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Harvey Wienstien: Some thoughts

When I decided to make a blog on movies I wanted it to be fun. I wanted an outlet to write about a media I love. I wanted this to be an outlet for me to geek out about my favorite movies, and new changes and updates in filmmaking. But Hollywood, like many things, is an industry. That comes with dark corners and hidden discriminations. Recently one of these dark secrets was thrust into the light.

Hollywood super producer Harvey Weinstein has been accused of sexual assault. Over 10 women have come forward and said he acted inappropriately with them. This powerful man used his status and job title to use women who were desperate to get a job. This is a story that is shockingly familiar. There often seems to be an attitude that people must accept sexual harassment as a part of the job. With thoughts like: "If you want to be in this industry you are going to have to do some things you aren't proud of" and "casting couches" etc. A sleazy Hollywood producer is a trope we see recycled over and over again. And in real life we are shockingly complacent with people (typically men) in the film industry with track records of assault, Woody Allen's continuing career is proof enough of that.

Something about this scandal was different. There has been genuine outrage. People are stepping forward and speaking out. Grassroots movements have been organized to support victims. Male and female celebrities are relaying their experiences. People are less afraid of loosing their careers than remaining silent. This story we have heard over and over again has finally struck a chord long enough to get people angry, and more importantly to get people talking.

There have been two tangible movements that have come as a result of this scandal. The first was a day (October 13th 2017) where women were to boycott Twitter to show how instrumental our voices are in content creation. It also was in direct result of actress Rose McGowan having her Twitter suspended. McGowan has been one of the voices that has been most strong in fighting against this Weinstein. Her account was suspended, according to twitter, due to her posting a private phone number, but it all too conveniently coincided with her tweeting against Weinstein, a hugely powerful media mogul.

The second campaign has been women who have been victims of sexual assault or harassment posting on Facebook or Twitter simply "me too". This is to show just how many victims of sexual assault there are, how many people are affected by this, and that it isn't made up or something to be swept under the rug anymore.

As a result of all of this conversation there has been action. Weinstein has been fired from his job and his wife is divorcing him. This is important for a couple reasons. Firstly, it feels like some form of justice is being served. But more importantly it is symbolic to victims. We will not stand for this behavior any more. We will not allow this man to be protected by his own influence and status. No one should have to put up with feeling unsafe or taken advantage of when they are at work, or anywhere for that matter. Some feel it still is not enough. There should be more done to ensure this does not continue to happen. People agree that this can't be a reality for so many women and men and that this assault has to end. Me too.


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