#MeToo? #OMG #EnoughAlready
Are you tired of seeing or hearing #MeToo? It’s been everywhere; and it feels like it’s been going on for eons. It seems like no matter what topic you read about, the #MeToo movement finds a way to work its way into the conversation. From your average citizen, to some of the most powerful people in the world (disclaimer: this is a “no grabbing” zone), it seems like this situation permeates our entire culture as we know it. I get it; you’re sick of it. Hell, I’M sick of it. A lot of people are sick of it. I bet that you’ll never guess who else is sick of it. Allow me to answer for you; THE VICTIMS WHO HAVE TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT IT! Take a second to forget about the hashtags, the marches, the anatomically correct headwear, and the cover-ups; what you have left are millions of people who have been taken advantage of and victimized. People who live their everyday lives feeling betrayed, violated, vulnerable, and broken. People who did not deserve to experience such tragedy; many of whom will never receive justice in a thoroughly flawed system. All of this, within a hypermasculine/patriarchal society that tells the most vulnerable that they’re weak, too sensitive, and not worthy of having boundaries and autonomy. Think of everyone that you know. Statistically, every forth woman of those people has her own #MeToo story. Every sixth man has his own #MeToo story. With all of those people who are allowed to say #MeToo, I’m sure that it does get overwhelming, and can get draining. Welcome to a fraction of the experience that these survivors have to live with on a daily basis.
I get it; it sucks when people you like are suspected of not being as awesome as you think they are. All of a sudden that comedian is slightly less funny. How dare you have to feel guilty that you support an entertainer, athlete, or politician who takes liberties with the boundaries of others? It’s your birthright to see your favorite people through rose colored glasses, and blinders! Let’s take a step back, and evaluate the situation. Which situation is more difficult to deal with, not being able to enjoy your entertainment in the same manner, or dealing with someone ignoring your boundaries for their own selfish gain (side note: trick question). So instead of being pissed off about people stepping up and telling their stories; try being outraged that this is even a situation that happens. Try calling out the terrible nature of people who feel entitled to the personal space of others. Let’s elevate the standards of our “heroes”, see the villains for who they actually are, and support the survivors with the care that they deserve.
