Conversations with my brother after he told the meteorologist her breasts belong in a museum

KathleenKern
2 min readJun 4, 2021
NOT associated with the story below. Used purely because it is a graphic that has a Creative Commons license.

Chris Cuomo took part in strategy calls advising his brother, the New York governor, on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations.
“The cable news anchor encouraged his brother to take a defiant position and not to resign from the governor’s office, the people said. At one point, he used the phrase “cancel culture” as a reason to hold firm in the face of the allegations, two people present on one call said.”
Washington Post May 21, 2021

So hey, Kyle. Yeah, Mike is good. The kids are good, excited to see Mom and Dad next week. Still writing copy for Ernst and Kramer. I wanted to tell you that I love the new look. Great choice to stop dying your hair. Really adds to your “voice of authority” brand.

Of course. That’s why I was calling. Personally, I think it’s kind of romantic. It’s not like you walked up to her and said, “Nice boobs, babe,” and honked one of them.

Oh. Well, it was a dare; it wasn’t your idea. What did Charlie say about your job? Are you in any trouble?

Huh. Well, that’s ambiguous. I wouldn’t worry about it. People in this community respect you. You’re the guy who slogged into their houses when they flooded, and wiped away their tears, gave them big hugs, kissed them on their cheeks and told them they were beautiful.

Oh. How many others? And what do they say you did?

Huh. That makes me a little uncomfortable, actually. How would you feel if guys were saying and doing those things to Jen and me?

Well, I’m glad to hear that, at least.

No, no, no. You should definitely fight to keep your job. You probably need to hold a press conference soon and tell the community that these women misinterpreted the meaning of the things you said. Apologize for unintentionally offending them. Maybe say the #MeToo movement has “metastasized, so young women don’t know anymore what a friendly pat on the back or a joke is.” Write that down. Tell them the women in your life are teaching you how to communicate in less sexist ways. Mom and Jen, and I will be standing right behind you.

Oh. Jen won’t do it? Would she let Kayley…? Oh. Too bad. (Long silence). Okay. Here’s what you have to do, Kyle. You’ll start seeing a therapist who is going to help you “to see the blindspots in your interactions with women.” Write that down. Make sure it’s a woman therapist. Then everyone will see you’re trying.

Yeah, Kyley, maybe you should try.

No problem. That’s what big sisters are for. And bro, I’m not even worried because, in the end, you’re white.

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KathleenKern

Worked for Christian Peacemaker Teams (http://cpt.org) from 1993–2020. I also write novels and do what I can to stop fascism.