Our Culture of Silence Must End: #MeToo

Founded by Tarana Burke, the #MeToo movement draws attention to the countless people who have been sexually harassed or assaulted. This weekend, actress Alyssa Milano called on women to post with the hashtag and the response was overwhelming. Over 500,000 tweets and counting, we are confronted by the reality of rape culture in America.

Our American culture responds to survivors with criticism instead of empathy and action. Our society values money, power, and control over empathy, care, and compassion. Every time. It is this corrupt value system that keeps the Harvey Weinsteins of the world in power while keeping victims silent. From Hollywood to Silicon Valley and beyond, this has to change.

This week, we’re asking you to screen The Mask You Live In or Miss Representation with your community and start a conversation. A conversation about our culture of silence and how we must change it. It is up to all of us to use our voices and stand with survivors. Together, we must challenge this toxic culture that condones and perpetuates sexual violence.

Onwards,

Jennifer Siebel Newsom & The Representation Project Team