This year has been one focused on finding out the truth. Terms like “Fake News” and “Alternative Facts” fill up nearly every conversation and make us question what we, as a people, are looking for. One can, and should, argue that holding people accountable has been the theme of the year, though it seems that priorities have become confused.

A few prints ago, I wrote about the Weinstein scandal being opened by the media for the world to see. One of the biggest issues that I said needed to be addressed was Hollywood, as an institution, being too lenient and forgiving with its treatment of those involved in sexual harassment and assault charges. Since then, there have been several outings and stories as victims of past abuses have finally had the opportunity to come forward and be heard for legitimate cases.

Stars as big as Kevin Spacey have come under fire for inappropriate and possibly illegal behaviors. This kind of accountability in the “workplace” is an essential part of actually causing some sort of change in industries that have previously gone unquestioned.

This, however, is merely Hollywood’s response. There has also been accusations and moves made in Congress that show there is still much more work to do to not only change the problems discussed, but also to change the mentalities surrounding those in government.

A perfect example of this is the differences in how the two main political parties deal with sexual harassment issues. Democratic senator Al Franken recently stepped down after several accusations came up against him for inappropriate behaviors. His party quickly urged him to step down and make apologies to the women involved in order to preserve credibility with the voting public.

On the other side of the aisle, Alabama senator Roy Moore is facing several accusations and possible charges from women who claimed he tried to force himself upon them when they were underage. Instead of being asked to not run for re-election, the GOP and President Trump decided to double down on their support of him, and condemn the women involved to simply be lying.