Last Sunday night saw women stand together in a very public display of support for the #metoo and #timesup movements by wearing black to the Golden Globes. Many who attended also brought prominent activists and feminist figures as their dates, discussed social activism instead of fashion on the red carpet, and used their speeches as a platform to defend respect, activism, acceptance and justice.

Notably, Oprah's speech honored all those who have had the courage to speak up about abuse in the past and promised that “a new day is on the horizon.” These women shifted the night from a typical awards show to a powerful part of the movement toward gender and sexual equality.

In the wake of this show of solidarity and movements like #metoo, supporting the fight for gender equality and justice is stronger than ever. Unfortunately, many media outlets and some individuals have begun to refer to the power of this movement and the accusations against abusers as a “witch hunt” targeting powerful men. The use of this term to defend sexual abusers is problematic considering the historical links between witch trials and an inherently sexist societal structure.

The vast majority of victims of witch trials throughout history were women. This was mainly due to sexist stereotypes that put women at a higher risk and which still exist in modified forms today. In medieval and early modern Europe, women were considered a more visceral life form than men. Where men were considered pure, intellectual and closer to the angels, women were thought to be inherently closer to earthly temptation, pleasure, and sin and therefore more likely to consort with the devil.

There were also very strict and limited roles for women to play in society throughout European and American history and anyone who didn’t fit in was distrusted as a threat to the status quo. This included young unmarried women (Why didn't they want husbands?! They must be married to the devil.) older self sufficient women (She shouldn't be capable of living alone?! What sorcery.) and women who were particularly skilled in medicine (women aren't capable of that intellect... must be evil magic). Women in all these roles were particularly susceptible to being unfairly accused as witches as a way to protect a patriarchal society that needed them to stay in line.

So, anyone currently using the language of "witch hunts" to defend men accused of sexual assault and exploitation needs to take a step back and look at the further harm they are causing. Using a phrase that developed out of the targeting of women who were independent, powerful, and intelligent to defend men who are taking advantage of the continued subjugation of women is an insult to the idea of equality.

This language is implying that the men accused of rape, sexual assault, and exploitation deserve the same defense and sympathy as thousands of women who were unjustly executed for displaying traits usually admired in men. I’d like to remind anyone supporting this view that women being unfairly executed witches is not the same as men being asked to stand just trial for actions that are crimes. This is just another example of the kind of double standards women have been trying so hard to combat.

As the hashtag says: Time Is Up. The assumption that crimes and discrimination against women can go unpunished can no longer be the way of the world. We are tired of trying to change things calmly and quietly. It is exhausting, truly exhausting to try to constantly correct disrespectful or sexist speech and to politely engage in enlightening conversations only to be met with lack of interest or dismissal.

I’m sure everyone would prefer societal conflict being resolved through logical respectful conversation but, that hasn’t been working. If someone ignores you over and over do you keep speaking quietly? NO! You speak louder, use stronger language, force them to listen, force them to engage. Talking hasn't worked so now we're screaming, and finally, people other than those directly affected are taking notice. This is not a witch hunt, this is women finally raising our voices high enough for those comfortable in their ignorance to take notice.

And so, my biggest request to not only men but anyone who lives and speaks in current society is to take notice; actively think before you say something. Try to consider how long women have struggled to be heard. Please don’t diminish our successes. Please try to think critically about current events and take the time to empathize with the victims and powerless.

Think about what you have to lose (very little unless you make a habit of assaulting people) compared to what others might stand to lose because of your words. If you are worried about your words being harmful or actions being inappropriate, ask someone! Engage in the conversation! Listen to the women who are telling you how they would like to be treated.

Please don’t use the example of hundreds of thousands of women who died because of repression and sexism to defend your own resistance to change.