#metoo is trending in India, going viral on social media has its own consequences. Though this movement started with noble intentions, over the time, it’s getting misinterpreted and misused. I am sharing to do list which I personally think will help to have right impact of #metoo.
- #metoo started with women sharing sexual assaults done by men, which went viral showing magnitude of the issue. However let’s not bind #metoo to particular gender. I request all the victims of sexual assault, irrespective of their gender to come out and share their story. Though in most of the cases women get assaulted by men, because our society has given men privileges, allowing them to see women as sex tools rather than as a human being; this is not true for all cases. Men also have been harassed and it is also difficult for them to openly talk about it. As we are in age of gender equality and we are able to identify and accept humans with different sexual orientation now, I want all victims to come out against all abusers, irrespective of gender of both of them.
- Let’s believe survivors and not dismiss their stories. It is important to listen to them, as it is first step to start investigation of wrong doing. This way only, we can build courage in victims that they can speak. #metoo #believeSurvivor
- Just listening to victims is not enough, taking actions against abusers is important. This will send message to all that such crimes will not be tolerated any more. I request victims to seek legal help and government to take strict actions against abusers.
- To the people falsely accusing others of harassment, please Don’t. This will damage the noble cause of #metoo in worst way, as people will lose trust in victims and victim blaming will start again. Our society took years to reach at this point where victims are able to speak and more than half of the population is supporting them.
- Our Law is based on “Innocent until proven guilty”. Let’s just not assume accused is guilty unless it has been proven by proper investigation. This is as important as listening to survivors. Assuming accused is guilty, harms their reputation in society which again affects their professional & personal life.
- If you know about sexual assaults that had happened or if you are witness to one, please come out in support of victims. Even if you were not at the receiving end of this cruel crime, it doesn’t mean you or your loved one will not be in that situation ever. There could be legitimate reasons for your silence over years, but this is the time you could compensate for your silence and speak for survivors.
- There is group of people ignoring #metoo movement because they are neither abusers nor victims. Someone has said “Ignorance is Bliss”, but it does not fit here. Even if you are not Abuser or survivor or witness, do contribute to #metoo. How? Extend your support to victims, correct people surround you who don’t seem to understand #metoo or impact of it on coming generations and our society. Being idle and not adding value to society is not something great.
- Last but not least, to all, do not let this flame die. Keep speaking, keep raising your voice, keep supporting and keep discussing on this in your circle of people. Change your perspective, change others perspective, at least try to do so. Spread awareness to make our society safer.
I understand how #metoo sounds perfect theoretically but fail at many levels in real. It is storm currently which is kind of hurting almost everyone, as victims are speaking they are reliving their pain, accused are also get hurt as we people jump to judgments without knowing complete truth. As all of this is happening on social media publicly, accused person’s personal and professional life gets damaged even for the less aggressive crime or casual-verbal harassment. Fear has spread in men and women, which again divide them more. All of this is painful to go through, but I believe that this is for betterment for all of us. And if we are in our right mind and follow few things mentioned as above to not hurt anyone anymore, #metoo can have strong, permanent and positive impact on the society.