It's been hard for me to find the words to describe my thoughts and feelings of the recent outing of movie executive HW. I'm not sure what is more disturbing, the abuse of power, or the fact that so many industry people were seemingly complicit. Perhaps the golden carrot of fame and fortune made people turn a blind eye, or an even more insidious viewpoint, that this is just how the Hollywood operates, so just grin and bare it, and don’t even think about biting the hand that feeds you.

One positive that can be taken from the repugnant actions of HW is that it has opened up a conversation, a willingness for woman to share their stories, and really illuminate the pervasive nature of violence towards women. I say nature, because it is such a deeply rooted part of our society that women have to continually be conscious of their own personal safety and actions, which most men don’t even consider.

How long has that person been walking behind me? Maybe I should cross the street now.

I better not leave my drink at the bar when I go to the washroom.

Who can help me, where can I go? This guy is not getting that I’m not interested.

I guess I’m going to have to ignore that sexist comment, just so I won’t be seen as uptight, or god forbid, a feminist.

The list goes on and on and on, and I’m thinking that this is an opportunity to share some of the messaging that as woman you have to tell yourself to keep safe/protected, or just accept in order to not rock the boat or be seen as difficult, confrontational, etc….

We have a long way to go as a society, and moving towards greater understanding, compassion and a greater sense of internal/external realization (self/other consciousness) are vital for any social change to truly emerge.