Why women fear a backlash over #MeToo

[Deleted]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42200092

That whispering you hear from American women right now? It's not elation, it's anxiety; the fear of a backlash.

Just two months since the Harvey Weinstein accusations emerged, women here are already concerned that this revolution will indeed eat its own.

This is a surprisingly controversial topic, because even raising a potential backlash against the #MeToo movement smacks of appeasement, of wanting to let predators off the hook.

There are women who say it's been so unfair for so long that if a few innocent men get wrongfully accused, that's a price they are happy to pay. I'm a lot more comfortable with the first half of that sentiment than the second.

To be clear, no one wants to stop this movement, we want to to keep it alive in a way that creates safe work places and ends up helping women, rather than hurting us.

Publicity and exposure are helping to change the culture, but the power of this seismic shift must be harnessed with care. This is not a witch hunt.

The biggest backlash risk is a fake accusation that will undermine genuine accusers. Whether for personal, vindictive reasons or for political, strategic reasons, a woman will falsely accuse a high profile man of sexual misconduct, the story will get attention and then when it's proven to be fake, the backlash will begin. The response will quickly be: "You see, all these stories aren't true. Women are making it up."

The next fear is that men will get so nervous that they're going to be accused of harassment that they will simply stop hiring, meeting or socialising with female colleagues. There are reports this is already happening. We will get shut out of the room where important decisions are made because men fear our presence? How ironic would that be?

Newspaper uncovers fake sex story 'sting'

Safe workplaces in the post-MeToo era

Harassment in Hollywood: Who's been accused?

It's known here as the Pence rule after Vice-President Mike Pence, who said he doesn't ever meet alone or have dinner alone with female colleagues in order to avoid any perception of impropriety. That can hinder female professionals by excluding us from work occasions that men can and do take advantage of.

The question of who stands as judge and jury is also a cause for concern. There's often no corroborating evidence in cases of historic abuse, no witnesses or photographs. We are all still learning how to distinguish what seems credible and what doesn't. Women's stories of harassment should be believed, and they often haven't been in the past, but they should also be able to withstand scrutiny.

As in all reporting, due diligence is as necessary here as ever. As we get more accounts of fake accusers, trying to discredit real accusers, this need for scrutiny will grow. Women are tough enough to withstand fair questions.

US actress Rose McGowan and Founder of #MeToo Campaign Tarana Burke, embrace on stage at the Women's March / Women's Convention in Detroit,

The final reason is also the most complex because it raises the thorny issue of relativity. Are all incidents of harassment the same and equally egregious? Do some apologies count for more than others?

Women have a lot of passionate views on these questions and there is no single right answer.

The backlash fear here is that if all cases of bad behaviour are treated equally this could quickly become a vendetta in which lots and lots of men are implicated and punished. Men will be seen as the bad guys simply for the crime of being male.

Why so many sexual harassment cases in US, not UK?

The story that highlights an ugly American tribalism

Already men are nervously asking what's acceptable and what's not. Is all flirting now banned? Is a pat on the back ok, but a pat on the bottom always a sackable offence? This confusion could fast turn to anger.

The risk is that men, feeling under siege, kick back and say "enough is enough, this is not fair". Then we risk losing the support and sympathy of our male colleagues. We do indeed become seen as witch hunters, or worse, as witches.

To be clear, men who have sexually abused and harassed women should be called out. But we are all learning in this process. And we're finding out that in harassment, as in most areas of life, what initially seemed such a simple case of black and white, actually has shades of confusing grey.

A backlash now against women would be the worst thing that can happen, it would shove this topic back under the carpet for years. So let's tread carefully, act soberly and use this moment, with the willing support of our male colleagues, to make our workplaces safer and happier.

What's your opinion

[Daws]

The problem with #MeToo is that there is no justice it's simply name and shame with trial by public opinion. Great that it's raised awareness but the first action should not be to tell the press or social media about these things you should go to the police, press charges, get that day in court and see justice play out. It may not work out as you want going this path, but any other path will either up as a witch hunt or people will start ignoring the entire thing and consider it an anti-men campaign.

[Logwyn]

The trouble with #metoo is that the # is the "pound" symbol. Its funny when people running around going "pound me too" when its in regard to what's being "protested". I know they call it a "hashtag" but its still the pound symbol.

[Manabomb]

The problem with #MeToo is that there is no justice it's simply name and shame with trial by public opinion. Great that it's raised awareness but the first action should not be to tell the press or social media about these things you should go to the police, press charges, get that day in court and see justice play out. It may not work out as you want going this path, but any other path will either up as a witch hunt or people will start ignoring the entire thing and consider it an anti-men campaign.

The problem is when all proper channels and systems are gone through and 'justice' still isn't met and you see this man being successful years and years later. You don't keep tabs on him. You don't follow his success. You forget him, and when you see his name it brings up rage and frustration.

I'm sorry, but if you don't understand just how broken the system is in Hollywood, between not having Human resource offices to having HR officers ignoring or downright offering horrible resource advice? And Lawyers telling women not to pursue legal charges despite their accusations? And officers of the law not taking rape or sexual assault allegations seriously?
If you don't see any of these obvious problems, especially men in power abusing their power, as problems, then get out.

[Deleted]

The trouble with #metoo is that the # is the "pound" symbol. Its funny when people running around going "pound me too" when its in regard to what's being "protested". I know they call it a "hashtag" but its still the pound symbol.

# means number here

[Uncle]

Good, it is time women understand they can't indefinitly play victims or even lie (because yes, most of the harassment stories ARE LIES) without any consequences.
They are realizing that after years of faminazist war against men, all women are loosing because men are tired and have decided to strike back, and when they will really strike back, women should stay silent and remember THEY are the one who shoot first.

[Deleted]

The problem with #MeToo is that there is no justice it's simply name and shame with trial by public opinion. Great that it's raised awareness but the first action should not be to tell the press or social media about these things you should go to the police, press charges, get that day in court and see justice play out. It may not work out as you want going this path, but any other path will either up as a witch hunt or people will start ignoring the entire thing and consider it an anti-men campaign.

Well if somebody didn't do this Weinstein would still be abusing women because famously the rich and famous avoid justice

[Manabomb]

Good, it is time women understand they can't indefinitly play victims or even lie (because yes, most of the harassment stories ARE LIES) without any consequences.
They are realizing that after years of faminazist war against men, all women are loosing because men are tired and have decided to strike back, and when they will really strike back, women should stay silent and remember THEY are the one who shoot first.

"Most harassment stories are lies" I see you trolling and I raise you a report.

Women have been losing for thousands of years, ever since a man figured out he was stronger than her and could easily bend her over a rock. Stop acting like women are this evil, when the reality is she's just never been on top honey.

[Independent voter]

Just the other day at work I was saying how grateful I was that we were all male, then I said something very rude about them and we all laughed.

[Daws]

Well if somebody didn't do this Weinstein would still be abusing women because famously the rich and famous avoid justice

Only problem is Weinstein may have been booted out of Hollywood but to date he has not received the justice he deserves. There has been no arrest, no trial and no sentence. So currently all he's received is early retirement. There's also nothing to say that he won't simply let the heat die down over the next few years, publish a book about how bad he's been, go on an apology tour and then simply return to work. As example of how easily these crimes simply disappear Roman Polanski is a rapist who has never been sentenced properly and has been working non stop in the film industry.

[pateuvasiliu]

More and more men will shy away from sexual interactions due to all the crap feminists have been doing to society. I mean, looking at it objectively, you can get falsely convicted without even having sex, a simple accusation can destroy your life.


Ironically America's been doing it to itself.

[Daws]

I'm sorry, but if you don't understand just how broken the system is in Hollywood, between not having Human resource offices to having HR officers ignoring or downright offering horrible resource advice? And Lawyers telling women not to pursue legal charges despite their accusations? And officers of the law not taking rape or sexual assault allegations seriously?

I don't proclaim the justice system is fully functional, I do however maintain that justice will never be achieved through trial by public opinion (basically mob justice). The #MeToo has raised awareness, people are paying attention so now is the time to try to prosecute. Most cases will loose currently, there to old to stand up to the measure required for proof of a crime. So you will loose the battle but you may win the war by constantly pursuing justice and a change in how people in Hollywood work. You mention the lack of things such as HR officers, that's a very good point and correct me if I'm wrong Hollywood hasn't changed even a bit so far. There playing the standard plan, sit there, nod and agree, offer a few token heads with no real consequence, then pronounce job done and close it all down in 5-10 years and go back to normal. If #MeToo becomes a witch hunt or perceived as simply being anti-men the window of opportunity to effect real change will simply be closed off.

[Gaidax]

Just the other day at work I was saying how grateful I was that we were all male, then I said something very rude about them and we all laughed.

Ditto.

We had one sexual harassment lawsuit case against management and it was clear as day that it was a means to get settlement $$ from some adventurous pregnant skank who tried to goad another pregnant employee to team up as well. In the end both quit some time after giving birth as soon as time to get back to work came.

This reduced number of female employees in our company to 1 and thanks god for that. We have no time and patience for this bullshit.

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Well if somebody didn't do this Weinstein would still be abusing women because famously the rich and famous avoid justice

Problem is (it already was) that all it takes is one dishonest witch to screech sexual harassment at someone and he will instantly get crucified even before justice runs its course. Heck even take Weinstein, did he actually get convicted yet? What happened to presumption of innocence?

[Deleted]

Only problem is Weinstein may have been booted out of Hollywood but to date he has not received the justice he deserves. There has been no arrest, no trial and no sentence. So currently all he's received is early retirement. There's also nothing to say that he won't simply let the heat die down over the next few years, publish a book about how bad he's been, go on an apology tour and then simply return to work. As example of how easily these crimes simply disappear Roman Polanski is a rapist who has never been sentenced properly and has been working non stop in the film industry.

Well you can't be arrested for sexual harassment just fired so imo he has received justice, AFAIK the rape accusations are just that so unless proven will remain so

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More and more men will shy away from sexual interactions due to all the crap feminists have been doing to society. I mean, looking at it objectively, you can get falsely convicted without even having sex, a simple accusation can destroy your life.


Ironically America's been doing it to itself.

You can't get falsely convicted without DNA evidence

[Logwyn]

# means number here

Well that doesn't help either.... you get "number me too". They calling for it to happen to them now?

[Deleted]

Adam will only cry when it's about gays - whatever victim he finds, he will be it x³.

[Deleted]

Adam will only cry when it's about gays - whatever victim he finds, he will be it x³.

What are you bleating on about now?

[Queen of Hamsters]

The biggest issue to me is how many men adopt a defeatist victim mentality over this crap, branding all women as potential #MeToo-cases because of adhering to the "Not all men!!... but yes, all women!"-logic.

Luckily I won't be affected, the men I surround myself with, the men I have contact with and the men I work around are just normal, decent human beings, and so are the women.

[Kraenen]

# means number here

You don't get social justice warriors then

[Morssoe]

Women, you can't use your ass anymore to go up with your career. Good luck.