In the wake of the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum on Twitter, we witness a powerful surge of energy, support, and advocacy that has the potential to trigger a profound cultural shift. This movement is no longer confined to specific demographics; it now embraces people of color, LGBTQ survivors, and male survivors. We see leaders in various fields, including media, entertainment, government, and business, publicly acknowledging the consequences of their actions. Legislators and local authorities are proposing bills to strengthen the response to sexual harassment and enforce existing laws. Conversations that were once brushed aside, whispered, or silenced are now taking place openly. These remarkable changes indicate progress, no doubt.
However, amidst the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, an industry that has been vocal about combating sexual harassment and holding wrongdoers accountable, we witness Kobe Bryant and Gary Oldman receiving top honors at the 2018 Oscars. Kobe Bryant, who was accused of rape in 2003, took home the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, and Gary Oldman, who faced domestic violence charges in 2001, walked away with the Oscar for Best Actor. In an era where it has become everyday news for influential figures in entertainment to lose their status due to misconduct, it feels like a betrayal that Hollywood would reward these men with an Oscar.
Even so, Hollywood has made efforts to address this issue. Leading up to the Oscars, the industry showed unity by dressing in black, symbolizing solidarity and underscoring the message “Time’s Up” for workplace harassment. James Franco was excluded from an Oscar nomination after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him. Thousands of people signed petitions to remove Bryant from the list of nominees, and thousands more have signed a petition calling for the revocation of his Oscar award. Even after the awards season, Time’s Up and #MeToo continue to highlight the problem of sexual harassment and assault.
Despite these efforts, the 2018 Oscars feel like a significant setback after months of people facing consequences for their actions. This has left many feeling shocked, angered, and experiencing a range of other emotions. It’s understandable. By awarding Oscars to Oldman and Bryant, society sends a message that it rewards men who have abused others, rather than holding them accountable. It overlooks the harm these men have caused and silences the voices of the women who spoke out against them. It disregards the movement that has risen in response to these problems.
Changing a culture takes time. One crucial step in reversing the pervasive impact of sexual harassment and assault is developing awareness of the behaviors, thought patterns, and power imbalances that underpin rape culture. Once we recognize how we contribute to this culture, we can start seeking alternatives and transforming society. Though the 2018 Oscars contradict the efforts of #MeToo and Time’s Up, they serve as growing pains in the process of change. They underline the importance of sustained efforts to draw attention to sexual harassment and assault. Progress may be slow, but it steadily moves us forward, and now more than ever, we must keep pushing ahead.
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