Award Shows: A New Platform for Women to Stand in Solidarity

Musical artists and actors have said #timesup to the abuse of power in the form of sexual harassment. Several celebrities have made their stance clear by wearing black clothing and white roses at the Golden Globes and Grammys.

Anna Anglin, Staff Writer

As the world progresses, women in entertainment have finally said #TimesUp to harassment within the industry. Award shows such as the Grammys, which brought in 19.8 million views this year, and the Golden Globes, which brought 19 million views this year, have become the ideal location to openly exposed and broadcast the harmful nature sexual misconduct in the entertainment business, specifically towards female artists and actresses.

 

As a year, 2017 will be marked down as the time that more women have come forward to reveal their sexual harassment experiences with men than ever before. Powerful men such as Harvey Weinstein, James Toback, Chris Savino, Kevin Spacey, and many more have been accused in the past year, rightfully injuring their careers and empowering women. The result of this newfound empowerment was an impactful trend displayed across Americans’ television screens.

 

During the 2018 Golden Globes, the color black became the topic of discussion. Celebrities, men and women alike, were emphasizing the slogan “Don’t stand out, stand up” by wearing black dresses and suits. The trend was started by the anti-sexual harassment group, Time’s Up, who began after the multitude of Harvey Weinstein allegations came to light. Not only has this group started a movement in celebrities’ fashion, but they have also raised close to $15 million toward a legal defense fund.

 

The use of fashion as a movement during award shows did not stop at the Golden Globes. The 2018 Grammys award show had celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, and Camila Cabello seen sporting white roses with a group named “Voices in Entertainment,” an organization inspired by #timesup. “We choose the white rose because historically it stands for hope, peace, sympathy and resistance,” described by leaders of the organization.

 

Sexual harassment within the entertainment industry is no longer tolerated by women, andt seems as if heavily-viewed award shows have become the new place to show that.