Likewise, we need to see Ukraine and Palestine as countries who need our attention and care. Their resources and land are not up for grabs. Their exploitation affects us all. Because if one of us is being abused, none of us are safe.

What does that look like for us internationally? We need other countries to stand with us and acknowledge our humanity.

One technique: instead of standing up to the bully, you should focus your attention on the person being bullied. Talk to them like a human and connect with them so they know they are safe. Take the attention off the bully and on to the individual who needs support.

It is not normal to humiliate leaders of countries by calling them Governor instead of Prime Minister. It is not normal to chat about inciting war on Allies. It is not normal to have a casual conversation on the radio about whether or not Canada should lose its autonomy.

This is why I think if the church and society was better at supporting the victims of sexual abuse, we'd be better able to handle this moment. But we've practiced minimizing, gaslighting, and normalizing.

It's also really important for others not to normalize the situation. Witnesses saying "that's not appropriate", believing the person who feels threatened and standing in solidarity with them, even it means things get uncomfortable.

So the question is; how do we respond? What's the best way to respond to sexual harassment? First of all, to be clear about saying no. To ask "what did you mean by that?" (Is this a declaration of war?) To take it seriously and call it out.

Many people have encouraged Canadian leaders not to take it too seriously in case it provokes the US. These are the phrases that are used when people complain about unwanted sexual advances! "I was just kidding" "Don't make a big deal about it" "He's just like that" "You should feel flattered"

This is an obvious outcome of having a convicted sexual abuser in charge. He really has no understanding of consent. This is emphasized with some of the things that have been said about Canada - on Fox TV, Jesse Waters said he was offended that Canada didn't consider it a compliment.

This is what it feels like when someone is harassing you. Whether or not there is an actual assault, you feel threatened and are put on alert. You are no longer seen as a person to connect with, but an object to be taken.

Trigger warning: SA
When 45 started talking about Canada becoming the 51st state, it felt like sexual harassment. Whether or not he actually follows through on trying to annex us or start a war, he wants us to feel intimidated and realize that he COULD take us if he wanted to.