I think there has been an awakening lately from women who have had enough sexual harassment and outright sexual abuse from men in power. The latest target is Harvey Weinstein, the famous American film producer who is being investigated for such treatment of women over many years. Ashley Judd, the movie star and political activist, was one of his victims. He asked her to a breakfast which she assumed was a business meeting. But he showed up to see her in his bathrobe and asked her to let him give her a massage or watch him shower. It seems he had a reputation for promising to boost women's careers for sexual favors. Ever since Trump's sexual harassment towards women was revealed, women have been speaking out against this kind of treatment. It is no longer a mark of disgrace when a woman reveals that she has been sexually assaulted or tormented by unwanted advances. This gives me hope that this kind of treatment will not always be ignored or tolerated even if the men who are perpetrating this sickening kind of behavior have money and power. Women have often been taught to be the nurturers, the non-complainers, the giving and gentler of the sexes. They are often the caretakers of their children and other family members. Therefore, they can be easily exploited if they consider themselves inferior to the men in their lives and have fear of their own voices. Once a woman finds her voice and is not afraid of men's negative reactions towards her, she also finds her own strength and newfound energy and power to stand up for herself and other women who have been treated with disrespect. |