By Briana Shelly | Observer Contributor
The #MeToo Movement has approached its one-year anniversary and is continuing to touch the lives of both men and women throughout society every day. Many people may have thought that this social movement was going to die down, however, they are sadly mistaken.
Originally brought to light in 2006 by social activist Tarana Burke, it was brought back by actress Alyssa Milano last year on Twitter when it became a trending topic.
The impact that this movement is having is affecting all of us, not just the victims and the predators. According to an article in the New York Times, 201 men have either lost their jobs or major roles due to sexual harassment or advances. There have been 124 replacements: 54 women and 70 men.
The #MeToo movement is not just happening in the workplace, but also in schools, clubs, and house parties. Sexual harassment is happening all too often and is being brought to light in one of the most courageous ways.
As a victim of sexual assault myself, the #MeToo Movement gave me an outlet where I could feel free to discuss what happened in the hopes that it can relate to another man or woman, but not let the assault take control over my thoughts and emotions.
Sheila Murphy, a Sociology professor, thinks that the #MeToo Movement is a great thing and hopes to see it continue in the near future.
“It allows women now to understand that they are not alone and this isn’t something that has to stay hidden or be ashamed of.”
Murphy has been teaching both sociology and psychology for over twenty years and also runs a pledge stigma for mental health awareness as well.
Murphy added if others continue to reach out and share their stories, she feels that this can reduce the stigma that is associated with sexual assault. By getting people educated and aware of what sexual assault is, how to report it, and to feel comfortable when doing so, this can allow the movement to continue in the right direction.
In the future, perhaps there could be a club or a meeting group referencing sexual assault scenarios and discussing it amongst students. Murphy mentioned that there used to be a rape counselor that would come by the college about once a month, but that has come to a stop. Why?
Nowadays, sexual assault is being discussed everywhere from the classroom to social media. As long as both men and women continue to stay educated about the topic, the more awareness can be shed on the sensitive subject that is always important to discuss, not just “sometimes.”
Comments are closed.