The Kavanaugh accusations present an issue that is one large gray area that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. It is clear that it must thoroughly be investigated because if the accusations are true, then Kavanaugh should immediately be removed from the running for the seat; however, if they are not true, then these allegations should not affect his chances for the seat in the slightest. This is the where gray area comes into view: how do we decide what is a fair investigation for both sides? 

It is a natural reaction to side with the victims in these cases. The “I Believe Blasey” movement is an example of this. I am the same way — as a woman and a strong supporter of the #MeToo movement, my immediate reaction is to side with Christine Blasey and demand that Kavanaugh be denied the senate seat. 

I realized, however, that this is a dangerous method of thought. Accusations should be treated as what they are — just accusations. They do not automatically denote guilt. This does not mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously — it means that both sides should be fairly heard. 

That is what #MeToo and similar protests should be fighting for. While some of them might be fighting for the right to be fairly heard, it seems this goal can be lost with our obsession to be right and further our political gain. 

For any true progress to be made, we need to enforce the method of thought that #MeToo is promoting the idea that accusations should be given a fair investigation, not that false accusations should be used to take down any powerful figure we deem necessary. It is those negative motives that bring the movement down and hurt our cause, and such motives can be seen in full swing with the automatic belief of Blasey. 

To be clear, I am not saying that the accusations are false, but I am not saying they are true either. I am simply stressing the importance of fairness in these cases. In the beginning it was unfair against the accuser when it was unsure if her voice would even be heard. Now that the hearing is set, it needs to be confirmed that it stays fair. 

As hard as it is to want to believe, Kavanaugh deserves the same amount of voice as Blasey. It is fairness which is the whole basis of #MeToo, or at least it should be. Move away from the idea that #MeToo means automatic belief. It should stand for fairness and the ability to be heard, and this needs to be stressed now more than ever. 

For the movement to prosper we must continue to discuss fairness because if we do not, we alienate half the population. Take this seriously, but on both sides. Do not let an issue such as this further the divide. I support Blasey, but not in automatic belief, rather in the belief she should be fairly heard because that is the right we are fighting for, not for the right to take down whoever we want with accusations.