The topics of sexual harassment and assault have dominated recent headlines following dozens of sexual misconduct claims against former Hollywood media mogul Harvey Weinstein.
The stories led to millions of other women coming forward, re-igniting the #MeToo movement on social media. Millions of women used to the hashtag on Facebook
Earlier this week we reported on the #metoo social media movement that gave a glimpse into the millions of women who have been a victim of sexual harrassment or assault.
Unfortunately those stories come after the misconduct.
We met with Memphis men trying to prevent these crimes from happening.
“When it comes to domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, there is a major role for men to play in stopping this scurge on our community,” said former Shelby County Commissioner Mike Carpenter.
Carpenter has worked with numerous organizations in the Mid-South to combat the issue of domestic violence and sexual abuse in the community including the Family Safety Center and the Sexual Assault Task Force set up by former Memphis Mayor AC Wharton. Carpenter also worked with Deborah Clubb, Executive Director of the Memphis Area Women’s Council to set up a domestic violence court in Shelby County.
It is something that hits close to home for him.
“I grew up in a home where I had a stepfather who abused my mother,” said Carpenter. He went on to explain these crimes do not discriminate against background, and they are vastly under reported.
For years Carpenter has taken part in Memphis’ “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”
Men squeeze into high heels and march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. It’s a stunt to draw attention, but the point is raising awareness about the problems and that men need to be a part of stopping the behavior.
“I think it’s too easy to sit and be quiet and not stir up controversy but if we don’t speak out then the message that we’re sending is that this activity ok,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter said facing the problem head on starts with men holding themselves accountable, then condoning the misbehavior from others, speaking up against “locker room talk” and challenging generalizations people make about women.
The Heal the Hood Foundation in Memphis makes films to get young people talking about what’s right and wrong. One they shared with us centered around date rape.
Organizers will screen the film with young people, take note of their reactions and discuss.
“Some kids don’t even know some of the things they’re doing, the inappropriate touching, the name calling is wrong because they’ve been taught that,” said LaDell Beamon, founder and CEO of Heal the Hood Foundation Memphis.
Beamon works to try and change the hip hop culture that degrades women by setting rules for young Mid-South athletes and artists he mentors.
“One of the rules is when they come into the studio booth they cannot say things that degrade women,” said Beamon about the ground rules when kids come to his organization to make music.
Beamon said challenging the current culture demands an all hands on deck approach.
“This is a community issue we really got get in here and deal with it,” said Beamon.
The Memphis Area Women’s Council will hosting the 7th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event next Wednesday October 25 at the University of Memphis.
It starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Ramses II statue on Central. $10-dollars to register. There is a suggested $5 donation for students.
