The clear pattern is that of men in positions of power or influence taking advantage of women — usually younger — who have felt helpless until now to come forward for fear of damage to their careers or livelihood. For just about any woman who has been in the workplace or large social circles for any length of time, the number of allegations is not at all surprising. The same can be said of some men, though I suspect even most men who in theory know what women face are at least somewhat surprised.