A group of Hollywood men have launched #AskMoreOfHim, a movement that aims to shed a light on the importance of men speaking out against sexism.
This year’s awards season has been dominated by talk of the #TimesUp and #MeToo campaigns, with celebrities using their high profile platforms to raise awareness for the victims of sexual harassment and abuse.
Now a selection of activists and male members of the film industry have signed an open letter to explain why men must take on the responsibility of calling out sexism and taking ownership for their actions.
The letter, which has been signed by Friends actor David Schwimmer, Scream actor David Arquette and How to Get Away with Murder actor Matt McGorry among others, has been published by The Hollywood Reporter.
“We applaud the courage and pledge our support to the courageous women — and men, and gender non-conforming individuals — who have come forward to recount their experiences of harassment, abuse and violence at the hands of men in our country,” it reads.
“As men, we have a special responsibility to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.
“After all, the vast majority of sexual harassment, abuse and violence is perpetrated by men, whether in Hollywood or not.”
The letter goes on to say that while not all men are perpetrators of sexual abuse, that some may have enabled others to act in a harmful way in the past by not taking action against them.
“Nonetheless, we believe that men must speak out against sexism, even as we engage in our own process of critical self-reflection, personal growth and accountability,” they write.
“So consider this our pledge to support survivors, condemn sexism wherever we see it and hold ourselves and others accountable.
“As advocates, actors, writers, producers, and directors, we hope that our actions will inspire other men to join us.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-s...ent-times-up-me-too-open-letter-a8237956.html
This year’s awards season has been dominated by talk of the #TimesUp and #MeToo campaigns, with celebrities using their high profile platforms to raise awareness for the victims of sexual harassment and abuse.
Now a selection of activists and male members of the film industry have signed an open letter to explain why men must take on the responsibility of calling out sexism and taking ownership for their actions.
The letter, which has been signed by Friends actor David Schwimmer, Scream actor David Arquette and How to Get Away with Murder actor Matt McGorry among others, has been published by The Hollywood Reporter.
“We applaud the courage and pledge our support to the courageous women — and men, and gender non-conforming individuals — who have come forward to recount their experiences of harassment, abuse and violence at the hands of men in our country,” it reads.
“As men, we have a special responsibility to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.
“After all, the vast majority of sexual harassment, abuse and violence is perpetrated by men, whether in Hollywood or not.”
The letter goes on to say that while not all men are perpetrators of sexual abuse, that some may have enabled others to act in a harmful way in the past by not taking action against them.
“Nonetheless, we believe that men must speak out against sexism, even as we engage in our own process of critical self-reflection, personal growth and accountability,” they write.
“So consider this our pledge to support survivors, condemn sexism wherever we see it and hold ourselves and others accountable.
“As advocates, actors, writers, producers, and directors, we hope that our actions will inspire other men to join us.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-s...ent-times-up-me-too-open-letter-a8237956.html
