Throughout history, movements have formed in order to resist oppression and make an impact. The case is no different when it comes to the #MeToo movement, started by Tarana Burke, and the #TimesUp movement both which are followed by many activists and celebrities to fight against the sexual assault/abuse toward women. Many celebrities wore the color black to award shows, such as the BAFTA awards and Golden Globes, as a symbol of defiance to protest unfair treatment of women. This is what girl power looks like and I think this is a great place to start − but it is not enough.
Women have the voice and power to change their surroundings − it is just a matter of truly using it and not just following the movement on social media in order to seem cool. This is not to say that people are not truly hurt by all the sexual allegations that have come out since Harvey Weinstein, because I do know that they are. What I am saying is that we need to do more than just wear black and this goes for everyone, men included. The point I think is valid in this whole catastrophe is that of actress Rose McGowan, who thinks we are beyond symbolism and that silent protest is not the way to fight these issues. I could not agree with her more considering the fact that black, although associated with elegance, is also a color used for mourning. I do not think it is enough for women to pick a color that suggests loss. This is a time to stand strong and be bold – and wearing black just doesn’t cut it. If a man as powerful as Weinstein could be dismissed from his company and get expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to his conduct, then that shows we are capable of dismantling all those that have used their position of power to abuse women.
The media has been a powerful tool in bringing to light many of these issues, but oftentimes after a couple of days, people on social media tend to move on and follow whatever else is trending. Sexual assault/abuse against anyone is not something to just trend on social media for a couple of days and then be forgotten. It is an everyday experience and battle for many that deserves continuous attention and effort.
Going further with the movement means boycotting any person, group, business or organization that in any way helps promote misogynistic views. Let’s take Chris Brown for instance, who after hitting Rihanna was still well received in society and supported by many. If people demonstrating such behaviors were boycotted to the point where they lost their platform, then the message would be loud and clear.
Many of those that are wealthy and in power are there because one way or another, the everyday American has bought their products, watched their films etc. If we all boycotted such people and whatever they have to offer to society (careers, businesses, etc.), then we will hit them where it hurts and humble them. Justice must be demanded, not begged for. This movement has led to the Time’s Up movement, and women should act in a way that really shows that time is up.
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