#MeToo and Sexual Assault

The #MeToo survivors march, and the Take Back The Workplace march teamed up on Sunday, November 12, on Hollywood Boulevard, in order to bring attention to the sheer amount of sexual assault victims in Hollywood. Countless allegations against actors, television personalities, and people in congress, were made recently, some of the most notable being Harvey Weinstein, Louis C.K., and George Takei, and some of the more recent, like Matt Lauer and John Conyer.

  People nationwide have been coming out to talk about their experiences regarding sexual harassment using the hashtag #MeToo, to effectively compile a huge archive of lengthy stories, short drabbles, and simply the hashtag itself to signify that they too, had been sexually assaulted.

  The accusations against celebrities have been gaining more and more press coverage, to the point where nearly anyone you ask has heard about at least one of the cases at some point.

  “I’ve heard a decent amount,” said Alexander Eason, a SWHS junior.“I’ve heard about the guy who lost his spot on 60 Minutes, and some five people have charged him with sexual assault, maybe more.” In actuality, he was thinking of Matt Lauer who lost his job at NBC, he was the former host of the Today Show.

  Eason commented on how many of the accused weren’t being punished or questioned further on the allegations against them. “I think it’s good that they’re getting called out, but I think it’s terrible they can do that and get away with it scot-free as long as they make a public apology.”

  Among the numerous accounts, some of the allegations have been proven false, and many people like to point out that many more of the accusations could be false as well.

  “I know the accusation against Louis C.K. is true, since he confirmed it,” said Gilbert Callis, a SWHS graduate. “I honestly don’t know what to think about the others. I think most of the people making accusations are telling the truth.”

  When presented the question, Eason responded with, “I’m sure it’s a fair mix of some liars and some people telling the truth, because men and women of power have a tendency to abuse that power. Some have used their power to do things non-consensually.”

  In the end, many victims and non-victims believe that the way sexual assault and harassment are being viewed and dealt with is going a step in the right direction. Accusers are voicing their experiences, and many of the accused, famous or not, have lost their jobs, or have been taken to court. Yet many still go about their lives as if nothing happened.

  “I think we are starting to go in the right direction, being more open about the issue, but right now a lot of people don’t take the issue seriously. Like, Law enforcement sometimes won’t take a sexual assault victim seriously… like if the one accused is another police officer, or if it’s someone from a sports team they support,” Callis said. “Non-victims can be really horrible about discussing sexual assault, whether that’s defending rapists or making rape jokes.A lot of people don’t take the issue of sexual harassment seriously, and it’s a problem because it’s a serious topic that should be understood by everyone to be a bad thing.”

  Eason stated, “You shouldn’t take the famous person’s side, just because they’re famous.”

  There have been other marches, protests, and boycotts regarding sexual assault and harassment this year, and as more and more people have come forward with their stories, claims and accusations; one can only hope that the epidemic of sexual assault will come to an end soon, lest the numbers continue growing, and the assaulter continue their lives without grief.