Once again we are reminded that behind the success of a demagogue leads a trail of sexual misconduct and exploitation. This time the predator is famed Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein; the man responsible for films like Shakespeare in Love (1998), Gangs of New York (2002), and My Week with Marilyn (2011). The story broke after an editorial was published in the New York Times by journalist’s Jodi Kahtor and Megan Twohey who revealed details of Weinstein’s grotesque advances towards notable professional women, like actress Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. The ripple effect that the Weinstein revelation produced is unparalleled. It seems every day more individual are coming forward and sharing their experiences with sexual assault. Even if the predator is not Weinstein it is clear that there are plenty of his type (power hungry, deviant, and perverse) who are abusing their authority for their own sexual gratification.
Almost every woman I have ever met has had experiences with sexual harassment/assault. It is heartening to see that women are coming out of the shadows and are demanding that the world acknowledge that these actions are deplorable. It is time that society makes it clear that they side with the victims, not the perpetrator. No more “boys will be boys”, no more “she was asking for it”, and the like. People who have survived sexual assault or have experienced sexual misconduct often keep their pain silent because they are embarrassed and fear that their story will be rejected by their loved ones and peers. We need to support victims and let them know that they have allies and that they are not alone.
To illustrate how common this abuse is, actress Alyssa Milano resurrected the campaign #MeToo telling her followers, “If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ and reply to this tweet”. The hashtag has gone viral and individuals all over the world are making their story known.
Me too.
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