In recent developments, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his candidacy for the mayoralty of New York City, prompting major discussions about the state of the Me Too movement and the cultural perception around powerful men facing harassment accusations. Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amidst multiple allegations of sexual harassment, stated in a recent video, ‘Did I make mistakes? Some painfully? Definitely. And I believe I learned from them and that I am a better person for it.’ This statement has been met with skepticism by activists and observers alike, considering his past actions and the constraints of the Me Too movement.
Cuomo’s announcement has caught the attention of advocates like Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement, who has expressed frustration at the normalization of men ‘canceled’ for harassment allegations re-entering society. She argues that such situations signal a regression in societal attitudes towards sexual violence and accountability, stating, “We will not get there when we keep making these same kinds of mistakes, when we discount violence against women as a serious enough offense.”
Despite significant progress since the Me Too movement’s surge in late 2017—when high-profile figures like Harvey Weinstein were exposed and held accountable—recent events suggest a troubling trend of cultural rollbacks. Figures accused of sexual misconduct, including Donald Trump, whose own history with accusations remains contentious, have managed to maintain or even enhance their public personas.
Gretchen Carlson, a prominent figure in the Me Too movement known for her legal battle against former Fox News head Roger Ailes, reflects on the disheartening reality of seeing alleged perpetrators re-emerging in public life. Carlson’s advocacy continues, focusing on policies to eliminate non-disclosure agreements and arbitration clauses that protect companies instead of survivors.
As the political landscape shifts, it becomes evident that we are grappling with the legacy of figures such as Donald Trump and the implications of their tenures. Donald Trump, who has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct himself, has not been removed from the public eye. The backlash against the Me Too movement among certain political factions has been evident, leading to a complicated dialogue about accountability in politics.
The growing visibility of figures like Cuomo raises critical questions around the effectiveness of the Me Too movement and the societal willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about powerful men. The cultural reckoning initiated by Me Too is ongoing, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges and contradictions. Tarana Burke’s assertion that, “the ‘but’ is what’s going to kill us,” encapsulates the ongoing struggle for survivors and advocates as they call for genuine accountability and change, underscoring the movement’s vital role in addressing sexual violence in society.