Assignment One- Social Movements, Essays (university) of Sociology

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#MeToo Movement and Link Ray Rikki Ewen Athabasca University SOCI 288- Introduction to Sociology II Dr. Caroline McDonald-Harker July 30, 2021

1. Do some online research and investigate/analyze the impact of the #METOO movement in your community or country using the concepts provided in this unit. You could, for example, analyze the impact of the #METOO movement within the Catholic Church, the country of India, or the LGBTQ community. Pick an area of focus that is interesting/relevant for you. #MeToo in Canada The "me too" movement was launched in 2006, by Tarana Burke (American activist), after her encounter with sexual violence. Burke noticed a demand for improved financial and resource support for those impacted by sexual violence. She focused mainly on serving young women of colour from low-income communities. In 2017, the hashtag "#MeToo" became popularized after multiple sexual assault claims against film producer Harvey Weinstein. After the New York Times published a story about the numerous accusations of sexual assault and harassment claims made against Weinstein, over 50 lawsuits had been made within weeks. (Canadian Women's Foundation, 2021) Actress Alyssa Milano reached out for people to share their experience of sexual assault and harassment stories on social media with the hashtag "#MeToo," launching a cascade of women from all over the world and from diverse backgrounds to speak out. The hashtag soon became viral, reaching not only Canada but the entire connected world. In recent years before the #Metoo movement, many women had spoken out about sexual harassment and discrimination in Canadian institutions, such as the military and RCMP. The #MeToo Movement has encouraged women across Canada to share their sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination encounters across sites and sectors. In December of 2017, hundreds of people rallied in downtown Toronto for a #MeToo March. Participants called for

witnesses before testifying. In November 2017, the federal government proposed legislation to overhaul the framework for sexual harassment policies and procedures in federal workplaces and Parliament (Bill C-65). While the bill was developed before #MeToo, the campaign likely contributed to its accelerated enactment. While Bill C-65 only refers to federal workplaces, the Canadian government has encouraged employers in other industries to follow suit by enhancing their harassment policies and procedures. The #MeToo movement presented a memorable image and clear message that women in Canada will no longer remain victims. The #MeToo mantra gave permission, a voice, and a platform for Canadians to come together to build a future without sexual or gender-based violence.

2. Who was Link Ray? What role did he play in communicating social rebellion to a youthful social movement? What do you think is the message in that song? Using examples from the documentary, your own life, and the concepts in this unit, show how music communicates issues, clarifies thinking, and motivates action. Link Ray and Music In 1929, Link Ray, born Fred Lincoln Wray Jr., was a Shawnee Native American from North Carolina. Ray is notably one of the most significant and influential guitarists in history, being credited with inventing the power chord with his hit instrumental "Rumble". The power chord influences rock bands to date. Rumble was the only instrumental to ever be outlawed on radio, due to its fear of tempting teenage violence/gang violence. Link Ray’s music was innovative, and socially provocative as it skewed from the fifties’ norm. Ray literally changed the future through use of distortion and reverberation, which was rejected by many of his contemporaries. Through

the alternative techniques, Link Ray created an emotional and emotive piece that reflected his personal experiences growing up as a native American in his small town. The “rumble” of the music poses a defiant tone, emulating his angst and frustration. For Link Ray, displaying his thoughts and emotions without violence and using music as the means to express his feelings. The song represented his thoughts and emotions towards society through a socially unfamiliar and dissonant sound, which portrayed his built-up emotions and positionality. Link Wray inspired numerous rock stars to create classic rock music with raw, uncensored emotion. Great artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young and Steven Tyler, amongst many others, credit their creativeness to Link Ray and his power chord. Ultimately, Link Ray forever changed the music industry as he found the conduit to express his own emotions and life experiences. Work Cited Canadian Women's Foundation. (2021, February 03). The #MeToo Movement in Canada: Learn the Facts. Retrieved from https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/the-metoo-movement-in-canada/ Doolittle, R. (2017, February 3). Unfounded: Police DISMISS 1 in 5 sexual assault claims as Baseless, Globe investigation reveals. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/investigations/unfounded-sexual-assault-canada-main/ article33891309/. Edmonston, B. (2018, October 19). Statistics Canada. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/statistics-canada