Me Too movement Essays - Feminism, Human Sexuality, Human Behavior

Me Too Movement: An End to Sexual Harassment and Assault Morgan Baker California Baptist University Author Note This paper is being submitted to Prof. Marilyn D. Moore in partial fulfillment of the course Intro to Sociology, SOC 213, on April 23, 2018. There are different cultures around the world that have an array of beliefs on the types of behaviors that are ethical and unethical. If there is no law against action, it is legal, no matter how many deem it unethical. This is because ethics are solely based on personal belief systems which immensely differ from person to person. Actual or attempted rape or sexual assault, unwanted pressure for sexual favors, sexual looks or gestures, or any material of sexual nature. This is just some unethical behavior which has lead people to stand up against sexual harassment. Sexual harassment does not just occur in a work setting, it can happen anywhere. Effects of sexual harassment can vary depending on the individuality of the recipient and the severity and duration of the harassment. This type of harassment can lead to temporary or prolonged states of stress or depression depending on the recipient's psychological abilities to cope with this type of behavior. There are many cases of sexual harassment that take place because some individuals are unaware that they are displaying unacceptable behavior. Those who continue to sexually harass an individual often perceive the situation as something they can "get away with" and do not count on the victim acting. Many harassers are also not familiar with the rules, regulations, and laws regarding unwanted sexual attention, which aim to protect the rights of victims. To date, many work environments, higher learning institutions, and even a few states are cracking down on the issue of sexual harassment by implementing mandatory policies There are several ways to overcome sexual harassment. First is Educate yourself.Do some research on the law of discrimination and harassment: what it is, how it is proven in court, and what your responsibilities. AS a victim, it can be difficult to admit to a sexual assault incident. Remaining silent and choosing not to act will cause an immense about of emotional pain. person who Tarana burke the founder of MeToo explains that "When it comes to you, your safety comes first." The "Me Too" movement is a protest sexual harassment and assault. #Metoo has become a trending Hashtag on social media since October 2017. This movement wishes to convey the widespread occurrence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the work place. This Movement followed soon after the sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Harvey Weinstein is a former American film producer. However, there are allegations concerning sexual harassment and assault against a great number of women in the film industry from Weinstein. This one hashtag has given a sense of courage to these women and they are choosing to stand tall. Activist Tarana Burke is the woman behind the MeToo hashtag. She is the woman responsible for starting the movement back in 2006, which encourages women to demonstrate solidarity with each other, specifically dealing with sexual assault and harassment. The Hashtag resurfaced when Actor Alyssa Milano used it in support of a dear friend Rose McGowan's allegations of sexual harassment against Harvey Weinstein. Burke along with other supporters wore black at the Golden Globes to protest sexual harassment in Hollywood. Burke was asked about the popularity of the movement and she answered, saying that "It's deeply humbling. This is something that I started out of necessity and something that I thought that my community needed, and it has grown over the years, but I never could envision it growing like this" (Borge 2018). She then explains that this movement "is more powerful because we're seeinga collaboration between these two worlds that people don't usually put together" (Borge,2018) . Burke is overwhelmed with the amount of support this movement has created and is even more excited to see the changes that come along. The underlaying purpose of this movement is to not associate shame with sexual harassment but a renewed attitude. As women come forward with stories of sexual assault and harassment, advocates are realizing that the "me too" movement can be an opportunity