This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which closed in 2021.

Men Respond With #HowIWillChange After Women Ask #MeTooNowWhat

The hashtag asks men to share how they will be an ally to women.
Benjamin Law/Twitter

By now, almost every woman you know has likely shared the hashtag #MeToo to illustrate the reality of sexual harassment in the world today. But while the campaign has raised awareness and created solidarity among victims everywhere, many have noted that the hashtag isn't enough to create change.

As HuffPost editor Angelina Chapin put it, "Women can turn the whole internet into a list of 'Me toos,' but it won't make a difference until men ― all men ― acknowledge how they perpetuate misogyny and commit to making a change."

Writer Benjamin Law came up with the hashtag and shared it on Twitter Monday asking men to share how they will be allies to women.

He then kicked off the campaign by sharing a list of his own plans to be an ally, including donating to women's shelters, calling out sexist men, and reporting rape. But perhaps the most important change he listed was his vow to change his mentality when it comes to sexual harassment.

Law's powerful tweet soon inspired many other men to share their own pledges of #HowIWillChange, from vowing to stop victim blaming to recognizing how their own actions can be harmful to women.

While Law's Twitter campaign had an overwhelmingly positive response, there were some men who were adamant that they're "not part of the problem." But as Law noted, these people are "the definition of the problem" because of their reluctance to acknowledge the issue at all.

Educator William Fujarczuk, of the Male Allies program of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region in Ontario, previously emphasized to HuffPost Canada that men play a vital role when it comes to creating change regarding sexual harassment, which is why the conversation shift from "me too" to "I will" is so important.

Men need to recognize how they "have been socialized and what we do in our day-to day-lives that could perhaps be contributing to this culture of sexual violence," he said.

The #MeToo campaign was first started by actress Alyssa Milano on Sunday in response to Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault scandal. Since then it's taken over the internet and given a voice to those who have been victims of sexual assault and harassment. Many women have shared their stories, including famous names such as Evan Rachel Wood, Lady Gaga and Gabrielle Union.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.