Almost two months after the release of sexual assault allegations regarding Harvey Weinstein, the conversation is far from over. Fifty-seven women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct up to this point, and these allegations opened the floodgates that led to numerous women opening up about their experiences with sexual assault. The devastating experiences that far too many men and women have suffered through are finally obtaining a platform, as the overwhelming number of accusations continues to rise, and society is beginning to listen more closely to the victims’ stories.
For too long, people in power have abused their positions and attempted to utilize their power in ways that negatively affect the victims, often women, such as through sexual misconduct. The accusations against and eventual downfall of Weinstein became the turning point for these victims; they saw that change can be made if voices stand strong to expose inappropriate actions such as any sort of sexual misconduct.
Though the allegations and scandals occurred outside of the school’s realm, students strive to voice their opinions on the matter and in support of the victims.
“[The victims’] voices deserve to be heard,” junior Isabella Wilson said. “The more people they have rallying behind them, the more women will feel able to speak out about what happened to them, and the more likely they will be taken seriously.”
Amid the horrid allegations and upsetting stories from the victims, an uplifting movement has resurfaced due to the revelation of these acts taking place. The #MeToo campaign, which started on Twitter far before the Weinstein allegations, underwent a revival immediately following the Weinstein allegations. The movement, initiated by activist Tarana Burke over a decade ago, signifies a person who has been through some sort of sexual assault and was formed to show that these victims are not alone.
The simple hashtag, with such a significant, heartbreaking meaning, spread through social media as women and men began to post #MeToo, and the harsh reality of sexual assault worked its way into the minds of many who believed it was a distant, unrelatable problem. Men and women alike undergo sexual assault but refuse to speak about it, often due to their worry that their voice will be suffocated. This movement is a way for victims to share their experiences with others who may be able to relate; it is a way for victims to feel as though even a small part of their story can be expressed in some form.
The #MeToo campaign has made its way into the school hallways as well, as students who have suffered sexual assault or students who simply support the cause are able to voice their message through the phrase.
“I think that the #MeToo campaign is so important, especially considering the fact that it’s predominantly on social media,” junior Ishaan Modi said. “This campaign is fighting to not only change the culture [of victim shaming], but it is also trying to bring awareness to the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault.”
In order to project her voice, Wilson sports a #MeToo pin on her backpack, as a symbolic form of speech showcasing her support for the cause.
“I was at a college visit over fall break and in one of the buildings a club was handing out ‘Me Too’ buttons,” Wilson said. “I took one because I wanted to show my support for the movement and for the women who had been sexually assaulted.”
Sexual assault has been going on for far longer than this campaign. The #MeToo movement is a step in the right direction for the country, as a way to come together and support those who have been affected by sexual misconduct, but also as a deliverance of the bigger message: this behavior needs to come to an end. Although many recent allegations against various men have not yet been proven, sexual harassment is clearly prevalent in society, and just one case of assault or misconduct could alter an innocent life forever.
Nevertheless, the #MeToo movement has opened the eyes of many, showing that change can occur, and anyone that goes through one of these horrible experiences has a number of supporters who understand the pain.
“[This campaign] truly opened my eyes to the magnitude of the fact that women (and even other men as well) are taken advantage of constantly,” Modi said. “[The campaign] has empowered me to be the best citizen I can be and support my fellow citizens in the effort to eradicate sexual assault and harassment.”
As a society, it is time use this campaign as motivation to step up and take the next step: end sexual harassment once and for all.
