For Men, #MeToo Still Means Listening
There are still stories to be heard — and hearing them must be the new status quo
Do you remember when expressions of #MeToo spread on Facebook like wildfire?
It suddenly became obvious, at least to those who didn’t already know it, likely, say, men (such as myself), how pervasive experiences of sexual harassment and abuse are.
From catcalling on the streets to physical harm, I remember being taken aback at just how many women in my life, from friends to Facebook acquaintances, have endured some type of unwanted, inappropriate and in some cases illegal form of harassment or abuse.
I recently had a similarly jarring experience after reading this piece from The Cut, which explored experiences not of sexual harassment but the aftermath of making an accusation of abuse.
What happened to those who told their stories? Was it worth it? What were the consequences? There is also this accompanying piece of 25 people, mostly women, across decades and types of experiences, telling their individual stories of what happened after speaking up.
These pieces are difficult reads — but I would encourage men especially to read them.
I don’t think our collective listening and learning phase is…
