What's Missing In #MeToo
I have heard a lot of backlash over the treading #MeToo over the past week. Although I am for the movement, I do see that there is a lack of representation of male victims, trans women victims, and victims of violent sexual assault.
#MeToo is a viral and overarching phenomenon that does not encompass all sexual harassment and assault cases, and I do not think it is supposed to. I think it has one job-- the job of bringing sexual assault and harassment to the forefront of popular media. I think it did that successfully. However, I can see how it can be isolating to those who are seemingly left out of the trend. For one, the movement excludes men. Not saying that sexual assault and harassment does not effect men, because it does, I think that the Me Too Movement is for girls and women and that it okay.
"One of the main goals of The Me Too Movement is to give young women, particularly young women of color from low wealth communities, a sense of empowerment that they're not alone," founder of the movement, Tarana Burke said.
In addition to men, I think that there is a lack of representation in media on the effects of sexual assault and harassment against trans women. Like a lot of social justice movements, they tend to leave out marginalized groups. In this case, I think that there is a lack of "me too"s for LGBT+ women. To combat this, the media needs to do a better job at including the narratives of LGBT+ people in general. For this movement, there needs to be an end to the notion of "cisters" and a movement toward "sisters."
Also, there has been a critically viewed opinion of the trend that has left many victims silenced. Women who are victims of rape have come forward to say that the trend is very isolating and infuriating. It is making it seem like you have to post "me too" to be taking seriously-- you have to out yourself to be deemed worthy. Also, there has been the argument that "me too" is too inclusive. It is comparing rape to being "cat-called." This is far from the truth. Sexual assault is different than harassment, but there should not be a shamed minimizing going on to fit this trend.
"Me Too," is an imperfect movement toward change. Although there is room to improve, it is important to note that this a powerful trend to be a part of. This hashtag is bringing to light a serious problem that so many people face each day. It's time to stop pointing out the downsides of the movement but praise it for even getting this much attention.
#MeToo is a viral and overarching phenomenon that does not encompass all sexual harassment and assault cases, and I do not think it is supposed to. I think it has one job-- the job of bringing sexual assault and harassment to the forefront of popular media. I think it did that successfully. However, I can see how it can be isolating to those who are seemingly left out of the trend. For one, the movement excludes men. Not saying that sexual assault and harassment does not effect men, because it does, I think that the Me Too Movement is for girls and women and that it okay.
"One of the main goals of The Me Too Movement is to give young women, particularly young women of color from low wealth communities, a sense of empowerment that they're not alone," founder of the movement, Tarana Burke said.
In addition to men, I think that there is a lack of representation in media on the effects of sexual assault and harassment against trans women. Like a lot of social justice movements, they tend to leave out marginalized groups. In this case, I think that there is a lack of "me too"s for LGBT+ women. To combat this, the media needs to do a better job at including the narratives of LGBT+ people in general. For this movement, there needs to be an end to the notion of "cisters" and a movement toward "sisters."
Also, there has been a critically viewed opinion of the trend that has left many victims silenced. Women who are victims of rape have come forward to say that the trend is very isolating and infuriating. It is making it seem like you have to post "me too" to be taking seriously-- you have to out yourself to be deemed worthy. Also, there has been the argument that "me too" is too inclusive. It is comparing rape to being "cat-called." This is far from the truth. Sexual assault is different than harassment, but there should not be a shamed minimizing going on to fit this trend.
"Me Too," is an imperfect movement toward change. Although there is room to improve, it is important to note that this a powerful trend to be a part of. This hashtag is bringing to light a serious problem that so many people face each day. It's time to stop pointing out the downsides of the movement but praise it for even getting this much attention.
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