Time’s up on ignoring sexual misconduct. In one of The Roar’s previous issues, the topic of the #MeToo movement was brought up in response to the outpour of sexual assault scandals that began to pop up in Hollywood. People following the whole movement were exposed to not only shocking accusations, but also the rise up of all kinds of people for those that were silenced. Influential women such as America Ferrera and Gina Rodriguez were encouraging women beyond the entertainment industry to speak out by shedding some light on their own #MeToo stories. Over the past month, a new movement has started up that follows along its predecessor’s goals.
The Time’s Up movement goes beyond the original standing up, listening to and telling of sexual harassment. According to the Time’s Up website, “The clock has run out on sexual assault, harassment and inequality in the workplace. It’s time to do something about it.” This all began on New Year’s Day, when 300 women within the current entertainment industry signed a letter that was printed in the New York Times. This letter began the focus females outside of the industry with a promise to fight for women regardless of social class.
This time around, advocacy has become the focus. Frontrunners like Shonda Rhimes, Natalie Portman and so many other women in the public eye have begun a Legal Defense Fund and information center on their website for those that do not have a voice or the strength to come forward or even the knowledge of how to do so. According to Entertainment Tonight’s article on the subject, working class women are a focal point. This is also reiterated on the Time’s Up’s website with the open letter to any women that may come across it online. This is a huge shift and refocus compared to the #MeToo campaign, according to some critics online. Where #MeToo was criticized for solely giving a voice to rich and powerful females in Hollywood, Time’s Up brings up the need for financial support and knowledge on the subject for those that are hidden in the shadows that have gone through sexual harassment and may not know or have the means to stand up.
The creation of this campaign was broadcasted at the 2018 Golden Globes. Female celebrities were encouraged to show up in black attire in honor of those affected by sexual misconduct. In support of the demonstration for inequality, male celebrities in attendance at the awards show sported onyx-colored clothing. This included Nick Jonas, Armie Hammer and most all others in attendance.
This course of action was followed by criticism as well. Blanca Blanco, one of the attendees of the night not in support of the dress code, wore a red dress. When she received hate for the color choice, she responded with a tweet, stating “The issue is bigger than my dress color. #TimesUp.” She was not the only celebrity of the night to boycott the decision to wear black. The president of the Hollywood Forgeign Press Association, Meher Tatna, received backlash for her red outfit. However, she was only following her India tradition of wearing a joyous color in Lou of a celebration, which the 75th anniversary of the Golden Globes was to her. She did complete the outfit with a Time’s Up pin.
The black dress code was paired with “Time’s Up” pins that were, according to E.T. Online, designed by Arianne Phillips at the request of Reese Witherspoon. Celebrities, of all races, gender, sexuality and walks of life, sported the pins in support of the Hollywood started movement. This brought not only publicity to the movement itself, but also went along well with the issues of sexual harassment broached at the Golden Globes by the recipients of the awards and those in support of helping women find their voice.
This movement has supporters and criticizers. Whether you agree or disagree with the movement, the time has come that sexual misconduct can no longer be ignored or silenced. If you or anyone you know wants more information on the movement itself or just more information and statistics on sexual misconduct and female inequality, visit the Time’s Up website.