GO CHECK IT OUT IN PRINT! 

On October 5th, 2017, an article published by the New York Times tore years of rumors and accusations wide open and laid bare when Harvey Weinstein, a former American film producer and executive, was exposed as a sexual predator. Whether you believe this scandal to be a disgusting truth, a blatant overreaction, or a long buried problem finally exposed, the after effects and the worldwide reaction of both women and men is nothing short of real.

Sexual harassment has been long debated problem. Whether it be in the workplace or in public areas, it’s been an on-and-off topic of discussion. With the Weinstein case taking centerstage, it brings up a lot of questions and concerns, including, but not limited to: people in power, professional conduct, mental diseases, and sexual abuse. The biggest response to the Weinstein case would be the #MeToo movement.

On October 15, 2017, Alyssa Milano, an American actress and activist, posted a Tweet asking anyone who’s ever been sexually harassed to comment: ‘me too’ on her Tweet. Soon after it became its very own hashtag. As of October 20th, the hashtag has been used over a million times in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, while over 68,000 people have responded to Milano’s Tweet.

This movement has spread worldwide in a variety of forms, from social media platforms to countries. In France, a pair of hashtags on Twitter are being used. #BalanceTonPorc and #BalanceTaTruie, the former for women and the latter for men. The phrases are translated as: “Squeal your pig” and “Squeal your swine” respectively. For Spanish speakers, #YoTambien is used, meaning: “Me Too.” Arabic countries have also been using their respective #MeToo, along with dozens of other nations. A partner hashtag has also popped up for the original American hashtag. #HowIWillChange, a tag generally used by, but not limited to, men appalled with the commonness of sexual harassment. By early November, more and more individuals were coming forward against a variety of, specifically Hollywood, powers.

Around the world, people are take control of their lives. Whether it be finding a college to go to, struggling against their government, or finding a voice through social media against sexual harassment. Women just happen to have taken the spotlight with the latter.