In today's society, it's not uncommon to hear someone being referred to as "that pervert" in a derogatory manner. This label is often used to describe an individual who has been accused of or is perceived to have engaged in inappropriate or suspicious behavior, particularly of a sexual nature. While the intention behind using this term may be to express outrage, disgust, or concern, it's essential to examine the implications of labeling someone in such a way.

It's crucial to remember that everyone deserves due process, regardless of the allegations made against them. This means:

– The best versions refuse to answer “Is he or isn’t he?” Instead, they ask: Who gets to name someone a pervert? What power does that naming serve? And what happens to the humanity of the person so labeled?

Being labeled a pervert, even falsely, triggers a cascade of psychological trauma:

Consider the case of the "bad date" that goes viral. A man behaves awkwardly, perhaps says something lewd, but not illegal. A screenshot is posted. The caption reads: "Look at this message from that pervert." Within hours, the man is doxxed, fired, and isolated. The nuance of the interaction—was he socially inept? Was there miscommunication?—is irrelevant. The label has been applied.