In the recent rush to bring sexual predators to justice, the survivors of sexual violence are often lost in the shuffle of debates, rhetoric and sensationalism that ensues. But the Me Too movement, founded by Tarana Burke in 2006, has always placed survivors front and center of any discussions of sexual violence, and on Monday, the movement debuted a new series of PSAs that refocus our attention where it belongs.
Created in partnership with creative agency Deutsch, with support from agencies Steelhead, Hornet, Elastic, Psyop and We Are Royale, the four animated shorts debuted at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and are narrated by actual survivors, including actor and former NFL player Terry Crews, survivor and activist Emily Waters, domestic worker turned activist Daniela Contreras, and an anonymous survivor.
The message? “We hear you. We see you. We believe you.” And most important, it makes clear that there is healing and purpose to be found on the other side of the pain.
“The ‘me too’ movement is part of a collective vision to see a world free from sexual violence,” said Burke in a press release. “We can build this world by shifting the parts of our culture that propagate the idea that vulnerability is synonymous with permission. These powerful shorts place the focus back where it belongs: the dignity, humanity and healing of all survivors. These courageous individuals are not alone and we hope that people around the world see their journeys reflected in the words of these brave individuals.”
Burke’s stated vision for Me Too has always been “empowerment through empathy.” This moving series of PSAs drives home the point that sexual violence affects all ages, races, genders and socioeconomic demographics—and that all deserve a voice, a platform, and justice.
“We have so much respect for the incredible work that Tarana Burke is accomplishing,” said Kim Getty, President of Deutsch’s Los Angeles office. “‘Me too.’ is about the power of the collective coming forward to bring empathy to survivors. For every survivor, there is a supporter and it’s an honor to give our support as an ally of this movement.”