Essay Sample about #MeToo Movement

“You are not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor for setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth and raging courage” (Elle). The #MeToo movement was first conjoined in 2006 by Tarana Burke, a survivor and advocate for women in New York. This movement started out as a way for survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, etc., to share their stories and bond with other individuals enduring the same experiences. As popularity grew, more social and legal movements sparked throughout the world. Within six months, the hashtag became globally known and continued giving more resources to survivors and those in need. The #MeToo movement has helped reveal the great extent of problems that include, but aren’t limited too; sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and more.

First off, the biggest reason for the introduction of the hashtag, is the exposure of widespread sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Harvey was a former film producer, and is now, a convicted sex offender. Following these allegations, many other individuals were brought into light for their mistreating. “Milano and Burke’s decision to reintroduce the phrase was prompted by a New York Times article, in which Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual harassment” (Gordon). Milano was completely unaware of the hashtag, but began encouraging survivors to use #MeToo, speak up, and share their stories. With the reintroduction of this phrase, many individuals spoke out and created awareness. “In 2012, the MeToo hashtag went viral and woke the world to the magnitude of the issue, sexual violence. What had begun as local grassroots work, had now become a global movement” (Burke). What started as an awareness phrase, now became a huge global movement and allowed a safe spot for survivors to share their stories and communicate with others. Harvey Weinstein’s convictions allowed for the start of an ongoing hashtag that still continues to grow in popularity, and bringing other predators to question.

Furthermore, #MeToo has grown increasingly in popularity as more individuals speak up and share their story. Tarana Burke created this movement in a goal to empower women, especially those that have experienced sexual violence, to speak up. Fortunately, the great amount of stories that have been shared, have led to more empowerment around the community. The movement has also stopped many offenders and exposed them of their true colors. “In the wake of these discoveries, some of the nations most powerful people in entertainment, sports, and politics have been exposed for sexually harassing or assaulting others” (Gordon). Not only have normal day people been revealed, but also individuals that are high in popularity, and that many people around the world know of. The movement hasn’t stopped unmasking offenders, the hashtag is still used by many through social media today. In fact, in 2016 a former team doctor for USA gymnastics, Larry Nassar, was convicted of multiple forms of sexual mistreating toward over 150 females. “The MeToo movement is an effort to effect social change. Organized primarily through social media. The movement has provided a source of solidarity for women of all backgrounds experiencing or have experienced sexual harassment” (Me Too: Sexual Harassment Awareness & Prevention | Maryville Online). 

Finally, the hashtag has grown and opened up many new doors in the last few years. After the allegations against Weinstein, the #MeToo movement has continued to reverberate the world. Accusations increased and continue growing to this day. Not only has this movement brought sexual harassment to light, but also gender disparity, and so much more. “Accusations have been revealed against politicians, businessmen, and influential individuals from a variety of industries around the world, and we have seen meaningful progress in both policy and action as a result” (Lou and Zhang). The hashtag has opened up new doors in policy and action along with giving individuals a place to speak out against sexual harassment and help each other.”#MeToo has not only brought the issue of sexual harassment to the forefront of the U.S National discourse, but also highlighted gender disparity in representation and power, as well as entrenching gender stereotypes” (Lou and Zhang). Gender disparity and gender stereotypes have been a common thing in today’s world, and most of it has been negative. #MeToo was made for one thing in particular: giving women a chance to share their stories, and now the hashtag is bringing peace to many other issues around the world. 

The hashtag “MeToo”, has helped reveal the great extent of problems that include; sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and plenty more. The hashtag has gained great importance and showed many women that speaking up is good, and what may have happened does not define them. Many people don’t realize what necessarily is happening to them or what has already happened, and the individuals that share their stories, help others realize what may be happening and that they aren’t alone. In the future I hope that this movement continues to grow in popularity and shows women how powerful they are. I hope for the end of all sexual mistreating against any individual. “We must send a message across the world that there is no disgrace in being a survivor of sexual violence. The shame is on the aggressor” (Jolie).