Actress Alyssa Milano has started the #MeToo social media campaign, showing women they aren't the only individuals facing sexual assault and harassment. The campaign went viral, generating thousands of responses, retweets, likes, giving a supreme sense of magnitude to the problem.
Australian journalist and screenwriter Benjamin Law has created the hashtag #HowIWillChange in response to Milano's effort. He used it as a tool to publicly announce his support and to commit to change against the culture of sexual violence.
The act of sharing devastating #MeToo stories on social media shook the public, highlighting how many women have had similar experiences. Eventually, as the flood of these messages continued, women started asking men what are they going to do to address the situation. Law's #HowIWillChange is just what everyone needed. It will give voice to all who want to stand up. "I will never blame a victim," one guy wrote. "I will keep showing my 3 sons and one grandson how to honor and respect women," said the other. Scroll down to read how men are getting involved and upvote your favorite pledges.
More info: Twitter
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# METOO Lieve mensen ,...ik heb dit nooit durven vertellen uit schaamte , maar nu wil ik het toch met u delen . Het was ongeveer 30 jaar geleden , ik reed s,avonds ongeveer 11 uur met de auto op een donkere bos weg ,...de ruitenwissers van de auto konden de regen op de voorruit amper wegwerken ineens kwam de auto schokkend tot stilstand. Ook na meerdere pogingen wilde hij niet meer starten ,..In die tijd had je nog geen mobieltje ,dus er zat niets anders op dan dat ik ergens hulp ging zoeken ,ik liep dus door de stromende regen over die pikdonkere bosweg ,...ik zal misschien een kwartiertje gelopen hebben ,toen ik plots een lichtje zag tussen de bomen ,...naderbij gekomen kwam ik bij een groot ijzeren hek met een poort. Er stond een bord ,in het schijnsel van de maan kon ik lezen Bommelstein !! De poort stond een beetje open, dus ik liep naar binnen ,het was een oprijlaan in de verte zag ik de contouren van een kasteel opdoemen, ik liep tot voor het kasteel er hing een grote huisbel ik
On Sunday I asked my father when was the last time he catcalled a woman. He looked me dead in the eye and said never. I asked him why. He told me his father had told him to not do that to a woman. My father is just short of his 88th birthday. He has always been a beacon of integrity, honour and honesty and calling a spade a spade. He is not and was not perfect. He is one of the finest human beings I know. I love you dad. I thank you for being a father to this crazy daughter.
I’m so against cat calling, I physically and literally hate it. People who do it are disgusting. I’m a woman, it’s happened to be hundreds if not thousands of times. But, how do you cat call your girlfriend? I thought catcalling was when random men shout inappropriate sexual comments to women walking down the street.
I already loved Mark Ruffalo but this just makes me admire him even more!
i wish more men would acknowledge this and make an effort to change. its such a simple thing.
When (generally) men whistle or say inappropriate things to women walking down the street. This is probably the best example as to the type of things they say... https://www.boredpanda.com/catcalling-selfies-project-dearcatcallers/
Load More Replies...Mark Ruffalo, I have long enjoyed watching your performances, and have respect for your humane activities. Thank you.
I have taught my son how to respect women. He is only 15 and I am so proud of how he steps up daily to tell other teens to knock it off when they are cat calling, touching, teasing the young girls.
same for both of my boys! I'm a single mom and it's hard at times. But the EASIEST thing I can do is teach them how to respect women and elders. I have NEVER heard them talk back to anyone.
Load More Replies...The fact that he teaches his son. Unload the bullets instead of shooting at a bulletproof vest.
# METOO Lieve mensen ,...ik heb dit nooit durven vertellen uit schaamte , maar nu wil ik het toch met u delen . Het was ongeveer 30 jaar geleden , ik reed s,avonds ongeveer 11 uur met de auto op een donkere bos weg ,...de ruitenwissers van de auto konden de regen op de voorruit amper wegwerken ineens kwam de auto schokkend tot stilstand. Ook na meerdere pogingen wilde hij niet meer starten ,..In die tijd had je nog geen mobieltje ,dus er zat niets anders op dan dat ik ergens hulp ging zoeken ,ik liep dus door de stromende regen over die pikdonkere bosweg ,...ik zal misschien een kwartiertje gelopen hebben ,toen ik plots een lichtje zag tussen de bomen ,...naderbij gekomen kwam ik bij een groot ijzeren hek met een poort. Er stond een bord ,in het schijnsel van de maan kon ik lezen Bommelstein !! De poort stond een beetje open, dus ik liep naar binnen ,het was een oprijlaan in de verte zag ik de contouren van een kasteel opdoemen, ik liep tot voor het kasteel er hing een grote huisbel ik
I give them props. They're recognizing and trying. I say Good for Them.
Well, I'd like to thank you anyway. I'm 71 and have been waiting all my life for decent men to corral the other ones.
Honestly - I don't care if they do it for the praise, as long as they do it. This is how social movements and paradigm shifts happen.
Load More Replies...And this is where the problem lies Mr. George Hall..men like you.
Just curious... but what does knowing the amount of women executives do during an interview? I hope you aren't referring to using affirmative action for women if you don't see a lot of executive women in the jobs you are in the process of interviewing.
More relevant to ask how many women will be in the department you join, and if a woman doing the job you are applying for would be paid the same as you would be.
Load More Replies...Does it really matter if there's more females or males :/ long as u get a job
Know what executives love more than keeping women down? Money, and paying low wages. If they could save a boatload by hiring women, the men would be in line at the soup kitchen. This isn't rocket science, people. This garbage is touted as fact even though it doesn't stand up to even the slightest amount of logical scrutiny. Why on earth would a corporation hire men over women if they cost more money?
ya know what's funny? "pussy" is a actually a word in greek that is described as someone who is timid or scared. It confuses me that people start getting it mixed up with the female anatomy.
Load More Replies...ALRIGHT!! And...finally! You guys are the real gentlemen! And you should feel good for that. Not embarrassed!
Not just saying something about others...but addressing the issue of himself. Awesome!
Women don't have a clue about their own lives? No, YOU don't have an f-ing clue. Take your head out of your a*s.
Load More Replies..."No more going along to get along"... So many men could do so much for this issue just by following that last sentence. Bless you ,sir
He's trying to change so good on him. Most of us have done things we regret.
What he did wasn't cool, BUT I commend him for realizing and changing.
Thanks for doing your bit. U have no idea how many women are touched by this amazing response from men.
I would hope that you will learn to be a better friend too in being supportive.
Hope most of these promises aren't just made to enable us use the hashtags only. We really need to mean them and keep them #howIwillchange
Sometimes this sentiment, thought meant well... bothers me. The answer is not to put women on pedestals. You cherish your family. You don't cherish strangers. But you should treat your coworkers, acquaintances and the random woman on the bus or that you pass on the street like a real living human being who might be having the best or the worst day of her life. Act accordingly and don't intrude on her life unless invited, often that means not doing things like going out of your way to be nice.
Agreed, I think if he said he would treat women the same way he'd treat a man in the same situation that would be better.
Load More Replies...Is this really all you're taking from this? Is this your 'contribution' to the solution-getting lost in semantics?
Load More Replies...If you screwed up and you were actually listening to women and not just hearing them, then you have no right to get butthurt. If you continue to do so, may I suggest therapy to work through the reasons your feelings get crushed when someone tells you that you sexually assaulted someone.
Listen to what she says - reading through all of these I kept thinking you guys are missing out on the most important part. And this is it. No more: 'Well at least it wasn't a stranger'. No more: 'At least he didn't beat you'. No more: 'Oh well, you were drunk, so really it was your fault'. And to hell with: 'Yeah, well, if you dress like that...'
Well done on completely missing the issue and making it all about men. Again.
Load More Replies...Since many harassers and abusers have gotten stealthy about it, a lot of us are stunned and slow to react, even the targets many times. I wonder if role playing would help us recognize and react more in the moment?
I assumed that maybe his person had stood up for male coworkers in the past but not female. Perhaps it's an expansion of action rather than division
Load More Replies...Never understood cat calling. What's the goal? I'm serious, I literally don't understand the purpose. Is it to hopefully make the person suddenly become attracted to you? Is it to give a compliment? Neither of these make any sense, but I can't think of any other motivation.
I presume it's to attract their attention, compliment them and come off as "swag" at the same time (from the type of men you see doing this).
Load More Replies...That is a great idea but please don't just put women in your organization leadership because they are just women. Please make sure they are qualified for the position. Affirmative Action is not the answer nor the solution.
And, when capable qualified women are promoted, respect that change. Do not treat female mangers or executives as secretaries or lunch ladies. Make your own copies, file your own documents, and get your own coffee. Respect their knowledge and ability.
Load More Replies...Seriously? Well back in my heyday, it wasn't acceptable then either! And no, I have never heard the female version. I am not sure which rock you were living under but since the 70s, it has been an excuse for any type of deviant behavior caused by boys including sexual harassment and the like. Maybe it's time for you to realize that you probably were told what you believe to cover up something that shouldn't have happened but it did. Btw, I remember rotary phones, black and white TVs, and only cartoons on Saturdays growing up. Don't assume... you know the rest since you seem so knowledgeable as to what these old sayings are and what they mean.....
Load More Replies...I tend to be optimistic most of the time, maybe naive. So, I think that maybe what he means is "being less pushy". You know, sometimes someone hits on you, wants to buy you a drink or ask you for a dance, and you say "no". And this person keeps saying "come on, please" over and over again. Probably thinking "I'm just trying to convince her to give me an opportunity", but now he's thinking "maybe I made uncomfortable all those ladies I insisted on". Not necessarily talking about rape. Just respect a woman's decision and personal space.
Load More Replies...I adore these concrete answers. It does help to call out toxic behavior, it does more to actively empower those downtrodden. Kudo Benjamin!
No, not always. Women can harass too, it doesn't happen as often, but it does happen. And as a side note, men are more likely to be domestically abused than women are
OMG George Hall - even I have to comment on this #NotAllMen #SomeWomenToo. Come speak to me when 1 in 4 men have been sexually harassed or abused in some form. No-one is saying women are incapable of it or that no men have ever been raped or sexually harassed. It happens and needs to be addressed too - but this, right now, is NOT ABOUT YOU!
Load More Replies...Should matter whether she is some man's relation. If she was a clone grown in a vat, she would be worthy of respect in her own right!
You can't possibly know how awesome this is. Thank you. Thank you.
How about respectful speech and behavior toward all women, nit just the ones you have a relationship with? How about respectful speech about girls and their abilities?
This is good, but sometimes it's even better if you do say "Let's hear what he has to say", you hear it, then you tell both him and her that what he said was b******t, and explain why. But of course as in any emotional situation, sometimes it's hard to tell when this is appropriate and when it is not appropriate.
I"m not going to applaud you...seems like you are doing that yourself. Congrats on being raised by women. It's a fabulous accomplishment.
How you could change: - Be supportive of men who want to change for the better! This tweet sounds like you hold them in contempt because you (think you) are way ahead of them. - Acknowledge your privilege! Maybe you had better parenting, and/or some other lucky circumstances that meant you didn't marinade in rape culture day in and day out. Thinking you are a better person because you don't have these faults is not helpful. The men who want to change are showing/learning compassion. Where's yours?
Can I applaud you Anne? There is ALWAYS something that can be done. Don't rest on your laurels Phil. Who DOESN'T abhor those things? What are you going to do to make sure they don't happen? Walk a woman to her car? Tell someone that they cat call is not flattering? Insist your female coworker get equal pay for equal work? Be an example? Come on, just make one change.
Load More Replies...who gets to make the judgment of who is a "good" woman? That's a big part of the problem right there!
There is always something we can do, even as females to help change things. Denial and saying you're perfect and don't need to change not only is degrading to this protest but also your need to defend yourself making sure people don't think bad of you shows that to you this protest is more about glorifying yourself then anything else
May as well be saying ‘im not going to change because i’m a perfect male, btw girls im better than the others because i don’t need to change’
These women are tough. I still see flirting as ok, as long as it's taken positively. I'm not blaming every man for being a man. Take steps in the right direction. Thank you!
I really hope everyone remembers all this. The MeToo HowIWillChange, I hope it isn't forgotten because we are fighting harassment and this is a huge step to stop it. So I sincerely hope that this movement isn't forgotten.
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Load More Replies...This is honestly really cool to see, it's unfortunate that something like this took a while to happen, but I'm really glad it is
A HUGE thank you to every one of the men who have taken the time to respond to this!! You guys are awesome!
Imo, it's kinda sad that this all has to hit the media and with a # going viral, for some people to realize that certain behavior against women (or men!) is just wrong....
Nah, people already knew, this is just making it more popular. Any progress is progress, don't bring people down because of it.
Load More Replies...Sooooo ... Is anyone going to mention Trump's 'Locker room talk' b******t?!?
Well of course not. He was just speaking his mind after all.... *eye roll*
Load More Replies...Also, it wasnt alyssa milano who started the tag, it was an activist (the story is on twitter)
"And Every Woman Should See It"? I'm so glad you're sharing this collection, but I think something more like "Every Woman (And Man) Should See It." Because while for us women it's very healing and reassuring to know that men are also working to make the world a better place... and showing that we may not be as surrounded by wolves as we often fear we are... I think it's also important for men to hear other men speak up like this, too. Otherwise, they're just preaching to the choir. These men aren't just being brave enough to say all this to score points with women... they're also calling out to their fellow men to follow suit. Feminism/Gender Equality/Egalitarianism (whatever you wish to call it; it's the same thing) is for everyone, both to create, and to reap the benefits from. :)
Just so we're clear actress Alyssa Milano is being credited with creating the hashtag; but in actuality, it was started 10-years-ago by consultant, blogger and advocate Tarana Burke for women of color who especially felt like they were alone and couldnt speak up about harassment and rape. i still dont understand how black voices keep getting hijacked. but its good to see #metoo move to the men, we all can do better #sayhername #TaranaBurke
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Load More Replies...This is a good start, but I'm frustrated that no one's mentioning the role of pornography in shaping men's attitudes toward women. If guys really want to talk about #HowIWillChange, you need to say #NoPorn.
As younger female I am absolutely appalled that this has to be a thing. This should be common. F*****g. Sense to not treat ANYONE that way. This should have be fixed a LONG f*****g time ago.
Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy that something is happening and it happening so widespread but my point still remains
Load More Replies...I really hope everyone remembers all this. The MeToo HowIWillChange, I hope it isn't forgotten because we are fighting harassment and this is a huge step to stop it. So I sincerely hope that this movement isn't forgotten.
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Load More Replies...This is honestly really cool to see, it's unfortunate that something like this took a while to happen, but I'm really glad it is
A HUGE thank you to every one of the men who have taken the time to respond to this!! You guys are awesome!
Imo, it's kinda sad that this all has to hit the media and with a # going viral, for some people to realize that certain behavior against women (or men!) is just wrong....
Nah, people already knew, this is just making it more popular. Any progress is progress, don't bring people down because of it.
Load More Replies...Sooooo ... Is anyone going to mention Trump's 'Locker room talk' b******t?!?
Well of course not. He was just speaking his mind after all.... *eye roll*
Load More Replies...Also, it wasnt alyssa milano who started the tag, it was an activist (the story is on twitter)
"And Every Woman Should See It"? I'm so glad you're sharing this collection, but I think something more like "Every Woman (And Man) Should See It." Because while for us women it's very healing and reassuring to know that men are also working to make the world a better place... and showing that we may not be as surrounded by wolves as we often fear we are... I think it's also important for men to hear other men speak up like this, too. Otherwise, they're just preaching to the choir. These men aren't just being brave enough to say all this to score points with women... they're also calling out to their fellow men to follow suit. Feminism/Gender Equality/Egalitarianism (whatever you wish to call it; it's the same thing) is for everyone, both to create, and to reap the benefits from. :)
Just so we're clear actress Alyssa Milano is being credited with creating the hashtag; but in actuality, it was started 10-years-ago by consultant, blogger and advocate Tarana Burke for women of color who especially felt like they were alone and couldnt speak up about harassment and rape. i still dont understand how black voices keep getting hijacked. but its good to see #metoo move to the men, we all can do better #sayhername #TaranaBurke
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Load More Replies...This is a good start, but I'm frustrated that no one's mentioning the role of pornography in shaping men's attitudes toward women. If guys really want to talk about #HowIWillChange, you need to say #NoPorn.
As younger female I am absolutely appalled that this has to be a thing. This should be common. F*****g. Sense to not treat ANYONE that way. This should have be fixed a LONG f*****g time ago.
Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy that something is happening and it happening so widespread but my point still remains
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