The phrase “Me Too”, now known by the majority of society and existing as a large aspect of popular culture was launched in 2006 by Tarana Burke. Burke used this phrase as a way of creating solidarity between victims of sexual assault, and allowing for survivors to feel as though they had an outlet in which they able to share their stories.

Sexual assault, as with many issues involving sexuality and gender, was considered a taboo issue up until recent history. It is difficult to hear such stories, especially when they involve figures that we know and admire. But Tarana Burke knew that this taboo was something that needed to be erased, an issue that needed to be destigmatized.

The idea of “Me Too” was a way to achieve a sense of normalcy, or comfort, that one was not alone in what they were experiencing. Sexual harassment, especially in the workplace, causes women to second guess their actions. They retrace their steps and make sure that they did not do anything that would lead their boss to do such a thing. Girls have grown up with a mindset that they must prevent assault in any way they can: cover their shoulders, do not drink too much, do not ask for anything in a career but wait for it to be offered. These ideas, these preventative measures often leave women wondering if they missed a step in preventing such acts.

In reality, sexual harassment is a rampant issue that is never the victim’s fault. By creating a sense of solidarity between those affected in any environment by some type of sexual assault, Me Too has helped women realize it is not their fault, and that they were not the ones who should have “prevented” such an act.

 

The Me Too movement also creates a sense of hope for victims. They are able to meet women and men of all ages from all over the world who have experienced similar stories, and learn from their coping and lives. They are able to realize it is not their fault, and a whole world lies out there to explore and love. Me Too is a step in the right direction in the fight to eradicate sexual assault, and has brought people together in the process of doing so.