Rape culture thrives in isolation: It’s time we speak up
So, here we are again. Your favorite editorial board is talking about another issue that is really important.
The hashtag MeToo. This movement spread rapidly across Facebook and Twitter in an attempt to show the world how common sexual harassment and assault are in our society.
A massive amount of people stepped forward to express their own experiences and prove how widespread the problem is. Several other hashtags arose during this time to show solidarity for the victims that were brave enough to step forward.
While many people may look at the social media campaign as futile and even meaningless, it is important to note that drawing attention to the problem is crucial.
Regardless of how much a hashtag might do to end sexual violence, it decreases the stigma surrounding rape and other forms of harassment. It shows survivors that they are not alone in their experiences and it encourages women, and everyone, who have dealt with such a traumatic event to talk about it.
Another important aspect of the MeToo campaign is the fact that it made a point to include every victim of sexual violence. Any individual who has dealt with the problem, in some form, took a stand to make a change in the conversation.
Whether someone told their story or simply posted #MeToo on their social media, people were forced to face the fact that many people they knew had dealt with some type of sexual assault or harassment in their lifetime.
And the fight is not over. There is still an intense stigma around talking about the struggle of people regarding sexual, relationship and marital violence. There is still a preference for turning a blind eye to victims who suffer in relative silence. There is still a complacent desire to allow America’s rape culture to persist.
The MeToo campaign was able to bring thousands of people together. Celebrities, parents, grandparents, college students, friends and acquaintances all shared a mutual understanding and empathy when the hashtag was shared.
It should be a wake up call to those who still deny that rape culture is a problem in today’s society.
It should point a finger at assaulters who never saw anything wrong with what they did.
It should urge those who stand by and let it happen to stand up against it.
It is a guiding hand to those who have already experienced the invasion of personal identity and space to speak up and help those struggling with the same things.
It is time we realized how serious rape and sexual harassment are.
People are ready to initiate change.
It is time we said #MeToo.