Publish it and they will come forward. The New York Times and New Yorker published lengthy investigative pieces earlier this month, detailing allegations of sexual assault and harassment by film producer Harvey Weinstein.
Since then, Weinstein has made a pathetic statement, and people have been coming forward sharing their opinions (Donna Karan) and their own stories of sexual misconduct (James Van Der Beek, Jennifer Lawrence, Cameron Russell’s Instagram, and more). The social media movement #MeToo, where people have shared their own stories of sexual misconduct, has made the world more aware of how common this abuse is, and some have responded with the hashtag #HowIWillChange. Almost everyday after the news broke, a new story has been published regarding Weinstein and sexual assault. Old articles are speaking new truths and being shared amongst friends and colleagues. We at The New School Free Press want to keep you as well informed as we can, which is why we’ve compiled some selections for you to read if you’re feeling confused, appalled, or lost about the situation that is unfolding.
In Response to Weinstein:
Mayim Bialik: Being a Feminist in Harvey Weinstein’s World – The New York Times
“Those of us in Hollywood who don’t represent an impossible standard of beauty have the ‘luxury’ of being overlooked and, in many cases, ignored by men in power unless we can make money.”
Why Weinstein Held On For So Long and Fell So Fast – Bloomberg
“At age 65, Weinstein is well into the last third of his career. People must have started to sense that his influence is waning.”
Weinstein and the women who ‘benefited’ – The Week
“The point he—an ultra-capitalist—was trying to make was that sex and power are transactional.”
An activist, a little girl and the heartbreaking origin of ‘Me Too’ – CNN
“But the online movement didn’t start with Milano on Sunday. It started more than 10 years ago with activist Tarana Burke.”
DK N’ Why She Got it All Wrong On Harvey Weinstein – The New School Free Press
“It’s time to realize we’re not buying the bedazzled backlash bull-muzzle. Boys will be boys held accountable for their actions.”
Harvey Weinstein and the Illusion of the Vulgar but Passionate Old-Hollywood Studio Boss – The New Yorker
“But the notion that the vulgar, domineering studio boss was crucial to the creative achievements of classic Hollywood has always been utterly misguided and blinkered.”
Sexual Assault/Harassment Accounts After Weinstein Allegations:
I Dated My Rapist – The Cut
“Who would go on date with her rapist? Let the record show, most of us.”
Olympic Gymnast McKayla Maroney Says She Too Was Molested by Team Doctor – The New York Times
“…he has been sued by more than 125 women accusing him of sexual abuse.”
All the Other Harvey Weinsteins – The New Yorker
“In my twenties, I was blindsided during an audition when I was asked by the director, in a somewhat rhetorical manner, to let the lead actor put a dog collar around my neck.”
Why the Weinstein Sexual-Harassment Allegations Didn’t Come Out Until Now – The Cut
“…the notion of the ‘casting couch’ still had an almost romantic reverberation, and those who had encountered Weinstein often spoke of the conviction that they would never be believed.”
Relevant Re-Reads:
An Open Letter From Dylan Farrow – The New York Times
“Woody Allen is a testament to the way our society fails survivors of sexual assault and abuse.”
Hollywood’s culture of sexual harassment is finally making headlines – Los Angeles Times
“Bill Cosby, Roger Ailes, Donald Trump. Stories of older, powerful men preying on young women may not be new in Hollywood, but in the last year they have finally, and collectively, become news.”
Why the ‘Last Tango in Paris’ rape scene is generating such an outcry now – The Washington Post
“The organization’s statement continues, asking ‘how is it possible a case as serious as this’ hasn’t been broadcasted widely, impacted public opinion and been roundly denounced.”