Tarana Burke On How The #MeToo Movement Started And Where It’s Headed

Summary

Toronto Burke, founder of the 'Me Too' movement, discusses its origins in 2006, aimed at supporting survivors of sexual violence, particularly black and brown girls. The movement has evolved to emphasize community healing, advocacy for systemic change, and the importance of survivors' voices in defining justice. Burke highlights the need for policies that protect and empower survivors and encourages collective action against sexual violence as a social justice issue. Amidst the movement's viral popularity, she stresses the significance of maintaining its original context and fostering open discussions about the impact of sexual violence worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Toronto Burke is the founder of the Me Too Movement, established in 2006 to support survivors of sexual violence, especially black and brown girls.
• 💪 The movement evolved to include support for all survivors, aiming to educate on community action against sexual violence.
• 📚 The organization Jess P Inc was created to help young women develop a sense of self-worth, distinct from self-esteem.
• 🚨 Many girls were unaware they experienced sexual violence, illustrating a need for awareness and education on the topic.
• 🗣️ The movement gained traction through social media, highlighting the community's response to the issues of sexual violence.
• 🔍 Survivors often seek acknowledgment and accountability rather than just punitive actions against perpetrators.
• 📜 Advocacy for policy changes is crucial, such as eliminating the 90-day cooling-off period for filing sexual harassment claims in Congress.
• 🤝 Community action is essential, with organizations working towards ending sexual violence and supporting survivors.
• 😟 The rise of the 'Me Too' phrase caused concern about the potential for the movement to lose its original context and purpose.
• 🌈 There is hope for increased openness and dialogue about sexual violence, signifying a societal shift towards understanding and healing.

Q & A

What is the Me Too movement, and when was it founded?

The Me Too movement is an initiative founded in 2006 by Toronto Burke to support survivors of sexual violence, particularly focusing on Black and Brown girls.

What was the original focus of the Me Too movement?

The original focus was on helping young women, especially those in Alabama, to develop a sense of self-worth as a foundation for healthy self-esteem.

How did the movement expand over time?

The movement has grown to include support for all survivors of sexual violence, regardless of gender, as well as educating the community about the impact of sexual violence.

What is the difference between self-worth and self-esteem according to Burke?

Burke differentiates self-worth from self-esteem by stating that self-worth must be built first before one can achieve a healthy level of self-esteem.

What are some actions that the Me Too movement encourages regarding policy changes?

The movement advocates for policies that support survivors, such as testing rape kits and changing sexual harassment policies in workplaces and schools.

What does Burke say about the community's role in addressing sexual violence?

Burke emphasizes that community action is essential in ending sexual violence, and she believes that organizing can lead to significant change.

How did the hashtag #MeToo impact the conversation around sexual violence?

The hashtag #MeToo's popularity led to an overwhelming number of disclosures of sexual violence, highlighting the need for support systems for those sharing their experiences.

What is the ultimate goal of the Me Too movement according to Burke?

The ultimate goal is to create a space for survivors to tell their stories, seek accountability, and engage in community healing.

Why does Burke find it important to define what justice looks like for survivors?

Burke believes that survivors should be the ones to define justice for themselves, ensuring that their needs and experiences are acknowledged and addressed.

How does Burke describe the impact of the Me Too movement on society?

Burke describes the Me Too movement as a hopeful sign of change, indicating a growing willingness to have open discussions about sexual violence and its widespread effects.