Has there ever been a more perfect example of someone who seems so amazing only to turn out to be a total sleaze-bag than David? Well, maybe his son Solomon gives him a run for his money, but seriously, why are we even surprised anymore when someone shatters all our hopes and dreams through abuse of power and scandals?
It’s just that David seems to start off as the perfect candidate to be a King without turning into a terrible person. He wasn’t one of the favored sons, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and to protect the flock he was shepherding. He was fiercely loyal and humble. And, to top it all off, he appears to have a rock-solid faith in God’s providence, love, and grace. What more can we ask for?
Well, we know how the story goes. Everything is great for a while when he’s slaying giants and playing his harp to calm King Saul. But he’s not on the throne very long before he starts doing the things the king do: taking the people’s sons for war, their daughters to meet his desires, and their production to satisfy his desire for wealth.
Honestly, why do we put up with this again and again? And, frankly, why is it that people will jump to the defense of a man who steps out of line but if a queer or trans person (or even women and people of color for that matter) do, it’s game over? Patriarchy, I guess. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
I’m not advocating for the end of cis-het guys in positions of authority or power, though a few less would be okay if that made room for others. What we do need to recognize is that the system is working as it was designed and is benefitting those who designed and maintain it. And that needs to end.
The issue is not individual people, it’s a system that concentrates power in a select few. They’re often white, male, and middle class or above. They’re given the benefit of the doubt, they’re given a free pass with phrases like “boys will be boys” and they’re assumed to be qualified for just about anything. Because as long as they’re allowed to continue to show promise and those who are not like them are able to be seen as incapable, untrustworthy, and/or problematic, patriarchy can continue to have it’s way with us.
So what do we do? I’d say we need to start with holding everyone to same high standards that we hold women, people of color, and queer folks to. If we’re going to continue to function in a meritocracy then let’s at least be consistent. If these mediocre men can’t perform and can’t keep themselves respectable, we don’t need them in leadership. I don’t care about their potential—if they can’t do the job appropriately: bye.
We could also try not to be so focused on merit and production. What about choosing leaders who mirror the make-up of our communities? What about calling and equipping people who have previously been blocked or denied access to such things because of how they live, love, and look? What if we aspired not for success as conquest and profitability and instead for success as learning, growing, and caring for those around us? In a world like this there are so many opportunities for all and possibilities for mutual flourishing!
