The MeToo movement began as an effort to empower survivors of sexual assault and harassment, evolving from a grassroots phrase into a global hashtag.
The origins of "Me Too" can be traced back to 2006, when sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke first used the phrase on Myspace. Her initial intent was to create a sense of solidarity among survivors, providing a supportive community where they could share their experiences and heal. This early use of "Me Too" was about individual empowerment and connection among those affected by sexual violence.
Evolution of the "Me Too" Movement
While the phrase "Me Too" existed for over a decade, its widespread recognition and transformation into a global movement occurred significantly in 2017. This shift was marked by the proliferation of the #MeToo hashtag on social media. The hashtag served a crucial purpose: to dramatically highlight the sheer magnitude and prevalence of sexual assault and harassment across society.
The journey from a supportive phrase to a powerful hashtag can be summarized as follows:
| Year | Key Phase | Originator/Catalyst | Platform | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "Me Too" phrase | Tarana Burke (sexual assault survivor & activist) | Myspace | Empowering survivors; fostering empathy and healing |
| 2017 | #MeToo hashtag | Widespread adoption via social media | Social Media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook) | Drawing attention to the widespread nature of sexual violence; demonstrating collective experiences |
This two-stage origin underscores that while the phrase "Me Too" laid the foundational groundwork for solidarity, it was the subsequent viral adoption of the #MeToo hashtag in 2017 that amplified its message globally, bringing unprecedented awareness to the issue of sexual misconduct.
