The stories keep coming everyday. It’s like the dam that was holding back the ugly secrets finally burst. Weinstein, Spacey, Roger Alies, Bill O’Reilly, Dustin Hoffman, Jeremy Piven, Louis CK, Steven Seagal, Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore. The list of the powerful and famous, including the heads of big companies in Silicon Valley and National Public Radio, goes on and on. There were rumors and suspicions about sexual harassment and sexual assault. There was victims’ fear and intimidation that made them suffer in silence. But there was also the silence of people who knew, and who feared for their careers. They couldn’t or wouldn’t stand up to the sexual bullies. It’s easy looking from the outside and saying, why didn’t someone say something? But, they thought, who is going to believe me? My life and career will be ruined. Who can I turned to get the truth out, and make it stop?
It’s the job of journalists to expose the truth and make people accountable. In this case, to stand up to the rich and powerful, and let the victims have a voice. The reporting was led by the New York Times, the Washington Post, The New Yorker, and other media outlets. Most of the reporting was done by print journalists. Many times victims find it easier to talk to reporters without a camera. But most importantly, much of the reporting was done by women. Jodi Kantor, Cara Buckley, Melena Ryzik, Megan Twohey, Katie Benner, and Emily Steel of the New York Times, and Stephanie Mc Crummen, Beth Reinhard, and Alice Crites of the Washington Post lead the way. They got victims to talk. They found the paper trails of the huge settlements with victims. This gave other victims the courage to come forward when they realized they weren’t alone. There is strength in numbers.
Journalism has often lead the way to change society for the better by exposing the truth when the powerful and political leaders tried to hide it, or twist it for their own gain. There are examples throughout our history, from the Muckrackers of the early 20th century, to the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, Watergate, sexual abuse by Catholic priest, weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The women’s movement that started in the 1960s changed our view of women and their role in society. But, just as the civil rights movement changed society and our view of each other, there is still the dark resistance of many who haven’t seen the light. Some men still feel they can get away with mistreating women for their own gratification, or to satisfy their urge for power and dominance. Of course, the most egregious acts are done in private, which is how cowards operate. But much verbal harassment is done in full view of others, and many of us remain silent.
This is where journalism plays its most important role in society. The Society of Professional Journalists has a code of ethics. Among its responsibilies it says, “Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless. Boldly tell the story of diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.” This current reporting on sexual harassment and assault should make us all examine our own behavior and tolerance for intolerant behavior. We should think about the women in our lives, and how we would want them treated. Reporter Jodi Kantor has said women didn’t want to miss the window to come forward. Melena Ryzik of the New York Times was asked if there is a fear the window will close. Ryzik said, while there is a fear of a backlash, women are still calling the paper and feel this is a moment to talk.
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