A lot of rotten people are seizing on the Gaiman allegations in order to score points against the groups and politics he publicly supported. Please do not let this trick your animal brain into thinking he isn't guilty. The publishing world has horror stories about this guy going back decades.
It’s definitely part of the explanation, but explanation is neither expiation nor excuse. It’s just understanding. There are *absolutely* factors of socialization and entrenched power dynamics that both encourage & allow abuse, but acknowledging & discussing these doesn’t exonerate abusers.
You're right. It's something I really have trouble wrapping my head around it. I have autism, and I made some people uncomfortable when I tried to flirt, and I felt horrible and still lose sleep over it.
I'm not saying this to say I'm superior or make this horrible situation about me, but I just don't understand what a person's thought process would be to feel even okay about those actions.
I hope that I'm making sense!