I have to wonder if before Harvey Weinstein or Matt Lauer (allegedly) assaulted people, there weren't signs that people ignored. Did these men use their influence to isolate people who called them on their actions? Did these men blackball people from their industry who might have exposed them? Did people overlook what was being said because of their charisma, their power, the money they brought in, or their influence? How many things did people forgive, up to and including the assault of vulnerable young people, because it was a man in power doing it?
People have warned about witch hunts and going after men just because they are men. There are some people who have been wrongfully accused of being sexually inappropriate and no one considered investigating the situation, simply kicked them out with only hearsay evidence. I know it happens, but it seems somewhat rare. That said, as a history teacher, I want to be aware of mob justice and taking someone down just because public support has turned against them.
I worry that I see in so many venues (theater, dance, professional, and tech fields) places where people in power have created fiefdoms where they cannot be questioned and people follow them. I hear stories from people where these men have pushed people out (usually middle aged women who don't respect their implied authority) and have made people who challenge their actions seem like they were simply being bitchy or judgemental. How many of those people will end up being like Rose McGowan, vindicated but still dealing with the emotional and psychological damage that was done to them?
I am not asking this question because I want to see this organizer (or anyone) removed. I think that simply removing these abusers and locking them in a closet doesn't fix the problem. It just means that the assaults will become less overt and the abuse more subtle. People in power, whether they organize an event, run a production company, or star in a show, need to be taught how to treat people. When they are accused of treating someone unfairly, people need to listen to the victim (I hate that word) and figure out how to correct the behavior. Kicking people out doesn't fix the problem, it just shifts it and makes it someone else's problem.
I am glad that there is the #metoo movement and that it has gotten such traction. However, I think that simply identifying abusers isn't enough. I think it is just as important to start looking at the people who are organizing events, running companies, and otherwise are in a positions of influence and power and question what they are doing and who they are doing it to. Transparency and open communication would do a lot more to prevent abuse (in my opinion) than identifying abusers after they have already hurt people irreparably.
I have to admit, I have a lot of bias. I have been the "victim" of people who used their influence to push me out of a space. I have seen them do it to other people. I came forward and told people about what happened and I was pushed back. I was told I was overreacting and that they didn't mean to cause trouble. I was asked to compromise. At the same time, I had other people (both men and women) come to me and tell me about how they had suffered the same way. Yes, this person was removed from a position of influence and power over me directly or yes, I went to a different venue, but their actions were never questioned, their attitude was never addressed. The problem wasn't resolved, it was shifted. These people are still in positions of influence and I believe they are hurting others.
Do I think these individuals will do violence? I hope not, but I have witness them threaten it. I don't think it should take assault, sexual abuse or some other extreme behavior before action is taken. It seems to me that a supportive community could listen to someone without calling them hysterical and a trouble maker. I think a supportive community could address the issue directly and calmly. The people who feel marginalized will feel heard. The people who are potentially starting down a road where they will abuse their power are shown a better, more constructive way to use their charisma and influence.
Of course that would take something that seems lacking in many communities, which are people in power who are willing to have it questioned, so I don't hold up much hope. The best I seem to be able to do is to avoid events where I don't feel welcome or safe and find other venues and hobbies.
Today's song, again, chose itself.
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