Last month, accusations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein revealed a decades-long abuse of power by one of the biggest names in the film business. Shortly after, more than 30 women claimed to have been harassed, assaulted or raped by Weinstein. More actors and actresses spoke out against producers, directors, and fellow actors highlighting the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in Hollywood. But it didn't stop there.
After actress Alyssa Milano started the MeToo hashtag on Twitter, thousands of women around the world have come forward to say they too have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their lives.
Since then, the MeToo tag has been trending on social media and prompted Olympians Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney to also share their stories of abuse by their team doctor. Actors came forth about inappropriate behavior by Kevin Spacey and Brett Ratner, among others.
And now, a new hashtag has taken off with #MeAt14 after multiple politicians have been accused of groping, harassing or otherwise attempting to pick up underage teenagers and women. And while Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Brett Ratner have been dropped from their films and Dr. Larry Nassar is facing additional charges, politicians accused of sexual harassment and assault remain in office.
Sexual harassment in Washington has long been ignored and swept under the rug
Anita Hill famously brought allegations against Clarence Thomas in the 90's prior to his being sworn in as a member of the US Supreme Court. She was not bringing charges against him, she just wanted the American people to know the kind of man they were putting into a position of power which he could potentially abuse to harass more women.
And instead of taking her seriously or considering the idea that a man had abused his power, the public and the government said she was lying.
Now, decades later, women came forward to make assault allegations against then President-elect Trump and of course, the famous locker room tape where he spoke about forcing himself on women.
The response? The women were ignored and Trump became President.
Even with a tidal wave of allegations, there is still no action against elected government officials
It is clear that sexual harassment is a pervasive issue in society and starting the conversation, saying MeToo, is just the first step. What needs to happen next is for it to be made clear that in no position of power, in no industry, is it acceptable for someone to abuse their power to their own sexual advantage. Why is it that elected officials feel they are above the law, even now?
