Harvey Weinstein: prolific movie producer, major DNC donor, and now, alleged rapist and sexual predator. Over 40 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct ranging from workplace harassment to rape. These allegations prompted Weinstein’s less than satisfactory response, “I grew up in the 60s and 70s when all the rules about workplaces were different;” he goes on to say, “We all make mistakes.” Both statements illustrate that the behavior has been going on for decades and that it is pervasive throughout the industry.

Unfortunately, Hollywood is no stranger to predatory behavior, with the convicted Roman Polanski and allegations against Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Ben Affleck, and others. After the long overdue takedown of Weinstein by his brave victims, the victims of yet another member of Hollywood elite have come forward. Just this weekend 38 women have accused director James Toback of sexual harassment. However, the problem is not only these particular men, but also the culture that allows this behavior to continue. Hollywood, like any cut-throat industry, can often tend to value fame, success, and economic prosperity over morals and ethical choices.

Weinstein’s behavior was Hollywood’s worst kept secret; practically everyone knew that he was a predator. I do not place the blame or impetus on the women who have been victimized by Weinstein nor on other men in the industry. Men who have been victimized or sexually harassed by others in the industry are also not to be blamed. I do, however, place blame on the many men in Hollywood who knew what was going on with Weinstein and who did nothing.

Of course, one man alone cannot be expected to end sexual assault and harassment altogether. I do not even expect one single person to hold the responsibility for “outing” Harvey Weinstein. Either would be far too much to put on someone’s shoulders. However, I do expect and hope that society will work together to change this dark culture where assault and harassment are pushed under the rug.  Esteemed victims such as Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow were unable or too afraid to speak up until this point, amplifying the pervasiveness of this predatory behavior in the industry, and its fearful ability to lurk in silence.

There is, however, a dim light in the midst of the dark, depressing stories of sexual misconduct at the hands of Harvey Weinstein: the “Me Too” campaign. The campaign was started ten years ago by Tarana Burke, has recently become a widespread, powerful way for women who have been harassed or assaulted, either by Weinstein or in general, to come forward. It allows their voices to be heard. I remember scrolling through my Facebook feed on Monday night, feeling both awe in the bravery that I saw, but also immense discouragement over the sheer number of “Me Too” posts scattered around my timeline. One in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime: a number that becomes all the more imposing once faces are placed behind the numbers. The “Me Too” campaign allows survivors to come forward on their own terms, placing their voices above those of newscasters, advocates, or statistics.

The Harvey Weinstein scandal has exposed the pervasive sexual misconduct occurring in Hollywood today.  While this is extremely discouraging to see, it is an important step towards progress that people are creating awareness about this issue via the “Me Too” campaign.

Sources: Hollywood Reporter, CNN, Washington Post, Huffington Post

Photo Source: David Shankbone (Wikimedia)