This is an archive article published on January 8, 2018

#TimesUp, #WhyWeWearBlack: Hashtags that defined Golden Globes 2018

The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards 2018 witnessed celebrities wearing black in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment. But the conversation on several key issues really took centre stage on social media with hashtags such as #TimesUp, #WhyWeWearBlack.

By: Trends Desk
11 min readNew DelhiJan 8, 2018 03:50 PM IST
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golden globes, golden globes 2018, celebrities on golden globe red carpet, hashtags used in golden globes, #metoo, #whywewearblack, celebrities wearing black at golden globe, social media on golden globe 2018, indian express, indian express news Celebrities at the the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards were all out protesting against sexual assault and harassment and they chose black as the colour for it. (Designed by Nidhi Mishra/The Indian Express)

The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards 2018 was swept in black as a sea of celebrities dressed in the sombre colour in solidarity with the protest against sexual harassment. The colour, often used as a strong voice against something (the most often being in the form of a black band), is associated with mourning — statement against the sad state of affairs that female professionals have had to work under in the American entertainment industry. Actors such as Meryl Streep, Emma Watson, Gald Gadot, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, among several others, all stood in solidarity against sexual harassment and protested against gendered discrimination, including unequal pay.

This was a continuation of the events that unfolded last year and the conversation regarding sexual harassment that refused to die down. After the Harvey Weinstein scandal came to the fore, several survivors of sexual assault shared similar stories using the hashtag #MeToo, triggered by Charmed actor Alyssa Milano. Later Big Little Lies actor Reese Witherspoon spearheaded another movement with the hashtag #TimesUp that called for a unified change for women, not only in the entertainment industry but everywhere.

Social media, ahead of the event and as it was under way was abuzz with hashtags such as #metoo, #makejusticepop, #timesup and #WhyWeWearBlack. Celebrities as well as people on social media have been tweeting using them to send across a powerful message.

Here are some of the hashtags that are doing the rounds as people on social media continue the conversation that started last year.

#WhyWeWearBlack

As a powerful demonstration of the solidarity for other women working in different sectors and the sexual assault they suffer, many Hollywood actors decided to wear black on the red carpet. Many male actors also wore ‘Time’s Up’ pins to express their support. Actors not only tweeted about it but also urged others to do the same and post photos of it on social media.

Scandal star Kerry Washington had put up a post informing others of the decision and urging others to do the same. “HEY! We at @TIMESUPNOW are asking that wherever you are, whoever you are, please join us and wear black in solidarity TOMORROW. Share your stories and pics using the hashtags #TIMESUP and #WHYWEWEARBLACK,” she had written.

Soon, several actors such as Mark Ruffalo and Madonna tweeted their support. “Wearing black today in solidarity with the men and women asking for respect and equality across industry lines. Let’s bring a stop to sexual harassment in the workplace. Join us in wearing black and saying #TimesUp.#WhyWeWearBlack @TIMESUPNOW,” he wrote. 

Here are some tweets supporting the movement.

People on social media too responded accordingly.

#TimesUp

Spearheaded by Witherspoon and supported by powerful A-listers like Eva Longoria, Washington, Natalie Portman, Shonda Rhimes, Emma Stone, among others, #TimesUp called for a unified change for women, not only in the entertainment industry but across all sectors. Wearing black on the red carpet was a powerful demonstration of it.

The women of #TimesUp used their status and the platform to call for fair workplace practices and create a legal defence fund for those who have experienced sexual harassment or have been bullied for reporting against sexual misconduct. Back on January 1, Milano had tweeted about the same in extensive detail: “I STAND WITH WOMEN across every industry to say #TIMESUP on abuse, harassment, marginalization and under-representation. JOIN ME!”

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Many celebrities too used the hashtag on social media during the Golden Globe Awards, urging others to support the cause.

 

People on social media have been using the hashtag to express their support for the celebrities.

#MeToo

The seminal hashtag that started it all, was triggered by a tweet from Milano, after the Weinstein scandal, resulting in a social media movement. “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet,” she had tweeted on October 15 and survivors, from all across the globe, shared disturbing but starkly similar tales of being harassed and assaulted. The protest at the Golden Globe Awards can be read as an extension of this.

This was the tweet that started it all.

People had shared their stories last year using the hashtag, last year. The hashtag gained momentum again ahead of the event and during the time it took place.

Celebrated American talk show host Oprah Winfrey too alluded to the #metoo campaign in her speech. Her words have won over people on social media and people have “thanked” her for her powerful words.

 

However, in spite of the support shown by male actors prior to the show, no male winners spoke about sexual assault on the stage, contrary to the powerful speeches made by women. People on social media were quick to notice and call that out. “So impressed by the speeches of so many female #GoldenGlobe winners tonight. So baffled and disappointed that more male winners didn’t talk about #metoo and #timesup,” wrote one.

Here are some other voices in the same vein.

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