[Lee Jong-gil's Autumn Return] The Dilemma of the Me Too Movement

Jodi Kanter & Megan Tuohy 'She Said'

Harvey Weinstein, a famous film producer in Hollywood, USA, sparked the 'MeToo' movement with numerous allegations of sexual crimes. Issues regarding his misconduct had been raised long ago, but were repeatedly dismissed as mere affairs or rumors. The truth was revealed in October 2017 through a report by The New York Times. Journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey secured related legal records, emails, and internal company documents through victims and others. As allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation surfaced, many women began to speak out about similar experiences.

The MeToo movement was founded on the belief that confessing to sexual violence or abuse is neither shameful nor a betrayal of trust. Women began to hold past issues accountable of their own free will, and various institutions, including corporations, launched investigations. Men who once seemed to hold unshakable power quickly became unemployed. Thus, society established a shared understanding that all behaviors women had endured?from sexual harassment to trivial jokes?were wrong.

Kantor and Twohey’s book, She Said, devotes many pages to the collaborative reporting process. Based on interview transcripts, emails, and various records, it presents a direct and truthful account of the Weinstein investigation. It even details in footnotes what information was obtained from which sources and records. However, the most striking part is the reflection on the present rather than the past. The MeToo movement was an example of social change in our era. It was also a test. In a fracturing environment, can we create new fair rules and protective measures for everyone?

The two authors focus on a new question: how much has society changed because of the MeToo movement? Some old rules about sex and power have clearly disappeared. However, it is unclear whether new rules will emerge in their place. Questions remain about which behaviors should be scrutinized and what form accountability should take. Consensus is just beginning. Discussions are actively underway in many places.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The founder of the MeToo movement is Tarana Burke. She aimed to foster empathy and healing for sexual violence victims through strong solidarity. Today, the term is used indiscriminately for a wide range of accusations, from verbal abuse to uncomfortable dates. It is even unclear where workplace violations begin and end. Media coverage is no different. In January 2018, the online outlet Babe reported that Aziz Ansari, a famous American comedian, sexually harassed a woman using the pseudonym 'Grace.' After the report, controversy arose over whether Ansari’s behavior fell within the category of sexual violence.

Grace told Babe, "I struggled with whether (the night with Ansari) was an awkward sexual experience or sexual violence," and "It took me a really long time to admit that this was sexual violence." However, other outlets such as The New York Times and The Atlantic countered Grace’s claims with the argument that "regret does not mean there was no consent." The two authors express concern.

"Articles focusing on a single incident told by an anonymous accuser reveal another dilemma. While some media outlets produce in-depth investigative reports based on official evidence, most rely on just one source or anonymous accuser and publish articles with much lower standards. Sometimes additional evidence of further allegations or wrongdoing emerges after publication. However, many articles appeared weak and biased, leading those accused to question fairness. The same applies when perpetrators are named on social media without evidence or responses from the accused."

Many argue that change is still far off. Despite shifts in social attitudes and daily dramatic accusations making headlines, fundamental issues remain unchanged. In fact, some laws regulating sexual harassment are outdated and unevenly enforced. Apart from minor revisions, no significant changes seem imminent. Investigations and punishments by companies or schools are secondary; public consensus on the exact meaning of sexual harassment or sexual violence has not been reached. The two authors point out that feelings of unfairness accumulate on both sides and emphasize the need for clear procedures or rules. While it is appropriate for journalists to intervene when systems fail, they are not a permanent solution...

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.