#MeToo: Divided Opinions

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What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, April 10, 2018:

Few issues have energized, and apparently polarized, Americans like the #MeToo movement; a social media phrase that ignited a firestorm of activism following sexual assault and harrasment allegations against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein in 2017.

The hashtag acted as a propellant to the movement, which actually began in 1997 by a victim’s advocacy organization.

The #MeToo movement brought the subject of sexual violence and harassment to the center of the national dialogue and is influencing policy and education in the workplace.

Are there unintended consequences of the movement? Has the movement gone too far?

A Bucknell University survey reveals that in the months after the #MeToo movement gained national exposure, Americans are divided about the state of the movement and its impact.

While men and women vary somewhat in their views of #MeToo, the biggest differences are across political lines. Survey results indicate the #MeToo movement is a defining partisan issue.

On Tuesday’s Smart Talk we’re joined by associate professor of political science Chris Ellis. He is the Director of the Bucknell University Survey Research Laboratory, who conducted the survey.

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Professor Chris Ellis

Also with us is Karen Baker, the Chief Executive Director, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

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Karen Baker