#MeToo (and other) Campaigns
As I've stated in my very first post on here (back in May, time flies, huh?), up until the creation of this blog and linked accounts, I was actively choosing not to publicly engage in social media platforms. In addition to my reasoning of anonymity, I believed that most of what's put "out there" is garbage- a bottomless pit of random ideas, opinions, falsehoods and the like. I didn't want to waste my energy getting caught up in trends, hashtags, viral posts and fake news. My theory was- if I didn't engage then it didn't exist- because it would only be something online or on that platform. No crossover.
I was intrigued when I heard of the #MeToo campaign sweeping across the digital and news media amidst the other headlining stories. It's a tale as old as time- the "Beauty" and the "Beast" (or if you prefer, the "Lady and the "Tramp") without the Disney flair. Sexual harassment, abuse, assault, misconduct, misogyny, discrimination and rape reporting and the discussion surrounding these topics is mounting tremendously. Rape culture is prevalent as stories (and acknowledgments) pour in from all over the web, including those from celebrities, government officials, executives, athletes, reporters, scientists and other public figures.
Unlike other hashtag campaigns, such as those for disaster relief or tributes, this is one that reverberates. Like the #blacklivesmatter campaign, it's a continuous process of recognizing and reporting these topics whether it happened today, yesterday, last week, last year or ten years ago. Women are discussing what happened to them and why it wasn't okay in hopes of inspiring others to see the signs, speak out against it and fight to stigma. It's also a call to shift the attitude regarding rape culture. If you scroll through these social media platforms under the hashtag, you'll find an array of personal stories, news stories, questions, poems and photos. On the other hand, there are those calling out the movement and claiming to not forget men's rights, that many of these stories are probably false or that it's all taken out of context. These voices all have a space to discuss and literally "hash" out these issues even if they're not positive.
The problem with campaigns is that they don't take shape- all discussion and no action. In this case, however, there are new policies sprouting and the language is changing so that there won't be retaliation or further discrimination. Hopefully these changes take hold and don't fall by the wayside of many past movements, but with the hashtag, it could stick around much longer. It's unfortunate to frame it as such, but, with the continuous outing of public figures as aggressors, it probably will not die soon. I'm curious how long it will last.
It's important to look at the campaign as a strong message. Individuals find solace in their own experiences, and if they choose, may communicate them publicly. While perhaps they may choose not to do so on social media, it's the trend itself that may bring out the discussion (at home, work, social circles, groups, etc.) or at the very least realize that it was wrong in the first place. If nothing else, it does send a message if enough people say it aloud. The more it's talked about, the more accepting the discussion- the more accepting the discussion, the likelier chance for change.
As for me, there have been multiple occurrences in my life where I was the subject- actually an object- of someone or multiple people. It's one of those things where you can't believe it's happening, and when you reflect on it, it just adds up. "It's no big deal." It happens again. You say something this time, but then you're told "it's just a joke, I was kidding around." Maybe you can't be casual. Then it happens again. "You must not like to be teased." Happens again. "That guy's just a weirdo, ignore him." Then again. "He's elderly, he's from a different time." Again. "He likes you." Ok so, maybe he can't flirt. Until it happens again, and the men around you don't do or say anything, just stare. "He drank too much." And again when you're on a date. "Listen, I wasn't going to f- you, just having fun." Sound familiar? These are all scenarios in my life, and all the excuses I was fed look past the "bad behavior." In some cases I said something, but in all cases, nothing actually changed. Here's to hoping that putting my story out there will add a voice and put a stop to the behavior- including my own behavior of accepting it.
I was intrigued when I heard of the #MeToo campaign sweeping across the digital and news media amidst the other headlining stories. It's a tale as old as time- the "Beauty" and the "Beast" (or if you prefer, the "Lady and the "Tramp") without the Disney flair. Sexual harassment, abuse, assault, misconduct, misogyny, discrimination and rape reporting and the discussion surrounding these topics is mounting tremendously. Rape culture is prevalent as stories (and acknowledgments) pour in from all over the web, including those from celebrities, government officials, executives, athletes, reporters, scientists and other public figures.
Unlike other hashtag campaigns, such as those for disaster relief or tributes, this is one that reverberates. Like the #blacklivesmatter campaign, it's a continuous process of recognizing and reporting these topics whether it happened today, yesterday, last week, last year or ten years ago. Women are discussing what happened to them and why it wasn't okay in hopes of inspiring others to see the signs, speak out against it and fight to stigma. It's also a call to shift the attitude regarding rape culture. If you scroll through these social media platforms under the hashtag, you'll find an array of personal stories, news stories, questions, poems and photos. On the other hand, there are those calling out the movement and claiming to not forget men's rights, that many of these stories are probably false or that it's all taken out of context. These voices all have a space to discuss and literally "hash" out these issues even if they're not positive.
The problem with campaigns is that they don't take shape- all discussion and no action. In this case, however, there are new policies sprouting and the language is changing so that there won't be retaliation or further discrimination. Hopefully these changes take hold and don't fall by the wayside of many past movements, but with the hashtag, it could stick around much longer. It's unfortunate to frame it as such, but, with the continuous outing of public figures as aggressors, it probably will not die soon. I'm curious how long it will last.
It's important to look at the campaign as a strong message. Individuals find solace in their own experiences, and if they choose, may communicate them publicly. While perhaps they may choose not to do so on social media, it's the trend itself that may bring out the discussion (at home, work, social circles, groups, etc.) or at the very least realize that it was wrong in the first place. If nothing else, it does send a message if enough people say it aloud. The more it's talked about, the more accepting the discussion- the more accepting the discussion, the likelier chance for change.
As for me, there have been multiple occurrences in my life where I was the subject- actually an object- of someone or multiple people. It's one of those things where you can't believe it's happening, and when you reflect on it, it just adds up. "It's no big deal." It happens again. You say something this time, but then you're told "it's just a joke, I was kidding around." Maybe you can't be casual. Then it happens again. "You must not like to be teased." Happens again. "That guy's just a weirdo, ignore him." Then again. "He's elderly, he's from a different time." Again. "He likes you." Ok so, maybe he can't flirt. Until it happens again, and the men around you don't do or say anything, just stare. "He drank too much." And again when you're on a date. "Listen, I wasn't going to f- you, just having fun." Sound familiar? These are all scenarios in my life, and all the excuses I was fed look past the "bad behavior." In some cases I said something, but in all cases, nothing actually changed. Here's to hoping that putting my story out there will add a voice and put a stop to the behavior- including my own behavior of accepting it.
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