Men may’ve actually learned something from the Me Too campaign.
As you’ve likely seen, thousands of women (and countless men too) have shared their personal experiences with sexual harassment and assault. This Twitter movement came to fruition thanks to a conversation between Alyssa Milano and a pal about Harvey Weinstein‘s misconduct.
Related: Marchesa Is A Fashion Shit Show
While the movement has allowed many women to speak their truth — including America Ferrera, Ilana Glazer, Evan Rachel Wood, etc. — it has also served as a “wake up call” for several men. Thankfully, rather than shame the victims coming forward, numerous men have launched their own campaign all about how they can change and do better.
The idea came about thanks to one Australian Twitter user, named Benjamin Law, who proposed online:
Guys, it’s our turn.
After yesterday’s endless #MeToo stories of women being abused, assaulted and harassed, today we say #HowIWillChange.
— Benjamin Law 🌈 (@mrbenjaminlaw) October 16, 2017
What an incredible idea! Mr. Law was quick to offer up some examples as he posted:
#HowIWillChange: Acknowledge that if all women I know has been sexually harassed, abused or assaulted, then I know perpetrators. Or am one.
— Benjamin Law 🌈 (@mrbenjaminlaw) October 16, 2017
#HowIWillChange: Recognise I don’t need to be a perpetrator to be a bad guy. Questioning harassment, not doing anything about it├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥all as bad.
— Benjamin Law 🌈 (@mrbenjaminlaw) October 16, 2017
#HowIWillChange: I’ll do all this without expecting to be congratulated or praised since women do the heavy lifting every other fucking day.
— Benjamin Law 🌈 (@mrbenjaminlaw) October 16, 2017
Well said! And Alyssa has since backed the new movement as she added:
Men, how will you help us change the cultural epidemic of sexual harassment and assault? #HowIWillChange https://t.co/w0Og0k8Yr2
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 18, 2017
Unsurprisingly, Benjamin’s message struck a chord with others on the internet as various users made similar pledges:
#HowIWillChange I will keep showing my 3 sons and one grandson how to honor & respect women.
Guys – meaningful change starts in the home.
— Jesse T. Smith (@JSmith4Congress) October 17, 2017
When it comes to the #MeToo movement, I see men wondering what they can “do to help.” This is my list.
1. Be quiet.
2. Listen.
3. Learn.
4. Lead/teach young men by example.
5. Stand up to friends and family who act in an abusive manner.
6. Stand behind women, not in front.
— Nathan Thompson (@natepthomps) October 16, 2017
In a meeting, producer made sexist comment, so stunned didn’t call him out. Will speak up next time #HowIWillChange
— B E Ayshford (@episode2480) October 16, 2017
I will call out other men on sexism. I won’t be complacent with the status quo. I won’t allow another man to harass a woman. #HowIWillChange
— RedBeard (@PhilRedbeard) October 18, 2017
I will never blame a victim, and I will never stand and watch as a man makes unwanted advances on a woman #HowIWillChange
— Michael (@TrippyTrappy_Jr) October 17, 2017
#HowIWillChange means acknowledging MY OWN capacity for harmful behaviour, and taking responsibility for unlearning that toxicity
— biryani brah (@garliquorice) October 16, 2017
#HowIWillChange: I will listen to women more closely, seeking to understand before seeking to be understood. Then, if it helps, I will act. https://t.co/LF4cjbJHwe
— Andrew Webster (@web_stirs) October 16, 2017
#HowIWillChange I will take a more active role in smashing rape culture in my community without fear of being called a “snitch” or “pussy”
— Grant Knepper (@GrantKnepper2) October 17, 2017
Hear! Hear! Sadly, not EVERYONE is on board with the #HowIWillChange hashtag as haters contributed:
No questioning harassment isn’t bad. It’s due process.#HowIWillChange — I won’t. I’m not a bad guy. I won’t be forced to feel like one. https://t.co/7FT4T88zfE
— Brett Mac (@TweetBrettMac) October 17, 2017
#HowIWillChange I don’t need to change because I’m not broken. I will not apologise for not being a rapist. This is insanity. #guiltfree
— The Eclectic Mayhem (@truthhurtsogood) October 17, 2017
So it appears #HowIWillChange is a lot of men basically saying they are responsible for assault even if they don’t assault anyone. pic.twitter.com/kOqNddXF1J
— Toni (@ToniMZ81) October 17, 2017
Clearly, these people aren’t grasping the point of the campaign. Smh.
Can’t we all just respect each other??? *Sigh*
[Image via Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.]
Related Posts
