The impact of Ronan Farrow’s piece “From Aggressive Overtures to Sexual Assault: Harvey Weinstein’s Accusers Tell Their Stories” on Journalism

by Evan Gravelle

There are moments in Journalism that, when we look back on them, read as the beginning of a new movement that awakens our social consciousness. Ronan Farrow’s piece “From Aggressive Overtures to Sexual Assault: Harvey Weinstein’s Accusers Tell Their Stories” published in The New Yorker was one of these moments. In his piece he outlined the stories of thirteen women who accused prominent producer, Harvey Weinstein, of sexual misconduct, making readers confront the realities that these women endured.. The ripple effects of this piece continue to be felt in the #MeToo movement, with Weinstein being only in the first wave of many powerful men who were brought to justice after sexually assaulting women in the workplace.

Farrow’s piece had a profound impact on journalism because it did not tell a narrative of its own but simply let the victims stories be told.. It opens with an explanation of who Weinstein is: “he has been thanked more than almost anyone else in movie history, ranking just after Steven Spielberg and right before God.” (Farrow 1). The piece then provides context into the allegations of sexual misconduct made over the last twenty years.. With Farrow’s collection of these powerful, heartbreaking stories in one piece, we are faced with the reality that these were not isolated incidents, but an example of a systematic power abuse prevalent in today’s working environment.. It was a catalyst in birthing the #MeToo movement and helping women around the world speak up about workplace harassment and sexual abuse.

This example of journalism made a profound impact on the world and continues to help women who feel silenced speak up bravely about their experiences. Farrow’s inspired me to pursue journalism in hopes of using writing as a tool to foster positive change and action. I believe in telling the stories for those who feel silenced and powerless.

Citations:

Farrow, Ronan, et al. “From Aggressive Overtures to Sexual Assault: Harvey Weinstein’s Accusers Tell Their Stories” The New Yorker, Web, Oct. 23rd 2017.