In the light of the #MeToo campaign and allegations against Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and many other Hollywood figures, word has leaked that many actresses plan to wear black to the 2018 Golden Globes to protest sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. Following the release of the news, many are praising the solidarity that will be expressed among the women, but most are criticizing the movement for not actually doing something.
Rose McGowan, who was one of the first to make a rape allegation against Harvey Weinstein, was not pleased with the news. She tweeted her disdain, calling out actress Meryl Streep.
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/942142777747496960
Streep, who was involved in Weinstein projects, condemned Weinstein but maintained that she never was aware of or experienced any inappropriate interactions involving Weinstein:
“One thing can be clarified. Not everybody knew. Harvey supported the work fiercely, was exasperating but respectful with me in our working relationship and with many others with whom he worked professionally.”
McGowan was not the only one who felt that the movement was just not doing enough.
https://twitter.com/po15on1vy/status/942145941028601857
Opinion: Wearing black isn’t a statement. The #MeToo campaign was founded on the breaking of silence regarding sexual assault, so unless those who wear black intend to fully start a dialogue about rape culture in Hollywood, it is hard to see the benefit of this.
While it is strengthening to see women committing to standing in solidarity with each other, it is important to do so in a matter that will actually combat the issue at hand. You can’t “silently protest” if you are consciously supporting a system that does horrors.
Activism starts with being active, and people in Hollywood need to take a hard stance against sexual assault. They need to actively reform the system until Hollywood (and the world) becomes a better place.
