There was an undeniable sea of black present at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards. Black is the standard colour for black-tie or extravagant events nonetheless, it took on a unique meaning for the awards ceremony. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements rampant on Twitter and beyond have shed a light on the ugly and unfortunate truth of sexual harassment and sexual assaults aimed at women. Keep reading to learn more.
The #MeToo movement was founded by activist Tarana Burke in 2006 to combat sexual perverseness in society. The movement picked up speed in 2017 with the breaking news of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual misconduct. Actress Alyssa Milano used the hashtag to iterate other abuses rampant in Hollywood. As a result of her efforts, long in fruition, Burke won Time Person of The Year in 2017.
Like #MeToo, the #TimesUp movement formed by high-profile women such as Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVerney, Reese Witherspoon, and Meryl Streep to name a few is a call to end sexual harassment and abuse in Hollywood and other male-led industries. Not only does the latter combat the unfortunate acts, it provides partnerships with legislators who can legally fight in court in conjunction with a defence fund.
Others wore the colour to symbolize very personal experiences. Gabrielle Union recalls her account of rape and why discussion of this topic is imperative. She states: “#Timesup #WhyWeWearBlack This year marked the 25th anniversary of my rape. #MeToo I know I am not alone. Together we can eradicate sexual violence, harassment and abuse. Together we can have true equality. Together we can dismantle white supremacy and racism. Together we can center the voices of the most marginalized among us. Together we can acknowledge the jig is up and its BEEN time for monumental sweeping change. #Timesupnow.”
#TimesUp #WhyWeWearBlack pic.twitter.com/POiqek9ofL
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 7, 2018
Acclaimed film director Ava DuVernay explained her reason as not just an inclusion of victims, rather a systematic error that needs correction. She said: “I am wearing black today because balance and inclusion and diversity is not some kind of allowance to be made to accommodate people. No, sir. It is a correction of an error. It is a righting of a wrong. And it is going to be done. Now. #TimesUp”
I am wearing black today because balance and inclusion and diversity is not some kind of allowance to be made to accommodate people. No, sir. It is a correction of an error. It is a righting of a wrong. And it is going to be done. Now. #TimesUp pic.twitter.com/nVkhWubEwq
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) January 7, 2018
Naomi Campbell highlighted the fact that not many women film directors are being nominated let alone winning the award for the Best Director category.
Oprah Winfrey stated that wearing black in conjunction is a bold step that goes beyond Hollywood because “we’re already a privileged group” nevertheless to give a voice to all women.
See below some reactions on Twitter:
Standing in solidarity. #WhyWeWearBLACK #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/nVwn9FRBno
— The Root (@TheRoot) January 8, 2018
Good for your company. The problem is that “handling it” is not the norm & more often than not women’s complaints are ignored or ridiculed. We are told to “deal with it” or “it was just a joke” or “you asked for it” or “you shouldn’t have worn that blouse/skirt” #WhyWeWearBlack
— Lora Mallory (@mallory_38) January 8, 2018
What sexual abuse/sexual harassment charity did everyone donate to at the #GoldenGlobes? #WhyWeWearBlack #TimesUp #Oprah
— Kambree Kawahine Koa (@KamVTV) January 8, 2018
This is not about Hollywood. This is about every woman GLOBALLY.” –@DebraMessing #WhyWeWearBlack #TIMESUP
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) January 7, 2018
“I thought I would have to raise my daughter to protect herself in a dangerous world. But because of the work of @TaranaBurke and others, we have an opportunity to hand our children a different world.” -Michelle Williams on #WhyWeWearBlack #AskHerMore
— Jen Siebel Newsom (@JenSiebelNewsom) January 7, 2018
“I thought I would have to raise my daughter to protect herself in a dangerous world. But because of the work of @TaranaBurke and others, we have an opportunity to hand our children a different world.” -Michelle Williams on #WhyWeWearBlack #AskHerMore
— Jen Siebel Newsom (@JenSiebelNewsom) January 7, 2018
