Countless years of watching my (mostly female) friends navigate the predatory landscape of events and industry, I’ve grown hyper protective. Seeing so many abusers come to light is such a necessary reckoning, but finding some to be acquaintances is deeply disappointing.
I have seen behavior like the many speaking out have pointed towards. It’s pervasive in so many places, in so many industries, and it’s our responsibility as friends and genuinely GOOD PEOPLE to call that shit out and protect those who are targeted, in the moment and afterward.
It really doesn’t take that much effort to not be a fucking creep-ass terrible person. This is a legacy issue with society and power structures everywhere. Teach your children that being a SUCCESS isn’t acquiring “trophies” or exploring/pushing the boundaries of respect/adoration
God, I am just livid and sickened. To work to earn a platform, to have others trust and give their faith in you, and to turn around and abuse that so completely... I know so many victims, and I just want to scream. This. Needs. To. End.
Think beyond yourself, and put yourself in the shoes of those around you. Treat those who place responsibility for their future in you as precious. Always. Have a hard time controlling yourself when drunk? Then DON’T DRINK, asshole.
I’m just fury-rambling, but man... I can’t express how weird the mix of emotions is between loathing my these predators, and appreciating the wave of reckoning that is now crashing down. Let those in power tremble and second guess themselves. Curb that behavior forever forward.
You who are suddenly worried about possibly crossing a line in the future? Good. That should always be in the forefront. If you see someone being that asshole? Step in and shield your friend. Or find me, so I can fucking shout them down. /rantoff
