I'm going to begin this article by saying that I value each and every single woman who has spoken up against sexual harassment. I think it's disgusting, and yes, I do think time is up and something has to be done about it. All the women who have come forth are brave souls, and all the women who have yet to come forth are also brave and so incredibly strong.
I've accepted the fact that I'll probably get backlash and not a lot of support from this, but it's OK because this is a platform for me to share my opinion, speak my mind, and open up others to a world of opportunity that they otherwise may not have thought about.
I do not support the #TimesUp movement and here's why.
I'm not really one for Hollywood elite wearing colors on a certain day to remember victims or to stand up for something. They're just picking a day to be like "okay, today we're honoring this" or "today we're honoring that." I get that it's a way for them to show support and to show that whole "hey, look, I'm doing something" way that Hollywood always has, but they'll never know the real pain of the victims.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't wear colors in support for something; by all means, go ahead. I'm trying to inquire how many of those people in that audience (men and women alike) are going to go back home and forget? How many are going to continue to stay silent on Twitter or other social media when another rape allegation is made or another "very nice boy" is released from prison after three months? How many people are actually going to rise up and speak against it? Many of the celebrities did speak out at the Golden Globes, which is great. But there's more work involved than wearing black at a televised event and taking an activist as your date.
I think Rose McGowan said it best when she went after the Time's Up folks on Twitter January 9th.
McGowan posted a photo of an email from the Time's Up movement, detailing the next meeting in three of the Creative Artist Agency's offices. She writes, "And guess where they meet? Who do you think is behind this "great" PR? Why, it's the company of pimps that sent so many into the Monster's Lair themselves. CAA. #TIMESUP fakes."
There have been mixed responses to her tweet, some calling her out for her anger getting the best of her, while others are showing their support. I, however, think it's just another reason why Hollywood is so messed up. They pick a new thing to go after every awards show. Next year, it'll be something else. There are people out here actually doing the work and not getting recognition, while everyone on television getting awards get praise for such a compelling movement.
Just let these words that I've written sink in a little bit. Join a protest. Support a friend. Call your senators. Think about what you can do to show your support for women.
Then get to work.
