The sound of institutions crumbling in the wake of sex scandals, harassment allegations and the attempts to cover them up is becoming depressingly familiar. The BBC, the Catholic Church, Westminster, prominent universities and now Oxfam. That there are some people who go to the most desperate places on the planet and take advantage of others in dire circumstances is especially sickening. Attempts to stop the stories from coming out by those within the organisation are equally as repellent.
The deputy chief executive has already fallen on her sword and I expect others will follow as will the inevitable inquiries, handwringing, resolve to do better and hopefully safeguards. There has been an inevitable backlash with donors threatening to withhold funds.
That’s understandable but would be unfortunate as it will only deprive the intended recipients.
One of the wisest assessments I’ve come across of the current tidal wave of scandals affecting multiple industries came from The Voice UK coach will.i.am. He was asked by the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire about his thoughts on inappropriate behaviour in the entertainment industry. He took a broader perspective with his answer: “humanity has issues”. And his solution for fixing them? “Education, education, education. The solution to all our problems is a well-educated society.” I couldn’t agree more.
