By Arielle Whitaker | Observer Contributor
Following the accusations against Harvey Weinstein, actress Alyssa Milano created a call to action on social media. On October 15,she tweeted, “if all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote ‘me too’ as their status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem.” She then followed this tweet with another, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”
This hashtag has been an incredible voice for victims of sexual assault, the bravery and intelligent thoughts shared have been moving. I fully support this movement, but it is slightly flawed. Although we have seen posts from men giving words of solidarity, this hashtag keeps the issue of sexual violence on women and not the men who commit these acts.
We need more men to come forward and expose the truth and the offenders behind sexual assault because, without it, we are left with just the sad stories. We have seen time and time again that the accusations given by women regarding this issue are rarely taken seriously. I think if more men came forward to out the offenders and send the message that this is not okay, then the matter would not be taken so lightly.
These posts have been empowering, uplifting, and passionate but it continues to keep the personal details and stories of sexual harassment and assault in the spotlight, while the offenders continue to hide in the dark.
The hashtag caught like wildfire and the responses were overwhelming. Within two weeks there have been 1.7 million tweets across 85 countries using the hashtag “me too.” Milano commented on the huge number on twitter saying “standing side by side together our movement will only grow.”
Women all over the world participated on both twitter and Facebook. Some simply shared the hashtag while others were brave enough to tell their story. Other celebrities, alongside Milano, joined in as well. Including Lady Gaga, Debra Messing, Evan Rachel Wood, Sheryl Crow, and Sarah Hyland. Although every post is appreciated, seeing public figures use their public platform for social change and injustice is refreshing.
Although it is heartbreaking to see how many responses were given, and to know there are so many more who have been harassed or assaulted but chose not to participate, it is also empowering. I feel inspired to provoke real change when reading these stories and witnessing the truth be exposed.
It is important to know that although sexual assault is more common towards women, men are not exempt. There were men who partook in the hashtag and shared their own personal stories of sexual violence. This issue is prevalent everywhere, at all times.
The biggest shock that came with this hashtag, besides how many participated, was who participated. We hear of sexual violence all the time and know it exists, but seeing people we know like our sisters, neighbors, friends, co-workers share their story online was even more eye-opening and heartbreaking.
Comments are closed.