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She Said

summary ofShe SaidBook by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey

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You’ll learn

  • About the true power of investigative journalism
  • Why the #MeToo movement was so impactful
  • Strategies violence survivors use to cope
  • What are the challenges of breaking the silence

first KEY POINT

Women began to speak up about their experiences, and this changed everything

A lot of things look impossible until someone is courageous enough to try. One of such things is breaking the Harvey Weinstein story. Who would have thought that one day, all the dirty deeds of such a powerful Hollywood producer would be out in the open for the world to see?

Many people dismissed his behavior as philandering and took no significant notice because he even boasted, in public, of his feminist credentials by giving loans and participating in marches against sexual assault. Investigations into Weinstein’s credibility failed to yield any positive conclusion of wrongdoing, and even when many journalists tried, no stories appeared.

Everyone has a right to live and work without the fear of being harmed by another human.

The courage that many other victims of sexual abuse have now is due to the victory won by those whose stories fill this tidbit. This summary is proof that even the high and mighty who break the law do not go unpunished. It also inspires hope for seemingly hopeless situations. Go through this piece to find out how 87 women decided to change the narrative of keeping silent about sexual harassment by sharing their stories.

second KEY POINT

It all began with Rose McGowan’s decision to tell her story

It was rumored that Harvey Weinstein, a notable man with a considerable amount of power in the movie industry, had a custom of having his way with women. At first, Rose McGowan refused to speak to a journalist after she accused Weinstein of raping her. She, however, shared posts on social media that showed she disagreed with movie roles or views that are sexist. These views were a little difficult to believe as Weinstein had pushed many young people, particularly women, to stardom. Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and a lot of other actors are good examples of such. He also helped with Hilary Clinton's fundraisers, and even Malia Obama interned with him.

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first KEY POINT

There is strength in numbers: the more women that spoke up, the more evidence was made available

second KEY POINT

The more stories that were uncovered, the more courageous other victims became

third KEY POINT

Sexual predators like Harvey Weinstein always want to keep up appearances; your job is not to keep silent

fourth KEY POINT

Fear will keep you from speaking your truth, but once you do, you'll be free

fifth KEY POINT

The threats from the opposition only made the reporters want to work even harder

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey are Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalists for The New York Times. Their reporting has spurred significant social and legal changes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is She Said: Breaking the Sexual Story that Helped Ignite a Movement about?

She Said: Breaking the Sexual Story that Helped Ignite a Movement is a powerful investigative narrative by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey that uncovers the systemic issues of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. The book details their groundbreaking reporting on Harvey Weinstein, catalyzing the #MeToo movement and highlighting the voices of women fighting back against injustice.

What are the key takeaways from She Said: Breaking the Sexual Story that Helped Ignite a Movement?

Key takeaways from She Said include the importance of believing survivors, the impact of investigative journalism on social change, and the need for accountability in powerful institutions. The authors emphasize the courage of women who came forward, illuminating broader societal issues around gender and power.

Is She Said: Breaking the Sexual Story that Helped Ignite a Movement worth reading?

Yes, She Said is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of sexual harassment and the complexities of bringing such stories to light. Its compelling narrative and real-life implications make it a crucial read for advocates of equality and justice.

How many pages is She Said: Breaking the Sexual Story that Helped Ignite a Movement and when was it published?

She Said consists of 368 pages and was published on September 24, 2019. This engaging read offers a detailed exploration of the dialogue around sexual misconduct and its repercussions.

Who are the authors of She Said: Breaking the Sexual Story that Helped Ignite a Movement?

The authors of She Said are Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, both award-winning journalists for The New York Times. Their pivotal reporting not only changed public discourse surrounding sexual harassment but also inspired countless individuals to share their own stories.