On May 24, it was announced that former film producer Harvey Weinstein will be arrested in New York City on sexual assault charges that surfaced in October last year. Weinstein's actions over the course of his career have incited outrage and have moved people to raise awareness and demand justice for similar occurrences in Hollywood.
Victims, as well as activists for social equality, have further ignited a movement called #MeToo, to encourage the prevention and action against sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. With Weinstein's arrest, the goals made to achieving a safe and fair environment will certainly echo into the future.
For many individuals affected by the assaults made by Weinstein and other attackers, as well as those who advocate against sexual harassment, Friday the 25th will be a historic day. Months of protesting and taking to social media will finally see a reward that is righteously deserved. Since the accusations against Weinstein were made, stars such as Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer, and Bill Cosby are being called out for objectifying and sexually abusing women, and even men.
The effects of Weinstein's arrest is a message that these men should stop behaving badly, or beware the consequences. The dehumanizing treatment of people in this country is no longer being overlooked. It is time for those guilty of such behavior to be held accountable.
Seeing a pair of handcuffs being slapped on Weinstein's wrists is a very strong image. It offers hope that those who suffer from sexual assault will be delivered from their silence. While it may have taken some time for justice to prevail, it nonetheless shows people that a time where inappropriate will no longer exist is in the works.
The #MeToo movement shows its effectiveness in being a vehicle for voicing the blemishes of our society when it comes to exposing performers of sexual assault, and heed that more work is to be done.
