'To Bless All Mankind' January 8, 2018 Issue

MeToo and the potential for healing

Susie Jostyn

Adapted from an article published in The Christian Science Monitor, October 19, 2017.

Most of those active on social media recently will have seen posts in their feed including the hashtag #MeToo and sharing stories of sexual harassment and assault. As I saw an ever-growing stream of posts from both female and male friends, I wondered what to do. First and foremost, I wanted to show compassion and support. While I respect that some may choose not to speak up, eventually I also felt it was important to say “me too,” briefly list the unsolicited and inappropriate advances I have experienced, and offer inspirational ideas.

Tarana Burke, who started the #MeToo campaign in 2007 to help sexual assault survivors, said that the phrase was intended “to let folks know that they were not alone and that a movement for radical healing was happening and possible.” I agree. As large as the problem is, the potential for prevention and healing is even more impressive.

My engagement along these lines is empowered by seeing and loving myself and others as God’s spiritual children, composed of indestructible qualities such as joy, peace, and wholeness. This does not mean turning a blind eye to evil. Mary Baker Eddy illustrated through her founding of The Christian Science Monitor that we must be willing to confront and handle even the most difficult trends and events in the world, while striving “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as its motto says.

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