Friends, there’s a part of me that dares to hope we might actually be in the midst of a lasting cultural shift. The explosion of attention on sexual harassment of women has reached every corner, from high-powered actresses to your Facebook feed.
Living with, talking about, and managing sexual harassment isn’t new for women. What’s new is how the issue has taken center stage, empowering women to speak out and make change. In the spirit of continuing to uplift these voices, here are a diverse set of works on sexual harassment that spoke to me over the past month:
- I Made the Pizza Cinnamon Rolls from Mario Batali’s Sexual Misconduct Apology Letter by Geraldine DeRuiter, in which the author works through her feelings on modern womanhood with a weird recipe.
- Shooter by Jan Beatty, which addresses violent retaliation for years of sexual harassment.
- Oprah Winfrey’s Acceptance Speech at the 2018 Golden Globes, and Natalie Portman’s fire follow-up are unmissable, even if you don’t watch awards shows.
- The opera ‘Carmen’ was given a new ending when a director decided theater “has a social role to play” in ending gender violence in Italy.
- National Geographic’s Most Moving Photos of 2017 feature the lives of girls and women around the world, but specifically that of Trina, a trans woman making her living as a sex worker in dangerous conditions.
- Speak, the 1999 novel about the rape of a high school girl, gets new life as a graphic novel.
- Cartoonists reflect on the places the #MeToo movement cannot reach…
- …While artists revel in the power of solidarity.
- And finally, Kesha performs her scorched-earth ballad “Praying” at the Grammys, with a choir of women around her.
I thought about making this list longer but I’d prefer it to become a living document. What #MeToo art moved you? What have you made? Tell me about how you’ve been inspired, or what cathartic experience you’ve had, and I’ll add it to the list.
Last year began with the Women’s March. This year promises to be just as powerful for women, but only if we keep supporting each other! Send us your recommendations today.
Update: This just came across my feed – The Art of Feminism: Images that Shaped the Fight for Equality, 1857-2017. I haven’t picked up a copy yet but the “Look Inside” feature shows some cool stuff. Check it out and post in the comments if you read it, I want to know how it is!
Her Story Arc 