But filing in the absence of real change in gender relations means failing, which means suffering greater pain, again with ensuing self diminution. The hearings showed the elite's response to women complaining about the conduct of better-connected, more powerful men. If Thomas had been rejected after the hearings, it might have led to a temporary willingness to address sexual harassment more equitably. But in the absence of a mass militant response enlarging these gains, it would also have sent a false message that sexual harassment is taken seriously by existing institutions. Instead of being pushed to confront the unchanging truth that existing channels crush women, women could have made believe all was well.
Sexism is structural.
We can't overcome it solely by argument and evidence anymore than we can overcome class domination or racism solely by argument and evidence. Argument and evidence are necessary, but so is organization, movement, activism, pressure, and struggle. He is a right-wing ideologue. His prior testimony already revealed that he is a consummate liar and opportunist. To have a Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court bodes badly for women, the accused, the poor, Blacks, the environment, and just about everything worthy and just.