USA TODAY

Letter to the editor:

I’m a bit perplexed and amused by the column “How does Harvey Weinstein happen? Visit a gay bar with me.” Marc Ambinder attempts to explain Weinstein’s actions by suggesting how to see this unwanted behavior in action.

Sexual assault, harassment and even behavior that’s inside the acceptable standards is a cultural norm. Why is it difficult to see how different people perceive what is acceptable based on their different cultural position? Being white and rich (of one sexual orientation or another) are just a few of the different cultural influences an individual has to mold moral, culturally acceptable behavior.

While it may seem appalling that Hollywood producers search out sexual favors in exchange for work , it is by no means a natural, ethical taboo. On the contrary, I believe our society is just recently viewing this behavior as intolerable and out of bounds. What happens in a gay bar today is probably very different than what happened in the 1970s or what happens in a gay bar in Bangkok or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

I find the outrage over Weinstein’s behavior a bit over the top. I would not recommend anyone who has some dignity to enter the entertainment field because I assume the power structure is weighted so heavily in favor of these sexual predators as to make those who wish to stay above the fray unemployable. If people, society and those who profess moral superiority wish this behavior to stop, a more concerted effort must be made for actors to vilify and publicize every encounter in which they see happening. There should be no acceptable sexual favors in exchange for acting jobs. When patrons return to gay bars after being repeatedly groped, they have a weak argument that it’s not acceptable behavior.

What Weinstein did will only be morally reprehensible when society decides it is. All of society, no exceptions.

Mark Deaton; Gig Harbor, Wash.

More:How does Harvey Weinstein happen? Visit a gay bar with me.

Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Harvey Weisntein’s alleged sexual assault is not news to anyone. Hollywood has probably been doing this since its inception. Hollywood stars are just too busy patting themselves on the back about how much good they do to bother looking at themselves.

— Donald Mey

Here’s some news: It ain’t just Hollywood. It’s workplaces all across America. It’s in the offices and back rooms of Congress. It’s at professional conferences. It’s in colleges and universities.

Anyone who thinks this is a Hollywood and “liberal” problem is simply playing politics and not giving the issue the attention it deserves.

— Rick Allen

Men assaulting women is not just about the sexual aspect. It’s a physical threat as well. “Accept this or I’ll beat you up, or even kill you.” The physical power difference between men and women makes every encounter a woman has dangerous.

— Donna Richardson

More:Harvey Weinstein can't wash away Hollywood's sins: Glenn Reynolds

Letter to the editor:

Do you remember the ad campaign "You've come a long way, baby" from 1968? As a child, I had no idea it was celebrating how far women had supposedly come.

When I was a senior in college, I was working a job for a male-dominated company. I can still remember the embarrassment when two male corporate officers arranged three donuts on my desk to resemble the male anatomy. I can remember how funny they thought it was when I came in from lunch and found their creation. At Christmas we drew names for gag gifts. We all sat together and opened our gifts one at a time. When I opened my gift, from a divisional manager, it was very inappropriate lingerie. I can still feel the clenching of my teeth and the determination to not show any shock. It was important to be tough to exist in that male-dominated environment. I wanted a career and this was my "chance" after all. I did tell myself if I ever had a daughter, she would be taught to be tough and not accept that kind of treatment.

I have no daughter, but I do have a 6-year-old granddaughter and I tell her every day she can do anything a boy can do and no one can make her do anything. I tell her she can be a boss, a doctor, even the president, if she wants. I also tell her if someone makes her feel uncomfortable in any way, she can tell us (her family) and we will handle it. But until we teach our young men to speak up, are we really stopping the potential for abuse of power toward women?

I tell my grandsons women are equal and that they should respect the intelligence and hard work of women. I think it is time to add a new narrative. They must do something if they see someone bullying anyone — for bullying can easily turn into physical, emotional or sexual abuse. They must go against the group, if necessary. They must encourage their sister to be the best she can be and not accept that because she is a girl, she has to put up with demeaning situations to get ahead. They must learn not to objectify women. They must speak up for what is right, because not doing so makes them complicit. They must know if they would not like their mother, sister, relative or friend treated a certain way, then it is wrong for any woman to be treated that way.

You've come a long way, baby, but you've got a way to go.

Roxanne Wysock; Scottsboro, Ala.

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