Sexual harassment is not new. Women have been experiencing abuse and harassment for centuries. What is new is the fact that now ----- probably for the first time in history ---- women are standing up and speaking out against their perpetrators ---- and their voices are being heard.
The recent revelations of sexual advances and subsequent firings of powerful men like Harvey Weinstein, Bill O’Reilly and Charlie Rose are sending a clear message to men and women everywhere:
Unwanted sexual advances are NOT OK.
Sexual harassment --- in the media, military and workplace ---- will no longer be tolerated.
No longer can powerful men of privilege take advantage of women ---- and expect to get away with it. The Conspiracy of Silence is ending. The secrets are coming out of the closet, and the repercussions are rippling out throughout all levels of our society.
Many years ago Cheris Kramarae made waves with her statement that “Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings.” It is long past time that all people: women, men and children, gay, straight and transgender, are accepted and respected as human beings with rights, dignity and sovereignty over their own bodies.
If and when abuse occurs, it is incumbent on all of us --- women and men ---- to stand up and speak out ---- for all of us.
It’s about time.