Golden Globes Promote “Time’s Up” Agenda

In light of the recent sexual assault allegations and gender disparity claims, the recent Golden Globe award ceremony became a stage for men and women alike to support Time’s Up, an organization that promotes race and gender equity.

The strong pushback against harassment and inequality at the Hollywood event caught the attention of Campolindo students and teachers as well. Freshman Gracie Woidat described the movement as “very strong” and “empowering.”

“I loved watching the Golden Globes Red Carpet and seeing all the men and women wearing black to support [it]. I think [the movement] was a really good; it was really strong,” Woidat added.

390 actresses, including Amanda Seyfried, Natalie Portman, and Patty Jenkins, signed the Time’s Up organization’s statement on January 1, 2018. “The clock has run out on sexual assault, harassment, and inequality in the workplace. It’s time to do something about it,” reads the organization’s tagline.

Male and female supporters, who comprised a majority of the Golden Globe audience, also wore black at the awards ceremony.

English teacher Jake Donohoe said, “I think that any organization that is focusing on stopping sexual harassment in any industry is a good thing. I like that Time’s Up has a specific plan in place to attempt to eradicate it within the Hollywood business.”

Emma Stone, Susan Sarandon, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Laura Dern, Emma Watson, Shailene Woodley, and Amy Poehler opted to invite activists to the Golden Globes instead of traditional dates. Their guests included Billie Jean King, Rosa Clemente, Ai-jen Poo, Tarana Burke, Monica Ramirez, Marai Larasi, Calina Lawrence, and Saru Jayaraman, respectively. These activists have fought for equal rights for immigrants, workers, and women as well as for a safer work environment, free of sexual harassment.

The Time’s Up organization has established a legal defense fund to “provide subsidized legal support to women and men who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or abuse in the workplace and while in pursuit of their careers.” Based on the organization’s GoFundMe page, Time’s Up surpassed its goal of $15 million and is now aiming for $16.5 million. According to the website, over 16,000 people have donated to the legal fund.

In her inspiring Cecil B. DeMille award acceptance speech, Oprah Winfrey spoke about the fight for equality among all races and genders. Winfrey is the first African-American woman to receive the award. In her speech, she recalled the work of women like Recy Taylor and Rosa Parks, commending them for their bravery in their struggle for justice and in standing up for themselves.

“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up,” said Winfrey.

“I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon!” she continued. “And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.”