On Tuesday, March 10th, Missouri State University hosted a free event for women's history month and Tarana Burke came to speak on campus. Burke is a civil rights activist who founded the #Metoo movement. I was ecstatic when I heard she would be coming to campus I knew that I absolutely had to go. It was an honor to in the presence of such a strong and powerful woman (seriously, I want to be her when I grow up). What she had to say was incredibly interesting and I thought her messages are most definitely worth sharing.
She coined the phrase "Me too" in 2006
GiphyMany believe that the #metoo movement began in 2016 when the hashtag went viral on twitter. Believe it or not, Burke has actually been using the phrase since 2006 (she laughed as she admitted that the movement originally started on MySpace. She joked about how we are far too young to remember MySpace). Burke experienced sexual assault and began the Me Too movement as a way to help primarily women and girls of color who had also experienced some form of sexual assault or violence.
You are not obligated to share your story
GiphyWhile talking about their experience can be incredibly therapeutic for some people it can be difficult and often traumatic for others. Tarana Burke made an effort to remind everyone that it is their story is their's alone and that they are not required to share it with anyone if they don't want to. Often large news outlets or members of the government will exploit or monopolize off the stories of survivors. This can be incredibly harmful to survivors. Never feel that you have to tell your story to anyone and everyone who asks.
Stop allowing men like Harvey Weinstein to be the face of the movement
GiphyBurke says she wishes people would stop lumping those who commit sexual violence into a movement that is intended for survivors. By allowing men such as Harvey Weinstein, R. Kelly, and Bill Cosby to be the face of this movement we are continuing to let them have power over their survivors.
But please don't make her the face of it either
While she did create the viral hashtag, she does not want to be viewed as the face of this movement. She stated that there isn't one person who has all the answers. Burke stated that while she is very active in trying to combat sexual violence she is still only one person and doesn't have all the answers. She explained this further by stating that Greta Thunberg is the face of the climate change strikes and the students of Parkland are the face of the gun violence movement. However, even though they may be the face of the movement they do not have all the answers to solve these issues. Burke also mentioned many times that the face of the movement should be survivors of sexual violence.
It is our responsibility to stop perpetuating rape culture
GiphyBurke mentioned that one of the best things we can do as individuals to help combat sexual violence is to stop perpetuating rape culture and educating others any chance we get. Now how exactly can one do this? If one of your friends makes a sexist joke or a joke centering around rape do not be afraid to call them out. Inform them that jokes revolving around those sensitive topics are not funny to you and if they are unable to not make those jokes you do not want to be around them. Also, ladies for the love of GOD stop slut-shaming each other. As a matter of fact, stop referring to ANYONE as a slut. A girl's body count does not determine her worth. Also, stop perpetuating the idea that women need to dress a certain way or else they are "asking for it"
Don't compare your trauma
Burke mentioned how many survivors have opened up to her but minimized their own experience because "someone else has it worse". If you experienced sexual violence then you experienced sexual violence. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Everyone experiences trauma differently but that does not mean that your trauma is not valid.
#Metoo is not a women's movement
Burke says she recognizes that the biggest criticism regarding the #Metoo movement is that it tends to ignore men. However, Burke stated that it is not solely a women's movement but rather a survivor's movement. On average, more than 12,000 reported cases of sexual violence each year involve men as the victim. Male survivors are more than welcome to join the movement.
Getting to see Tarana Burke speak in person was an honor and such an amazing and eye-opening experience. Even if you have never personally been a victim of sexual violence I highly encourage you to see her if given the chance.
