Variety: GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) held its annual Respect Awards in the ballroom of the Beverly Wilshire on Friday night, where the Harvey Weinstein scandal prompted many out gay actors to speak openly about inappropriate behavior they had experienced with Hollywood power players.
2 comments:
I think that the best thing that came out of the Harvey Weinstein scandal is the discussion of inappropriate behaviors in Hollywood. Reading about the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network - a network like this gives me hope for our current industry. It was not lost on me that many people were only discussing women and the harassment they experience in the workplace when the Weinstein scandal first emerged. While the numbers might not be equal, both men and women experience harassment. I think it’s also really great that people were willing to open up and speak about their experiences. I hate how Wilson Cruz spoke about his experiences and how sexual harassment can be deemed a “norm.” However, I do agree with Zendaya in that our generation is trying to change many different systems in our current world. We cannot let another Weinstein scandal happen. No one deserves to be sexually harassed.
This article emphasizes sexual harassment/abuse in the theatre world as many of the articles coming out have been about Harvey Weinstein scandal becoming public, thus, sparking discussions in the theatre world. As good as this, it makes me question the high prevalence in other industries where people are harassed with threats of not getting jobs/raises or not keeping jobs. Maybe it's because I'm not focused on other industries but there seems to be a lack of attention to sexual harassment/abuse in the workplace in general. I understand why it seems so much more prevalent in theatre but this discussion about what to do moving forward in Hollywood and theatre needs to be continued to workplaces across industries. No one should ever feel uncomfortable going to work or at an interview whether you are male, female, transgender, gay straight, asexual and more. Kerry Washington says she “just firmly believe[s] that we all deserve a seat at the table.” This is true in representation on the stage/screen but also when dealing with issues of sexual abuse and more. Everyone deserves to feel protected and hopefully the Harvey Weinstein scandal leads to change in not only the theatre industry but in all jobs (corporate, sales…).
Post a Comment