As the scandal surrounding Harvey Weinstein rages on, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, it leaves one to wonder, what will become of this all? Is this just another in a long series of Hollywood sex scandals? Or is it different this time?
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I would like to suggest that it could be different this time, and along with that suggestion, I have an offer I'd like to make to Mr. Weinstein.
Mr. Weinstein: You are in a unique position at this point in your life and career, to turn over a new leaf in a big way! If you own your past mistakes, and speak out boldly against not only those actions but more importantly, the culture which enables them, you could embrace this dark moment, and use it to shine a light!
The culture which fosters this type of behavior extends beyond Hollywood studios, to much of Corporate America and into our Politics. Mr. Weinstein did not create this culture, even if he did use it for his own ends. Examples of this kind of misuse of power are rampant in Patriarchal systems. Many studies have shown that Patriarchal societies are not as healthy nor as sustainable as are Matriachal societies. Patriarchy, one could say, inevitably leads to these kinds of abuses of power.
And so, here is my propasal to you, Mr. Weinstein, although, I'm truly in no position to make it:
Take advantage of this opportunity to put a nail in the coffin of this 'good ole boy' system in Hollywood. Come out as a champion of 'the fairer sex', and establish a sizable foundation to advance the cause of empowering women to take on leadership roles in Hollywood. Using your personal and professional connections to further contribute to this effort, will go far to show that you truly mean to mend your ways.
If such a change were to happen in Hollywood, it would have a ripple effect throughout our society. Think of the effect that this culture has on the films that Hollywood produces; the ways in which stories are told and in which women are depicted. If that were to change, from the top down, the effects would be felt throughout our lives. From a very early age, most children are exposed to the images the media creates and perpetrates regarding men and women. As adults, those impressions continue and are reinforced. The effects on the subconscious mind are very powerful.
Mr. Weinstein, you are a studio mogal and therefore a leader. Use your position and power to help us make the changes that our society so desperately needs! Demonstrate that you have learned the error of your ways, and choose now to be on the side of the selfless! Help us change the studio system that enables this behavior and be an example of the change that is needed. Women are the future! ( I believe you're felling the brunt of that these days!) Embrace and support that! And in the process, redeem yourself! You can't change the past, that's true, but you can learn and grow and make different choices based on that knowledge and growth.
The choice is yours, Mr. Weinstein, your name can just be another in a long list of Hollywood sex scandals, or perhaps it could be associated with a turning point. Will you choose to be a light to lead us from the darkness of the past and into a brighter future? I hope so!
*photo credit L.A. Times
disgusting but closer to pimp status than patriarchy