Men on #MeToo

An interview with men of DCU to understand their take on the #MeToo Movement 

Since October 2017, the movement known as #MeToo followed by Hollywood’s Times Up initiative has made its mark subsequent to allegations made initially against American film producer and executive, Harvey Weinstein. The hashtag, tweeted first by actress Alyssa Milano was a response to the aforementioned allegations, and a way to encourage survivors of sexual assault and harassment to highlight the magnitude of the problem. Since then, the movement has gone viral worldwide, encouraging and empowering victims to stand up and tell their stories in solidarity.  In the news and media, and likely in your social circles, more and more women are speaking out on the subject of sexual harassment and abuse via their own experiences and opinions. But what do men have to say about the impact the movement has had on them? * 

Since the emergence of the #MeToo movement, have you found you’re more conscious of how you treat women? If so, in what way? 

Men varied in their answers to this question. Some found they were more likely to keep an eye on ‘how friends treat women or how people treat (their) female friends.’ Any men who disagreed only did so because they claim they were ‘brought up to respect men and women equally and this will not change’.  

All agreed that the movement changed their perception of what women go through on a daily basis, but that there has been no difference in how they acted in their relationships with women. All also agreed that they are now more aware of other men’s actions, especially that of their close friends. 

How do you feel about trying to separate the artist from the art? Would you stop watching House of Cards, for example because of the allegations against Kevin Spacey? 

All interviewed agreed that it can be difficult to separate the artist from the art, but that it is ‘somehow necessary’. Some believed that regardless of whether those in question have been convicted of a crime, their work is ‘irrelevant to their actions.’ Most men claimed to still enjoy the works of people like Kevin Spacey and Louis C.K, but agreed that the allegations made against these actors are ‘always in the back of your mind’.  

What would you consider as a woman giving you her full consent? 

The answers to this question were all along the same lines, and all very promising. Men agreed that a positive response and ‘constant reassurance’ was most important. All men interviewed also concurred that if they are the ones to initiate sex, they will make it a point to ask if the woman is sure and ‘if she says no or hesitates I won’t have sex’ 

 Do you think the ‘Times Up’ movement was effective? 

Most agreed that the movement was ‘effective in highlighting the issue’. However, many had their concerns with the recent actions taken within the movement. They expressed extreme discomfort with the naming and shaming aspect of the movement: ‘Without evidence, this leads to a witch hunt’. Few referenced a build up in a stigma against all men. However, the majority agreed that the movement is doing more good than bad. 

*To ensure honest answers, interviewees will remain anonymous 

photo credit @dailybeast