100 men support #MeToo

"We refuse to recognize ourselves in this hegemonic masculinity": that's what can be read in the column signed by 100 men in support of the #MeToo movement. This column, published on April 30 in ELLE magazine, was co-signed mainly by personalities from the cultural world such as actors Swann Arlaud, Mathieu Amalric, Éric Elmosnino, Reda Kateb, directors Jacques Audiard, Mathieu Amalric, but also includes journalist Edwy Plenel.

Initiated by mathematician Michel Broué, this column deserves attention in a society where feminist struggles are mostly carried by women. The signatories affirm in the text: "Contrary to what is sometimes read, we do not think that men are being targeted", "Those who claim 'one can no longer say or do anything today' confuse freedom of expression with privileges, and imply that mistreating victims suited them". They also acknowledge "the systemic nature of these abuses and their links with other forms of discrimination such as racism". "We refuse to recognize ourselves in this hegemonic masculinity", the text emphasizes, calling for "building a better, more intelligent, more respectful, more egalitarian world. We would be honored and enriched by it".

Launched in 2006, initially in the film industry, the #MeToo movement continues to expand, affecting almost all sectors of society. Recently, a wave of denunciation of sexual abuse and assaults in the healthcare sector has shaken French society. Many healthcare professionals have shared raw testimonies of sexual, sexist violence and assaults in their workplace. Yet another demonstration that the fight must continue. This column is all the more relevant today, as on May 2, Francesca Pasquini, Green Party deputy of Hauts-de-Seine, submitted an official request to create an investigative commission on "abuse and violence" suffered by minors and adults in the fields of cinema, audiovisual, performing arts, fashion, and advertising. She sought the support of her colleagues to establish this commission to identify those responsible for this system and shed light on their actions. Judith Godrèche, an actress who publicly denounced the sexual violence she suffered, attended the debates with great emotion.