1. What briefly happened in the movie? Give 3-4 sentences. If you were not in class for the whole movie, look at imdb.com- “She Said”
- Two journalists are given the task of investigating ‘sexual misconduct in Hollywood’. They focus on Harvey Weinstein, owner of the movie company Miramax, and his history of sexual harassment and assault claims. Jodie Kantor and Megan Twohey reach out to women that were assaulted by Weinstein, either off record or on record, so that they can share their stories. By the end of the movie, they publish the article exposing Weinstein’s disgusting behavior along with the usage of his money to cover up all his misdeeds.
2. “If the story was not shared, nothing would change.” This is a core message throughout She Said. What makes sharing personal stories and experiences so powerful?
- By sharing a story, others in similar positions can relate to what’s being said. Especially when there may be shame or societal pressure (in the case of SA/rape: being perceived as a slut or an attention seeker for speaking out) involved due to stereotypes or biases. When you know others relate to your experience and were brave enough to speak up, it inspires encouragement knowing that they aren’t alone. Both when facing the backlash of speaking up but also just emotionally; other people feel exactly how they feel.
3. What does the word consent mean? Following your definition, specifically refer to consent in a relationship/sexual context.
- Consent is a clear yes/permission. Any variation of no or outright silence is not consent. There are different forms of consent in relationships (blanket consent, unspoken consent, boundaries) and it’s about communication and comfortability.
4. “Powerful men of an older generation are changing their thoughts on the word consent”. This quote was said by Harvey Weinstein’s spokesperson, what does this quote mean to you?
- As societal standards change, these men of the older generation are pressured to flow with them. Before, they were allowed to get away with a lot more as women had less rights but with modern society woman have the ability to speak up for themselves and fight for what they believe is right.
5. Many of the women had not spoken up before the reporters talked to them. Why might women NOT speak up on this issue? Why might they try to move on?
- They are afraid of the consequences. Even in the show, some of the women who had left Harvey/Miramax were affected career-wise. They were basically forced from the industry and were ignored by police departments. Furthermore, they could be afraid of how they may be perceived by their communities and the consequences of speaking against volatile, angry men. Finally, it could also come down to trauma. They may just want to let it go as it is a situation that had hurt them and it is a story that belongs to them, no one else.
6. For women that had wanted to speak up, what were some of the recurring barriers and risks that prevented sexual assault survivors from publicly coming forward against their attackers?
- Settlements/NDA’s.
7. While this movie is about Harvey Weinstein and his movie company, Miramax, which other businesses/aspects of society might the issues/concerns of this movie be relevant to?
- Models, teachers, any companies with a power imbalance
8. The #metoo movement (metoomvmt.org) was started up following this movie/court case. Look over their website and list:
-who can be involved in the movement
- The Movement includes anyone who supports the cause.
-what resources/information they provide for individuals affected by sexual violence
- They offer shelters for victims in need, hotlines/chats for anyone who needs to talk and much more.