As more women come out with their stories of abuse and harassment by Harvey Weinstein, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. As someone who writes about rape and harassment quite frequently, even I was shook to the core after listening to the audio of Weinstein trying to bully a woman into his hotel room.
The way he vacillated between yelling and shaming, trying to strong-arm her into joining him but then then playing on women’s desire to please by claiming she was making him embarrassed - it was seemed so practiced and easy for him, it was almost eerie.
Over the last few days, I’ve heard from so many women. Some are despondent, feeling as if nothing will ever change. Many, though, are furious. More importantly, they’re fed-up.
So for those who are feeling horrified and downtrodden, know this - I truly believe this will be a turning point. We are starting to get to a place where people believe women. Perhaps that’s optimistic of me, but I really do feel like there’s something in the air.
Glass Half Full
As the world crumbles to shit around us, at least there are people trying to help. Here’s some advice about how to deal with sexual harassment and abuse and help the folks around you.
What I’m RTing
Just so you can see them side-by-side, here is Trump on Texas vs PR. Wonder what the difference is. Hmmm… pic.twitter.com/5QWEAPgWG7
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) October 12, 2017
The Supreme Court ruled back in 1943 that students don’t have to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Still the law. https://t.co/4YBGFzLMRi
— ACLU (@ACLU) October 10, 2017
If anyone ever proposes to me i'm gonna be like get off that knee and stop disrespecting the troops bitch
— Megan Amram (@meganamram) October 9, 2017
Matt Damon: I have 4 daughters which means I have... *counting aloud on fingers* 4 respect for women
— 💀Spookpants Cher💀 (@House_Feminist) October 11, 2017
“Peppering stmts about how shocked & appalled you are with a mention of your daughter just makes you look clueless.” https://t.co/v46og2AvPu
— Stacey E. Singleton (@staceyNYCDC) October 11, 2017
Who I’m reading
Megan Koester on what happens when you ask pointed questions about powerful men; Jia Tolentino on how abusers can “contaminate all of the best things about you,” and re-reading Jamelle Bouie on Jemele Hill.
What I’m writing
A radical idea: what if we believed women?
How outraged I am
Twitter verifies Nazis but somehow suspends actor Rose McGowan when she had the temerity to speak up about sexual abuse. Full 10 out of 10.
