When Alyssa Milano began this discussion in
early October, there was an explosion of not only support, but courage, from
other survivors to speak up. This
created a conversation that carried the topic of sexual harassment and assault
to our dinner tables. A topic that is
traditionally pushed under the rug during a gathering is now dominating the
conversation. This is what our country
needs to fuel our fight to eventually end sexual violence. This is not just an issue for those who have
survived sexual assault or harassment, this is an issue that involves each and
every one of us. We need to bring these topics of injustice into our
conversations when our friends, family, or someone in our community asks, “How
do you feel about all these allegations coming forward now?” or “What is your
experience with sexual harassment?” This
is our opportunity to be upstanding citizens, to continue the conversation and
talk about the repercussions of allowing sexual harassment to go unnoticed.
Survivors have brought to light the
individuals who committed these crimes and by doing this, we took the first
step forward to create a world where if a person makes another member of our
society uncomfortable it is no longer tolerated. Harvey Weinstein, Mark Halperin, Matt Lauer,
Matt Zimmerman, Charlie Rose, Mike Oreskes, Louis C.K, Kevin Spacey, and Al
Franken. This is just the beginning of
the list of those who have lost jobs or pay due to their actions, and the list
will keep growing. By empowering
survivors to name their assailants the “Silence Breakers” have empowered our
society to stand up for survivors and have the individuals who victimized them
rectify their actions.
The #MeToo campaign has been a tremendous way
to empower survivors, however, this is just the starting point. To create a
healthy and thriving community we need to pursue this fight. Continue to stand up for those that may not
yet have the courage to stand up for themselves. I know personally that it is easy to burn out
and at times easier to ignore comments about inequality than address them. However, the reality is when we ignore these
comments or jokes regarding sexism, racism, ageism, or ableism we are allowing
discrimination and prejudice to exist in our community.
I challenge you to take action. Let the “Silence Breakers” be our role
models. If an action or comment makes
you uncomfortable, say so. When you hear
a sexist joke, tell that person it is wrong.
Encourage others to be brave and fight to end sexual violence. Listen and believe someone when they tell you
their story. Be an upstander in our
community. Thank you to the activist
Tarana Burke, and all the “Silence Breakers”, for creating a movement where
survivors feel empowered to speak up about the violence committed against
them. Thank you for yelling in a world
where we are told to whisper. And,
finally, thank you for having the courage and strength our community needs to
end sexual violence.
By Eileen Farry
Community Education and Prevention Educator
Tahoe SAFE Alliance
By Eileen Farry
Community Education and Prevention Educator
Tahoe SAFE Alliance
