
that’s right I’m rich
thanks to your condemnation
rich beyond your wildest accusations
and I will continue to gain
overtime bonuses
when anyone continues
to defame my name
even though I don’t enjoy the guilt
I sure do enjoy the interest it earns
The moral compass of our media culture skews to entertainment – not to justice, or equality. This piece reflects how media & the sacrament of celebrity absolves men (usually caucasians) of responsibility, accountability & repercussions for their actions. In fact it rewards them with attention. As Oscar Wilde said – ‘there’s no such thing as bad publicity.’
A current celebrity convicted of rape gets more press than his victims. He is a martyr & they are crybaby bitches who should have been grateful for any attentions he may have blessed them with. I’m sure once he’s done his time he’ll end up with a sitcom (set in a prison) or perhaps a talk show.
Somehow seeking redress for harm turns victims into villains for wanting more than mere acknowledgement of harm done. The apology is now deemed sufficient. To want more is unfair, greedy & cruel. Reparations become court battles in which only the lawyers seem to profit.
I enjoy the way this piece moves from ‘you think’ – wherein the pov is showing a tinge of remorse – & ends up with them enjoying the media sacrament of notoriety. Almost saying that any negativity on our part is envy of their ‘fame.’
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