For too long, our society has discounted women. We have made it clear through our actions that they are, at best, second-class citizens. Shamefully, we have allowed many to blame women’s behaviors and to doubt the veracity of their words. Millions of predatory actions and crimes of violence — and our lack of a worthy response — have exacted an enormous toll. Many women’s careers have been ruined, and they have suffered great pain and anguish and otherwise been devastated.
Power must not be complicit in predator mindset. True leadership shines a light on unethical and violent behavior. The tolling of the #Me-too bell has had all kinds of reverberations. Allegations have ranged from violent rape to sleazy texting. Many people on the sidelines of this conversation seem confused by the sheer range of the offences described in the stories.
There is a spectrum of patriarchal sanctioned misbehavior that shades from outright abuse into overtures that many recipients would classify as minor irritations. Skeptics are right to point out that the fire hose of #Me-too stories includes allegations that fit into no clear-cut definition of wrongdoing.
“But more important is the fact that we have no clear-cut understanding of the consequences of male overreach either. It's coming up like a woman too ‘weak’ to just say no to a famous guy. No creative or personal freedom is worth the suffering and the belittling of those who serve it."
Irresponsible, critics protested, ignoring arguments that the list was a final act of exasperation. The recourse of powerless often marginalized young women who had been ignored or denied justice. Most of the men on the list have faced no inquiry, no consequences, and if they have been falsely accused—as some claimed they were—no justice. It is clear that the women would have to be the ones in charge of empowering themselves.
Through social media campaigns, protests and community training of promoters (who educate their peers on self-defense) - the women means ‘Enough Is Enough’. The courageous women in the media and film fraternity are pointing to the sexual predators in powerful positions.
The movement should not only give victims a sense of relief, but it must be an alarm for those women who are still within their predator’s limits. The campaign also highlights the role of senior managers who protected harassers or didn’t do enough to ensure a safe workplace.
Our democracy has been proud to tout ideals like equality and justice; yet it has systematically undermined women who have sought the safety and respect that is often a precondition to their achievement.
Is it that profound collective reckoning with the extent to which men have been allowed to abuse their power—an epochal shift toward a better and more equal society?
And where does this leave the brave women who have risked everything to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful men?
The government cannot just let it be a hash tag. It cannot be a mouth word saying “beti padhao, beti bachao’ concept where you are announcing that all the daughters must know that they need to be protected. Instead why can’t it be that sons need to be taught to respect all women and it must be mandatory? This movement #Me-too is to spread the message to the society to have a sense of the magnitude of the problem and how urgently needs to be addressed.
You get in life what you have the courage to ask for. The police, the women's rights commission and d Home minister can take Suo-Motto action on molesters named in #Me-too movement. But sadly nothing is being done yet. My take is… In #Me-too campaign; people are seen talking 'why didn't she speak up at that time?' 'Why didn't she react then?' ----- Why no one says- "Why Did He Act Wrong?"
The nation must take a note & follow the suit. Zero tolerance for sexual predators.