Our Desk | Social media and #MeToo

Lynzy Valles

The use of social media has played a significant role in the expansion of the #MeToo movement.

Officially founded last year, the movement aims to freely give voice to those who have been sexually harassed or assaulted.

The campaign originally kicked off back in 2006 when Myspace was still operational, yet it became more powerful last year through the use of the hashtag.

American activist Tarana Burke, who founded the movement along with fellow activists, encouraged women to post “Me Too” as their status on their social media pages to magnify the problem, and to destroy the stigma that lies around the issue.

It has been common for victims to delay disclosing their trauma – that is if they ever do.

It is not usual, nor comfortable, for these victims to come forward and voice their concerns regarding any harassment that was conducted.

Yet since the #MeToo circulated on social media, it has been used as a “statement of solidarity”, particularly by those who are in the film industry, where many say women are more prone to experiencing these kinds of sexual assault.

University campuses have also contributed to the movement, along with netizes who are bravely sharing their stories online.

This entire modern trend, including the use of hashtags, which was originally initiated by a Twitter user, plays a helpful role on issues like this.

Social media users are more accepting and are freer to share their sentiments on this matter, whether or not the stigma around the issue still lies.

Speaking about being sexually assaulted takes a lot of courage, leaving these victims helpless, especially when calling out bad behavior.

Studies show that one of the primary reasons why women do not come forward to report sexual harassment or assault is because of shame, as they have been emotionally or sexually violated.

Many of these victims feel violated or abused, thus by nature, there is a tendency to feel too humiliated to share their experiences.

Some even refuse to believe that what they have experienced was actually abusive, downplaying the assault.

The #MeToo movement is also a call that has become a symbol to rally against catcalling, unwanted attention and abuse.

In Macau, catcalling is not a big issue, compared to other countries, where catcalling is a norm, even when walking in broad daylight or when wearing an appropriate outfit. 

Yet, speaking about this matter in Macau – or elsewhere – remains iffy, unusual and weird.

It may be due to culture, where one would prefer to keep it private and not disclose it to strangers – which, again, is driven by shame.

Nevertheless, we need a physical platform or outlet, where one can openly share about their horrific experiences and not feel judged or looked down upon.

Sexual harassment, whether at the workplace, schools, or at home, is happening; and as much as we would want it to stop, I think there is still a long way to go from here.

For now, I believe it is best when we can create an atmosphere that openly welcomes all these issues on the table; a community that welcomes these stories on the couch and embraces the vulnerability of the victim.

On a side note, as the movement officially celebrated its first year last week, the hashtag has been speaking volumes as it represents the victims’, particularly women’s, experiences, yet empowers and encourages them to speak out to the masses.

It has somehow made an impact on how these victims share their stories, and how listeners react.