The Epstein Files: A Familiar Diversion
FIRST INSTANCE: The "Trumberg" Distraction The *New Arab* cartoon, 'Tip of the Trumberg,' specifically highlights the connection of figures like Donald Trump to Epstein's network. This framing, while drawing attention to a prominent political figure, subtly reinforces a pattern of isolating the scandal to individual actors rather than the underlying frameworks that enable them. The initial focus
on specific individuals, particularly those at the fringes or those perceived as politically vulnerable, serves as a common tactic to control the narrative. Records show that as early as 1995 , reports were circulating about Epstein's questionable financial dealings and social circles, yet comprehensive action remained elusive for decades ( Vanity Fair , 2003). REPETITIONS: The Individualization
of Scandal This pattern of spotlighting specific, often politically convenient, figures recurs consistently. In 2011 , when Dominique Strauss-Kahn, then head of the IMF, faced sexual assault allegations, the media's intense focus on his personal downfall largely overshadowed broader questions about the culture of impunity within international institutions. Similarly, the 2017 Harvey Weinstein
scandal, while exposing significant individual misconduct, allowed for an industry-wide self-correction narrative that often bypassed deeper structural critiques of power dynamics. In both cases, the individual became the scapegoat, and the systemic questions remained largely unanswered. The data point here is that post-scandal, the percentage of women in leadership roles in Hollywood, for