TWO YEARS LATER - ARE THINGS REALLY ANY BETTER?

Its been two years since #Metoo. In the time since Ronan Farrows ground breaking Article detailing Harvey Weinstein’s abuses and rapes on countless women, more than 263 public figures' abuses towards women have been exposed. 

However, when you say 'me too' out loud some people roll their eyes. They may not actually be rolling their eyes but you sort of know they're doing it. Everyone's tired of hearing about 'women's issues'. 

But if you think that what happened two years ago after the New York Times and the New Yorker encouraged thousands of women to share their stories of abuse and harassment, had made things “better” - you are wrong. 

Of course in many ways lots of things have changed for the better. The MeToo movement had a massive impact on how industries – from the arts to politics and business – deal with allegations of abuse. It has also encouraged many women to speak out and has shed light on how women are treated and what we are exposed to on a daily basis. 

However, women are still being let down. 

One in five women have either been involved in a court case relating to sexual violence or know a woman who has. Of these, one out of three admit that going to court was a negative experience, even traumatic.

The subtext in many cases is still “we don’t believe you” and “you were asking for it” so it’s hardly surprising many women who have come forward have felt intimidated and as if THEY were the ones on trail. 

It was only a few months ago that a British girl accused a bunch of men for gang raping her while in Greece and people accused her of lying because she had slept with a few men during the same week. Then when she said she made it up after being pressured by the press and police everyone celebrated. 

They found 12 condoms in that hotel room and her entire body was bruised. Yet this did not stop people from calling her a whore. And when she later went back to her original version that she was in fact raped, people just didn’t care.

You know why?

It’s because, and people don't like hearing this but it’s true - rape is essentially being decriminalised. 

Rape culture is becoming so common and as farfetched as it may sound, sexual violence (especially against women) is just not registering as a 'big deal' like you would it expect it to. 

THIS is why we shouldn't roll our eyes. Even two years later and even if we feel we've been talking about this forever. 

It’s going to take a long time before a culture that is so deeply rooted changes so let’s not rush to change the narrative just yet.

Two years later, his former assistant and theatre producer, Zelda Perkins and Bafta-award-winning actor Rosanna Arquette say that the allegations against Harvey Weinstein are “only the tip of the iceberg” and I believe them.

Earlier this month actress Rose McGowan sued Harvey Weinstein and the lawyers David Boies and Lisa Bloom, for trying to discredit her and prevent her from going public with her rape accusation against him.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed in Federal District Court in Los Angeles, Mr. Weinstein had hired a team of professionals whose goal was to “ensure that Ms. McGowan’s story never saw the light of day, and — if it did — that no one would believe her.”
I believe her.

In fact, I salute her and others who keep the fight going. Even from my super privileged white woman in a western county position I know that we are not done. That we have a long way to go. That some men have not changed their views, even if they are less vocal about them. 

In many ways I question if the MeToo movement has taught us anything. My feeling is that it’s added another reason to hate women. not that I regret it coming out, it was essential.

But many people feel women are just so annoying. Expecting to feel safe and equal, the nerve!

And what have they learnt you ask?

Matt Lauer the famed NBC anchor who was accused of preying on young interns at 30 Rock, is now living in exile in the Hamptons with his 30 million dollar pay out. Bill O Reilly of Fox news, who had paid $50 Million in hush money to 6 victims of his sexual harassment, now lives a much quieter life in New York with his $32 Million dollar pay out. Les Moonves CEO of CBS, who forced  many women into sex and cancelled their shows if they did not comply with his demands, chooses now to stay out of the public eye while living handsomely on his $100 million dollar pay out. 

And Weinstein, is scheduled for trial on rape charges.

But where are the changes in the Education system? Have we added lessons on sexism at schools? Are we talking to our kids (boys and girls alike) about consent? Are we banning brands that glorify sexual violence in their ads? How many women still don’t have a voice and does anyone care? And have we stopped blaming victims for their assaults? 

These are the conversations we need to have. Two years later - are things really any better?