This past Sunday night, Oprah Winfrey delivered the most incredible speech I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. The speech was in honor of Oprah’s awarding of the Cecil D. deMille Award awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press. The award recognizes the “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment” and is an award that has been won by names like Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Lucille Ball. All of the names that gather on this list of recipients are well-known, household names. Oprah won this award for her work in the movie, The Color Purple- released in 1982 as an adaption of the Alice Walker novel.
She was the first black female to receive the notable award which is obviously an outstanding accomplishment- but this was not highlighted throughout the entire speech. No, no, no.
Having a platform as large of a scale as the Golden Globes to display and call out all of the social injustices, sexual assaults, deplorable political scandals- what an iconic moment.
Oprah had some pretty big shoes to fill after Meryl Streep’s powerful speech as the previous recipient of the award.
This year, flood gates opened and women joined together to say only two words:
“Me Too.”
Oprah calls out the likes of Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, Al Franken, Louis C.K., Kevin Spacey, and so many others who violated human beings in such a desecrating manner over periods of time and how “their time is up”. Be mindful, though: the #MeToo movement is not only for women. There have been men violated in the same manner that women have as well.
But enough is enough.
It doesn’t matter your gender, skin color, weight, political stance- acts of sexual discrimination, assault, and harassment have been such an issue since the dawn of time and victims are sick of it.
People shouldn’t be afraid to walk through a parking garage with their keys slid through their fingers because people do not understand the concept of “keep your hands to yourself”.
People shouldn’t be afraid to report an inappropriate comment to Human Resources because they are afraid of losing their job.
And further more, no one should have a button in their office that locks people in. (Looking at you, Lauer.)
So, guess what?
TIME’S UP!
Time for a change so stories that belong to the likes of Lady Gaga, Alyssa Milano, Terry Crews, and Recy Taylor do not have to be repeated any longer. Not only just for the likes of Hollywood A-Listers, but for your sister, your daughter, your wife- for anyone. This needs to stop. This has been going on for far long enough and behind closed doors because people are afraid to come forward and face consequences.
Not me and not this blog.
As a sixteen year old- I dealt with violation.
As a seventeen year old, I dealt with verbal sexual harassment.
As a twenty three year old, I dealt with domestic violence.
I have a voice- a loud one- and I will use it to tear down what I deem as an injustice or a wrong doing.
ALL OF THIS IS MORALLY WRONG.
I will do my part, with my pink “pussy” hat on my head, and watch in solidarity with those who choose to fight this battle.
In the words of Oprah Winfrey,
“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.”
Donation’s can be made to the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund by clicking the link below:
Speak up, step up, and stand up.
The Untamable Wildflower 