Reflecting On The #MeToo Movement Four Years On
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct, which some readers may find upsetting.
It’s been four years since the New York Times and New Yorker investigation into Harvey Weinstein for sexual misconduct; sparking the Me-Too movement and challenging the mistreatment of women. As this week is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, we’re reflecting on one of the most prolific and important movements, Me Too.
Where it began: Tarana Burke
Me Too is a social movement, founded by Tarana Burke in 2006. Burke began using the term, as a way to highlight the prevalence of sexual violence amongst the young girls in her community. Writing the words “Me Too” on a piece of paper inspired her to develop an action plan for building a movement based on empathy between survivors, to help each other heal.
In October 2017, the Me-Too movement went viral overnight, when actress Alyssa Milano encouraged people to use the hashtag ‘#MeToo’ to share their stories of sexual harassment and abuse. This prompted many women to speak out about their own experiences, highlighting the frequency of the problem.
If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017
Harvey Weinstein
In 2017, American Film Producer, Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual misconduct in an article by the New York Times:
Actress Ashley Judd revealed two decades ago, Weinstein had her sent to his hotel room, where he appeared in a bathrobe. He then made unwanted sexual advances.
In 2014 Emily Nestor, a temporary employee, was asked to the same hotel room and Weinstein proposed: “If she accepted his sexual advances, he would boost her career”.
This prompted an investigation by the New York Times, Which discovered previous undisclosed allegations against Weinstein “stretching over nearly three decades.”
On the 15th of October, the Metropolitan Police revealed they were looking into several sexual assault cases involving Harvey Weinstein. Within a week, Weinstein was fired by the board of the Weinstein Company: “In light of new information about misconduct.”
Weinstein was sentenced to twenty-three years in prison for rape and sexual assault on the 24th of February 2020.
Tarana Burke (founder of the Me-Too movement) said:
“Harvey Weinstein is a symbolic case. To see a high profile, rich white man be convicted of a crime, in general, is always astonishing.”
This prompted a global trend called the Weinstein effect, in which allegations of sexual misconduct by famous or powerful men were disclosed; holding them accountable for their actions.
On the Record
The 2020 documentary “on the record” explores the sexual allegations against hip hop mogul Russell Simmons.
We follow Drew Dixon’s story, as she gives up her successful career due to the culture of sexual abuse within the industry. She faces the tough decision of deciding to come forward and speak out about the mistreatment she faced at the hands of Simmons, the head of Def Jam Recordings when she was an employee.
The film also outlines problems with the current Me-Too movement, such as the lack of inclusivity the movement has. It highlights the added weight that women of colour have on their shoulders when coming forward as survivors.
They show that the majority of women who have come forward in the Me-Too movement are both White and wealthy. Lawyer Kimberlé Crenshaw says: “If we’re going to move this forward, it can’t simply remain a problem of the beautiful, the wealthy, the popular.” This highlights a need for the Me-Too movement to focus on a wider group of women that need to be heard.
Other movements in association with Me Too:
Black Lives Matter
In July 2020, Tarana Burke told the BBC that there are similarities between the Black Lives Matter Movement and Me Too. She said
“They’re about fighting injustice. Both movements are predicated on undoing systems of oppression.” She added: “If you’re a black woman you have to deal with excessive force, the possibility of being killed by police, and sexual harassment at the hands of police.”
Men are survivors too
In an article by the BBC, Sian Brooke of the Oxford Internet explained that one of the biggest and most powerful takeaways from Me Too is that men are often victims of sexual violence.
Actor Terry Crews is a #MeToo accuser. He came forward and told his story of his alleged assault by powerful Hollywood exec, Adam Venit. Crews explained how he had been reading women’s stories and he tweeted:
“This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME.”
Crews explained that many people believed that a man of his physique could not be sexually abused. Crews took this case to court, and they settled on the fact Venit would resign.
It is important that men show their support for the Me-Too movement by joining women in making their voices heard. This means challenging inappropriate behaviour and speaking out in support of women who are victims of sexual harassment or assault.
What positive effects has #MeToo had?
In 2018, research by Fawcett society discovered that the Me-Too movement has increased awareness and challenged people to change their thinking about sexual harassment. 38% of people in the UK have agreed that they have thought differently about what behaviour is and isn’t acceptable because of the movement.
Time Magazine names the “silence breakers” (women and men who spoke out about their experiences with sexual harassment and assault) as person of the year 2017.
The ‘Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund’ was launched on the 1st January 2018. Over 300 actresses, writers and directors raised $15 million to fund legal assistance for people who suffer harassment, abuse or assault in the workplace.
National Women’s Law Center in Washington DC is matching applicants with lawyers who can give them free advice.
“Me Too is a movement, not a moment.” – Tarana Burke.
Tarana Burke’s 2018 Ted Talk shows her desire to see a world free of sexual violence. She addresses the backlash the movement has faced, being accused of being a “witch hunt” and creating a gender war. She says:
“Suddenly, a movement that was started to support all survivors of sexual violence is being talked about like it’s a vindictive plot against men. And I’m like, “Huh?” How did we get here?”She added: “Be clear. This is a movement about the one in four girls and the one in six boys who are sexually assaulted every year and carry those wounds into adulthood.”
Burke explains that we may not win every fight, but this is a movement, not a moment and we shouldn’t let it kill our vision.
What can you do to join the movement?
Join in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #Itsnotok.
Keep the conversation going and discuss the movement with family and friends.
Speak out when someone acts inappropriately.
Check your own behaviour too. Do your research and understand what sexual harassment is.
You can find out more info on the Me-Too website: metoomvmt.org
To this date over 250 men of power (Celebrities, CEO’s and others), have been accused of sexual misconduct since April 2017.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, you can access guidance and support from Rape Crisis England and Wales via their website (www.rapecrisis.org.uk) or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline (0808 802 9999). You can also call the Survivors Trust (08088 010 818), they an organisation that supports women, men, and children who are victims/survivors of rape, sexual violence, and sexual abuse.
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Written By Katie Pilgrim