THE CAMPAIGN STIRRING A STORM IN TWITTER: MeToo

A contradictory topic once again comes to the forefront as the MeToo campaign catches heat. This has showcased a platform to talk about sexual harassment to many women. In a tradition-bound society like ours, women are often restricted to talk about such issues. Previously spread like wildfire in October 2017, the MeToo campaign turned the tables when sexual allegations were made on American producer, Harvey Weinstein. The MeToo hashtag projected to bring forward women who are victims of sexual harassment and this was first popularised by Alyssa Milano. The hashtag took a different route when celebrities like Uma Thurman, Flora Saini, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many such.

This has made many women come up and talk fearlessly about their personal experiences. It has come up as a huge platform to voice their opinions. With many new campaigns, movements and other mediums that help combat issues, women face in the society, this help shed light on such issues.

Celebrities, directors being blamed for sexual harassment against women have made the heat rise. From Nana Patekar to Chetan Bhagat, the MeToo campaign deplored the cases of sexual harassment.

It started with actress Tanushree Dutta exposing the veteran actor Nana Patekar’s unfitting behavior on the sets of the film Horn Ok. However, the actor chooses to stay silent and canceled the press conference in which he had planned to address sexual harassment allegations against him. The recent accusations against Phantom films owned by Vikas Bahl, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Madhu Mantena caused quite a stir in the industry. This was followed by a woman allegedly bringing out screenshots of Whatsapp conversations between her and top-selling author, Chetan Bhagat. The author later apologized publicly on Facebook. Actor Rajat Kapoor was also condemned on Twitter. A journalist made the details of a telephonic conversation with the actor public in which he asks her “if she was as sexy as she sounds”. The actor later took it on twitter to make a public apology. The media personnel has also received accusations on sexual harassment. Journalist Prashant Jha even resigned his post as the Chief bureau and political editor of The Hindustan Times after the allegations being made.

Sidharth Bhatia, founder of The Wire who was also accused of sexual harassment, however, repudiated all allegations against him.

When the MeToo campaign hit the Modi government, Twitter crashed lands in power politics taking a down-town troll. Alok Nath and MJ Akbar were accused of holding inappropriate interviews with women. Recent news came out about singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya called air-hostess Yamini Khanna ill-fitting names and nibbled on her ear, after she refused to have physical relations with him.

Notable luminaries like Twinkle Khanna and Tapsee Pannu have forward with support and encouragement for MeToo victims.

Data Courtesy: IANS