I love a good national scandal. It is not that I enjoy watching supposedly mature people fighting in public. I do not love the divisions and bitterness that ensues. I lament the degradation of our society. However, I do love the vocabulary that spills forth. I always learn something new. Thanks to Manafort, Trump, and the Russian investigation,  I learned the distinction between collusion and cooperation. Sometimes, what I learn is blush-inducing. In Clinton’s era, I learned about the symbolism of a cigar. And then, the Kavanaugh circus, especially the entries in his yearbook. Boofed! Devil’s Triangle! Alumnus!  I didn’t pay much attention at first when Kav was asked to define those terms, but when the nation started snickering, I took notice. During the next break from the hearing, I quickly surfed to Urban Dictionary. Oh my! Boofed does not refer to flatulence. Devil’s Triangle is not a drinking game.

What is most interesting to me at the moment: Kavanaugh attended a Catholic high school. Who was in charge there? Is it possible they didn’t edit the yearbook? If they did, what does it mean that rich, white boys in a holier-than-thou high school were allowed to boast about such things in their yearbook summary? Repeat: a Catholic High School allowed their students to use this language, and, maybe, also brag about sexual escapades with Renate. In all the essays, opinions, and new stories, I have seen nothing condemning the school for preaching morality on one hand while looking the other direction while kids bragged about boofing and Devil’s triangles. WTF kind of hypocrisy is this? We have here a perfect example of the double standard taught to rich, white male privilege youth.

I went to something close to an inner city school –  half black, half white – a few miles from the actual inner city. The good Catholic families were fleeing our neighborhood in a classic episode of white flight. This was the “free love” era. Furthermore, I had three brothers. I thought that maybe I knew everything but it turns out our vocabulary was mild compared to the rich guys.  And in our yearbooks, we wrote things like “BOLA” (best of luck always) “RMA” (remember me always) and 2 Good 2 B Forgotten. I don’t remember anyone claiming to be alumnus of anybody.

No, we weren’t perfect kids. Our high school had its flaws. I am simply disgusted at the double standard and “boys will be boys.” attitude that is embedded in the foundation of white privilege and our government. How can we possibly have a president who mocked a sexual assault accuser? It is unthinkable. I am so embarrassed about our global witness.

However, I get great comfort knowing that increasing numbers of women are stepping up and seeking public office. It brings hope.

Side story: On Saturday, two days after the hearings, I got a haircut. After I described what I wanted (a short bob haircut with wispy bangs) the stylist said, “Oh, kind of boofed”. I laughed and when I collected myself I said, “Good One”. Her reply “Huh”? She had not watched the hearings and her vocabulary choice was all a coincidence. She was thinking a haircut with bounce and volume, like a bouffant and it came out as “Boofed”. You can’t make this stuff up.

A real “boof”