The 2018 Golden Globes proved to be an empowering and heartwarming awards show: Oprah gave an inspiring speech as the first black woman to receive the Cecil B DeMille lifetime achievement award and a sea of black, as most attendees showing wore black to show support for the #TimesUp Campaign.
The campaign, launched by 300 actresses, writers and directors, has raised US$13 million which would be used to fund legal support for both male and female victims of sexual harassment at work. The recent resounding protest against sexual harassment in Hollywood, was sparked by the outing of renowned film producer, Harvey Weinstein, alongside other high profile celebrities like Kevin Spacey, Terry Richardson, David Blaine and Ben Affleck. The sheer mass of sexual harassment accounts, that sometimes date back by more than 10 years, prove that Hollywood (and society) is rife with inequality – people who think they are so powerful that they can get away with such actions and those who fear standing up for themselves due to the consequences for going against someone with such high influence.
After decades of ill-treatment, time is up for those that have used their authority and status to take advantage of others. The 2018 Golden Globes not only showed the strength of support for the movement but also gave exposure to everyday women who have been leading battles against inequality and ill-treatment, as well. Some actresses brought women activists along as their dates for the Golden Globes, giving them time and exposure to share about their causes. Here are some of the activists who were introduced to audiences yesterday.
Ai-Jen Poo (accompanied Meryl Streep)
Ai-Jen Poo is the director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and recipient of the 2014 MacArthur “Genius” Award, which commends those who have brought exceptional creativity to diverse people, places, and social challenges. She fights for the protection of domestic workers, most of whom are women. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, Streep stated that “power imbalance” has led to abuse in both the entertainment industry and in the lives of many domestic workers. Poo said that she hopes that the show of support at the Golden Globes lets people know that industries are united in creating workplaces where people feel safe, where people can work with dignity and that everyone has a part to play in the movement.
2. Billie Jean King (with Emma Stone)
A legend among tennis fans, Billie Jean King is the former World No. 1 with 39 Grand Slam titles and 20 Wimbledon Championship titles, paving the way for equality in sports. In 1973, she beat former Wimbledon Champion Bobby Riggs (yes, a man) after the chauvinistic tennis player challenged her to a match. By winning the match, King proved that women are not any lesser than men, even in sports. She founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association in America. The bio-pic, Battle of The Sexes, conveys the essence of the events leading up to the historical tennis match between King and Riggs, and stars Emma Stone as King and Steve Carell as Riggs.
3. Tarana Burke (with Michelle Williams)
Tarana Burke founded the “Me Too” movement in 2007, 10 years after she was left speechless by a 13-year-old as she recounted events of sexual abuse. She started a non-profit organisation, Just Be Inc. to provide resources to help victims of sexual abuse and assault, “focused on wealth, well being and wholeness of young women of colour”. In 2017, the hashtag #MeToo gained traction after Alyssa Milano promoted it in a tweet to show solidarity and the massive scale of sexual abuse in society, especially after countless accounts of sexual harassment by Harvey Weinstein. Burke is also the Senior Director at Girls for Gender Equity.
Marai Larasai (with Emma Watson)
Marai Larasai is the Executive Director of Imkaan (UK), a black feminist network organisation. She is a co-chair of End Violence Against Women coalition – the largest coalition of organisations working to eradicate violence against women and girls. She was invited by Emma Watson, a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and prominent advocator for equal rights, promoting the “HeForShe” movement at the campaign’s special event.
Although they aren’t activists like the women mentioned above, Actresses Debra Messing and Eva Longoria deserve a special mention for calling out E! Entertainment on their own red carpet show!
While being interviewed by E! host Giuliana Rancic, Messing uses the example of Catt Sadler’s resignation from E! after learning that her male colleague was being paid double her salary.
Eva Longoria also criticised E! during her interview with Ryan Seacrest. Anyone who has a voice can use their platform and stand up for those who are wronged.
The Golden Globes is the first award show of the season, and with so many more to go, like the Grammys and Oscars, we hope that the momentum carries on and we finally see a change in our society.
Call AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre at 6779 0282 (from 10am-midnight) or visit http://www.aware.org.sg/information/rape/ to find out how you can help those who have suffered from sexual assault.
Header Image: Huffington Post
Other Images: Belfast Telegraph
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