#MeToo took the social media space by storm when a plethora of survivors of sexual abuse and assault came out and spoke about their ordeal. The hashtag was a top trend for 24 hours straight with most Facebook timelines filled with stories. But ‘Me Too’ goes back 10 years.
Tarana Burke is the original creator of the campaign in 2007 to reach out to sexual assault survivors in underprivileged communities.
“It wasn’t built to be a viral campaign or a hashtag that is here today and forgotten tomorrow,” Tarana told Ebony magazine. “It was a catchphrase to be used from survivor to survivor to let folks know that they were not alone and that a movement for radical healing was happening and possible.”
It was a catchphrase to be used from survivor to survivor to let folks know that they were not alone and that a movement for radical healing was happening and possible.Tarana Burke to Ebony Magazine
Reports of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault cases reignited the dialogue around ‘Me Too’ when actress Alyssa Milano took to social media to speak about her ordeal.
After this, a host of women carried it forward and the media started crediting the campaign to the actor. But on Monday, Alyssa tweeted Tarana Burke’s story which shows how she started the campaign ten years ago. She too, took to social media to write about the hashtag going viral. Check out here tweets here:
It’s rather amazing to see how one woman’s story of sexual assault by Weinstein and the fact that she spoke out, triggered this huge campaign on social media.
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)