Hollywood Sexual Harassment Allegations Prompt Real Change

Numerous Hollywood sexual harassment allegations have been brought to light in the media over the past few months. Shortly after the outpouring of Harvey Weinstein allegations, the conversation started and floodgates opened about what really can go on in Hollywood. Since then, a number of men have resigned, been fired or experienced other fallouts after a wide set of claims have been made. Along with women coming forward about their experiences, the hashtag #MeToo went viral on social media, encouraging women to show the prevalence of sexual harassment, support one another and share their experiences if comfortable enough to do so. It’s one of the strongest female empowerment armies and example of girl power I have seen since the women’s marches.  The Weinstein claims helped other women come forth and shed light on their own experiences in Hollywood, and because of this conversation starter, real change can start to be made in Hollywood for how cast and crew should be treated.

In an article published by the New York Times, several women came forward to share their extremely uncomfortable experiences with Harvey Weinstein, some of which dated several years in the past. Women have kept their experiences secret because they were embarrassed and afraid, not knowing what would happen as a result or how people would react. No one knew at the time what would come of the article, but it quickly went viral, all over social media. Women in the industry, including Brie Larson, shared their support for the women who spoke up, and others started to share their experiences with Weinstein and other men. It was the start of a powerful force of women coming together and exposing men who got away with harassment and assault.

From then, women in Hollywood started to feel confident enough to come forward with their own experiences against men in Hollywood, knowing that they would finally be heard and taken seriously by a pack of fierce, angry women who have had enough of the mistreatment. Another prominent example that went viral was Jennifer Lawrence speaking up about degrading and humiliating treatment she had to endure. It was a reminder that sexual harassment and mistreatment does not only come from men in the industry, but women as well. Either way, sweeping the behavior of those who acted that way under the rug is not something the people of Hollywood should be proud of. The industry has made women feel alone, and no one should ever feel that way.

So many women have had to live with these experiences bottled up inside them, feeling scared to come forward because they weren’t sure if they would be believed or taken seriously. It has been conditioned in women since young ages to fear men. It’s why we cross to the other side of the street at night and why we laugh off the uncomfortable remarks men make. To show the prominence and give a sense of magnitude of sexual harassment females have to endure, the hashtag #MeToo went viral on social media. Started by Alyssa Milano, women who are and who are not in Hollywood used this hashtag to either share their experience, show their support or just to simply post to join in the movement. The #MeToo movement showed how serious change needs to be made in the industry. I believe women have had enough, and won’t back down until real change gets made, even if it means continuing to expose men in Hollywood for their actions.

For years now in Hollywood and all around the world, many men have been able to get away with their sexual assault and vulgar behavior against women. For the first time, I finally feel that real change is going to be made in Hollywood because women have had enough. The conversation between women exposing men for their immature and selfish actions is going to pave the way for more women to come forward and speak up about their own experiences, as well as build stronger, more badass women who will refuse to let men get away with their actions. Light must be shined on such unacceptable situations so men can learn to think before they act and ultimately respect all women and their bodies.