#MeToo, Now What?

#MeToo, Now What? is an engrossing, culturally relevant 2018 PBS series that bravely dives headfirst into the rising tide of the #MeToo Movement and its immense impact on contemporary society. Bolstered by the power of social media, the #MeToo Movement has given a voice to countless survivors of sexual harassment or assault, demanding for change and triggering robust conversations on this pervasive issue that had been shushed and swept under the rug for far too long.

This half-hour, five-episode series focuses not only on highlighting the problem but also on exploring the solutions and sparking a meaningful, in-depth dialogue about what we ought to do now. It seeks to respond to critical questions: How did we get here? How can we use this moment to effect real change? What does it take for men and women to engage in a frank discussion about power dynamics, behavior, and attitudes?

The series, hosted by the award-winning Women's eNews founder Zainab Salbi, capitalizes on her reputation as a first-rate examiner of contemporary social issues to bring an insightful perspective to the conversation about #MeToo. With her sensitive and sensible approach, Salbi lends a nurturing environment to the series which allows for candid interviews and discussions that navigate the complex intricacies of the topic.

Each episode broaches a specific aspect of the #MeToo conversation and features eye-opening interviews with celebrities, thought leaders and activists, corroborated with real-life personal stories from people across all walks of life touched by the movement. It is designed to broaden the viewers’ insights regarding complex issues and help them understand the nuances of the problems at hand. The content is honest and raw, often uncomfortable but intensely necessary, as it sparks discussions that society can no longer afford to put off.

The first episode, for instance, tackles the culture of sexual harassment at work by holding conversations with individuals who boast diverse professional backgrounds. Accounts of everyday people combine with expert opinion to paint a vivid picture of work environments that perpetuate such toxic behavior and suggest ways to change this culture.

Subsequent episodes explore various themes such as masculinity in the modern era, the role of race within the #MeToo movement, and how to teach our children about sex, consent and boundaries; they also address and deconstruct the myths surrounding sexual assault. The series does not confine itself to analyzing sexual harassment in isolation; it delves deeper to discuss the intersectionality of race, class, and gender, ensuring no essential aspect is overlooked.

Another fascinating facet of #MeToo, Now What? is the panel discussions that follow each episode. These rigorous debates feature influential personalities from different disciplines, including journalists, academics, and activists. The debates provide a platform to further delve into the discussion, offering different perspectives on the topic covered in the episode, and effectively spotlighting the root causes, implications, and potential solutions related to the issue.

#MeToo, Now What? is an intellectually stimulating, courage-driven show that does not shy away from asking tough questions. It doesn't settle for surface-level analysis or easy answers. Instead, it probes, ponders, scrutinizes, and strives to illuminate the multifaceted face of sexual harassment and the #MeToo movement.

Moreover, the series is an illustration of the power of storytelling at its best. It exhibits nuanced storytelling coupled with powerful storytelling techniques that tap into human emotions which, in turn, help to further engage its viewers and prompt them to think and question.

Ultimately, #MeToo, Now What? is a thought-provoking series from PBS that offers a cultural mirror to society, challenging us to have the uncomfortable conversations, rethink our attitude towards sexual harassment and sexism, to take a step back and question our perception about gender dynamics, and ask ourselves the most pressing question – now what?