#MeToo campaign is not the solution to stopping sexual assault

Jacquelyn Hurtado/ Contributing Writer

After various allegations of sexual assault emerged against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, women have been speaking up against it.

On Oct. 15, actress Alyssa Milano told her Twitter followers to tweet #MeToo if they had ever been sexually harassed or assaulted. More than 200,000 Twitter account holders have responded to this campaign in hopes of showing the world the magnitude of the problem.

On Oct. 16, Australian journalist Benjamin Law responded with the hashtag #HowIWillChange to encourage men to explain what they will do to stop sexual abuse. Various men claimed that they would teach their sons’ good morale, stand up to sexist people and educate themselves on women’s issues, according to Huffington Post.

Despite all this talk, the objectification of women is so ingrained in our society that this raises the question of whether a campaign will actually change anything. For so many years, women have been silenced and blamed for their own sexual assaults, allowing these men of power to walk away untouched. And this isn’t the first time people have tried to raise awareness about the issue.

It’s been 20 years since actress Rowan McGowen went to Amazon Studios to speak up against Weinstein and he is still not behind bars despite more than 50 allegations. This makes me believe that if the voice of 50 women cannot bring down one man, then the campaign hasn’t achieved its purpose yet.

Now, rather than being prosecuted, Harvey Weinstein has reportedly gone to a rehabilitation center in Arizona to treat his sex addiction, according to Variety. The idea that Weinstein will change through rehab only seems like a way to salvage his career and subdue the allegations. Although this campaign is growing tremendously, it probably won’t change anything.

The impact of the #MeToo campaign has taken residence in the hearts of FIU students, encouraging brave and strong women to tell their stories and share their opinion of this movement.

“I was sexually assaulted in Florida State in my dorm room and since that happened, I never really spoke to anyone about it,” said Valerie Senior, a senior majoring in communication. “I thought that I was the only person that that happened to, but since I found out about it, I feel relieved because I’m not the only person that it’s happened to. I don’t feel alone.”

Although Senior is glad that it’s raising more awareness, she feels that the campaign is “like a lost case.” Stories like Senior’s show the powerless feeling one goes through after sexual harassment, but it also shows their unwavering resilience.

It’s amazing how, even after dark times, these women still find the courage to smile, pursue their education and persevere.  Even if this campaign won’t change anything, we as a community have to continue fighting for a lasting solution.

“Now that this issue is in the public eye, it is crucial to set a precedent, otherwise people might think that this issue is not important and that individuals like Harvey Weinstein can get away with whatever they want,” Malena Cora, a sophomore majoring in broadcast media, said. “In order for this campaign to create a change, everyone must come together and demand a change.”

Ultimately, the #MeToo campaign is only the first step. It seems like the only solution is a loud wake-up call —  I propose that we continue exposing the men who have forced women into silence.

Once they are exposed, these men have to actually be prosecuted and placed in jail by the authorities. As more men become aware of the fact that their actions have consequences, they will finally see that they have no right over a woman’s body.   

 

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The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

Photo taken from Flickr.