Thanks for the comment Matthew.

You’re right that #MeToo hasn’t ended, so much as experienced a zenith followed by a backlash and drop-off. It has existed for a long time…

Thanks for the comment Matthew.

You’re right that #MeToo hasn’t ended, so much as experienced a zenith followed by a backlash and drop-off. It has existed for a long time and will peak and fall again, I’m sure, as these movements tend to do. Reactionaries have always found excuses for hand-wringing and criticizing feminist movements, and used genuine flaws in such movements as a way of pushing for regression. Sadly, I have to agree that the tangible result this movement has had for survivors does feel kinda negligible. Being able to talk openly about assault is not nothing, and I’m sure the movement has been healing and comforting for many, but I’m not convinced it has turned into any useful preventative strategies.

I’m glad for the reminder that there are many people with me, and that such people outnumber the critical voices. Critical people are often a lot louder and more tenacious, though. I really think a lot of the backlash comes from genuine guilt and shame… it’s painful to confront that you, or someone you love, may have unwittingly committed assault in the past, and I think that’s why so many people lash out. I hope, very desperately, that some of the people leading the backlash examine their own hearts and acknowledge the source of their fervor is fear that they have done wrong. A lot of rapists and abusers are misguided, complicated people who can redeem themselves if they are willing to admit fault. Unfortunately, a lot of people are too threatned by #MeToo to even face that a comedian they love could be at fault, let alone themselves…