Putting doubts to bed: #MeToo isn't about these three things
#MeToo movement is probably one of the best things to happen to women. For the longest time, we have been pros in Victim blaming and slut shaming, but #MeToo has given the survivors a voice. You have been harassed? We believe you. You didn't report? We get you. You want to talk now? We are listening. With all its flaws, #MeToo is undoubtedly fantastic, but it is still not many things you think it is.
Yes, #MeToo isn't flawless, just like other movements
Here's a disclosure: We know #MeToo isn't perfect and relies on social media justice a little too much. Then there's the debate of believing anonymous accounts, as some claim they may stem from ulterior motives. That can't be dismissed either. But if one has to compare what #MeToo gets right as opposed to wrong, the former would win by a huge margin.
It's essential to not allow negative voices derail the movement
Since the movement isn't perfect (has there even been one?), the critics (translated to those who don't wish to believe stories of grit) are trying hard to derail it. They are quick to defend alleged harassers if it is a friend, hurl filth at someone from different political ideology, and (the usual) indulge in character assassination. But here's the deal: #MeToo isn't about you.
An important truth: Everything isn't about Left v/s Right
The left and right hardliners have shown in recent days misogyny unites them. The right-wingies cheered and trended #AIBalatkari after Utsav Chakrabarty fiasco, and when Vivek Agnihotri was accused of misconduct, flagbearers of the left ideology couldn't stop raving about #UrbanTharki. Little do they know political leanings have nothing to do with abuse. The predator doesn't understand left or right, they only get perversion.
Another fact: The boys don't need saving, girls do
With #MeToo revealing the dark sides of many, the popular opinion, sadly, among apologists is to rush to protect men. Arguments like he is being maligned or he is a friend and couldn't have done it or screenshots shouldn't be trusted, are being swung at the drop of the hat. If only these people protected girls, this often, the world would've been different.
It's not about whom to believe, whom to not
Here's the thing: Women have stayed silent for years fearing they'll be doubted. Now that they are finally addressing the elephant in the room, refraining from cherry-picking stories to believe, is the best service. Let her decide what's harassment and what's not. She has lived it, you haven't. It's her choice whether or not to reveal her name, not yours. Enough with the 'textbook' rules.
Lastly, a note to survivors, you show what bravery means
The women have gone through enough, the workplace which was supposed to liberate them traumatized them, and the senior who was meant to guide them, couldn't keep his hands off them. So, if she has mustered enough courage to call them out, not believing her shouldn't be the choice. The movement can be hijacked easily, and that isn't what sane minds should bet for.
