Recently, two simple words, one seemingly meaningless phrase, fought back against sexual assault. The #metoo was plastered across all social media platforms. Women and men used this hashtag to expose the commonality of sexual assault and harassment. On Sunday October 15th, Alyssa Milano challenged anyone who has experienced a form of sexual assault to publicly post #metoo. This revolution aims to make sure society recognizes the magnitude of this problem after scrolling through a feed full of people admitting to being a victim. The amazing thing is that people are transitioning from keeping sexual assault a secret to voicing their pain. Hopefully this highlights the issue in bright yellow, and makes coming forward a little easier.
As a lover of social media, and a self proclaimed Facebook fanatic, I saw countless posts that contained this hashtag. I was in shock, as old high school teachers and past babysitters took a stand, posting their #metoo. After just five minutes of scrolling I truly realized the prevalence of sexual assault in society today. It’s not just rape, but also cat calls and grabbing. Knowing that the people who helped shape me into the woman I am today had experienced sexual assault in their lives makes me sick to my stomach. It just goes to show that sexual assault is something we like to keep hidden.
So, thank goodness for this hashtag. #metoo has already had a massive impact on the United States, urging people, even celebrities, to come forward. Huge props to the men and women who are brave enough to fight back. It takes courage to open up to the world and expose your truths. Some may claim that disclosing information pertaining to sexual assault is like disclosing your deepest and darkest secrets. I think it is time we stop looking at this topic with judgmental eyes. It is not the victim’s fault and there is nothing to be ashamed of. The only thing deep and dark about sexual assault is that it is still a problem today. By uncovering that part of your life on the internet not only are you rising above your perpetrator but you’re helping out millions that are suffering from their own distress or those oblivious to the issue.
Barack Obama once said: “What I am asking for is hard. It’s easier to be cynical; to accept that change isn’t possible, and politics is hopeless, and to believe that our voices and actions don’t matter. But if we give up now, then we forsake a better future” Now is the time to voice the truths of the world and to stand up for our rights. Feeling safe at work, walking down the street, or even at your local coffee shop is urgent. #metoo is a step in the right direction, a revelation, a teaching tool, and a way for women to be heard.