Why is it we always assume that wrong that is brought to the light will be corrected with the occasional revolt against it? Why do we, as a society, assume that entrenched patriarchy, nepotism and gender insensitivity will be abolished by an elaborate editorial in a celebrated daily? More importantly, why do we as a generation believe that naming and shaming these individuals is justice enough? Why don’t we always follow through?
Using statistics as proof, the #MeToo movement has singled out more than 414 high-profile people. Most of the behavior is related to incidents that may have happened a long time ago but has surfaced because people realize that these people cannot be allowed to get away their behaviour. Melissa Schuman, the singer and actress who accused Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter of sexual assault last November, states how the victims have a further uphill task as they tell the world their stories. They are further questioned about their credibility, which triggers a series of escalating questions and demands; “Why didn’t you go to the police then? Are there other women?” She states; “It’s very upsetting to me that I’ve had multiple [people] tell me, force them to come out and say something! Why is my voice not enough?” Schuman did go to the police, but the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office declined to press charges, stating that the statue of limitations had passed.
But considering the generation we grew up in and acknowledging how events like anti-apartheid movement, the equal rights movements and, most recently, #MeToo movement shaped our ideas and perspectives. We have grown as a generation, with the awareness that women are equal to men, if not at times better.
Considering the recent #MeToo movement, we see that various sexual predators who presided over many centers of power were finally brought to light. However, none of them were ever brought to justice. Men from all walks of life have been squirming under the spotlight of the #MeToo naming and shaming, as society re-orients itself considering these circumstances. These exercises may encourage more women to speak against the injustices which they have suffered.
They are not a permanent solutions. Women and society will be let down unless we address the root causes with the solutions being long-term in nature. Naming and shaming, on the contrary, on occasions put the victim at higher risk, as the victims may be further shunned by society when the men they speak about may be high-powered individuals who would go to any lengths to discredit the accusers. Shoddier circumstances may occur if the perpetrator may be a family member with great influence; these situations can be only rectified if proper resources are used to take corrective actions.
These actions may not always bear results but can help change society’s attitude towards and their tormentors. The first step is to acknowledge that these predators often occupy seats of power. They feast on the imbalance of power which makes them safer than they should be. The solution to the issue may be the inculcation and the introduction of more women in legislatures, corporate boards and top management. Gender equality and justice is a long journey, not a short cut.
Angad Singh, a Viewpoints Editor for the Voice, can be reached for comment at ASingh21@wooster.edu.