While browsing the internet today, I came across an ABC article titled, "Unwanted sexual advances not just a Hollywood, Weinstein story, poll finds."
When I read the headline and eventually the article, I was kind of shocked that something like this even had to be published; of course, it happens outside of Hollywood, this isn't some new revelation.
This isn't some new problem and it's one that isn't going to stop by sharing results from a poll. The first time I remember being sexualized was in elementary school. The first time my bra got snapped in class was in sixth grade and there are many other examples of when I felt uncomfortable by something a man said to me. Just last week, I was eating in a restaurant and went to the bathroom by myself.
Lurking outside of the bathroom was a 30-something man who said, "Wow, you can go to the bathroom by yourself... nice," in one of the creepiest voices you can think of. It doesn't sound so terrible when I write it down but it was the way he was standing there, the way he made that comment, and the way I felt scared to go to the bathroom by myself.
I had no make-up on, my hair was a mess, and I didn't even make eye contact with this man. It's hard for me to shake that feeling when I go anywhere alone, even doing something as simple as going to the bathroom alone.
This is why awareness and the trending hashtag #MeToo matters. The hashtag has taken Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram by storm. People of all different backgrounds are stepping forward and sharing their experience(s) and it's a movement that matters.
It matters that we don't feel like we're alone. It matters that guys see this as an opportunity to improve themselves and stop this horrible behavior. When we are younger, it's easier for us to just shrug it off as teasing, but we need to raise our boys better. We need to make sure they understand the importance of their words and actions starting from a young age.
#MeToo is a step in the right direction, and it definitely makes me feel less alone. I sometimes feel like I'm overreacting, but when I told my boyfriend what that man said to me, he got upset that something like this happened to me and wanted to know what he looked like. I feel lucky I have men in my life that will protect me and stand up for what's right.
But, someday they might not be there to walk me home or make sure the creepy guy at the party doesn't get too close to me and my friends. I don't owe anyone my story, and certainly, #MeToo isn't going to solve the issues, but it's a step in the right direction.
I shouldn't have to pretend to talk to my mom on the phone. I shouldn't have to walk with my head down to avoid confrontation or have headphones in so no one talks to me. The way I dress, or if I have makeup on doesn't prevent me from receiving unwanted words or advances.
Until we radically change the way men are raised and instill values in our youth that women are just as equal as men and deserve the same respect, I can't imagine I would have the freedom or the confidence to walk alone.
My heart goes out to all the people who have shared #MeToo (women, men, and all other genders).
We are strong, we are fighters, and we won't be silenced. It's so sad that something like the Harvey Weinstein scandal is what causes people to finally open their eyes. This isn't a new problem, but it's one that needed fixing years ago.
Me too.
