Let’s break this down: Harvey Weinstein has been accused of sexually harassing and assaulting numerous women. If you’re a woman who has ever been in the same room as him over the past two decades, chances are you’ve faced manipulation, intimidation, and outright bullying that compromised your safety and dignity. He is a clear example of a violent predator.
When the allegations first surfaced, I felt a mix of disbelief and anger. As I read through the accounts of his assaults, I envisioned Weinstein as a rampaging rhinoceros, fueled by arrogance, aggressively pursuing women and demanding their submission. We’ve all encountered men like this—am I right, ladies?
His public apology has been so thoroughly criticized that I won’t waste time addressing it. It’s clear that his excuse of “I grew up in the ’60s” holds no weight, especially considering that many of us grew up with role models who taught kindness and respect.
What I want to focus on is how men are responding to the scandal. The shock expressed by many is almost comical. According to celebrity comments, there are supposedly “two Harvey Weinsteins.” Really? This notion that a wealthy white male studio chief could be oblivious to the predatory behavior of another wealthy white male is absurd. As long as they can turn a blind eye to the suffering of women, their profits remain intact.
The outrage is palpable. Public figures are falling over themselves to express how unacceptable this behavior is. Many proclaim their shock and disgust, often emphasizing their relationships with daughters, mothers, and wives. Is that really what it takes for men to find sexual assault appalling? The idea that men need a female family member to care about these issues is disheartening.
Here’s the reality: women are people too. No special relationship needed.
It’s frustrating to see men assert their disdain for assault while simultaneously boasting about their awareness. Men are yelling, “I hate rape!” as if that makes them allies. However, their shock suggests they’ve been oblivious to the realities that women face. I’m not buying it.
You see, I know countless decent men, yet I only trust a handful. Despite your claims of being a good man, many women are cautiously reserving judgment. We’re waiting for the moment that your true colors show—when you drink too much or make a dismissive comment about our experiences.
Sure, I believe you are upset and want to protect women. But until you truly understand the environment women navigate daily, your words fall flat. The fact that you’re astonished by Weinstein’s actions means you’re not listening to the women around you.
Let’s be real: if you are shocked, it’s a sign you haven’t been paying attention. Women have been speaking out about predators for years. The fact that you’re surprised tells me you either don’t engage with women’s narratives or dismiss their concerns.
When you label Weinstein a monster, you create a convenient distance between him and yourself. It’s easy to think you’re a feminist because you haven’t committed the same egregious acts. But misogyny exists in all of us. Just because you’re not Weinstein doesn’t mean you don’t have work to do in your own life.
Have you ever felt entitled to a woman’s time? Have you ever dismissed a woman’s concerns? If you truly want to stand with women, stop expressing shock and start listening to their stories.
If you want to be a true ally, don’t tell me how you would have acted differently in Weinstein’s presence. Don’t center your hypothetical heroism around my trauma. Instead, listen, learn, and take action to create a safer environment for women everywhere.
In the end, you can only be shocked once. After that, you’re simply choosing ignorance. Start believing women and acknowledging the systemic issues we face. This is how you can genuinely support us.
For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination. If you’re curious about how to approach at-home insemination, consider looking into our At-Home Insemination Kit. For further insights on this topic, visit this article.