The truth is that fear of unwanted responsibilities and social pressure are far more effective deterrents to sexual misbehavior than any kangaroo court or campaign of personal or political vindictiveness. The reason is that, per Kamala Harris, it requires thinking — the anticipation of mutual responsibility.

Consider the alternative we’ve lived with since the sexual revolution. In his posthumous Netflix special, Nothing Special, Norm Macdonald said ironically: “I remember telling the fellas in high school, ‘Guys, I think we’re making a big mistake by shaming the sluts. You see, here’s what is my concern. I feel if we shame them too much, they might stop becoming sluts.’”

Shame acted as a safeguard against behaviors that are both individually and socially destructive. This applied to both sexes. In addition to “slut-shaming,” there was also cad-shaming. Before the sexual revolution, the minimum offer required by society for a man to secure sex with a woman outside of wedlock was commitment. When sex resulted in pregnancy, society expected him to rise to the occasion and marry her. Her family would demand it — hence the term “shotgun wedding.” A man who failed to meet this expectation would be considered unmanly and immoral.