Blackout Sweeps the Golden Globes

Nicole Burbach, Staff Writer

There was a blackout during the Golden Globes, and no, the power didn’t go out.

 

Black gowns took over the Golden Globes red carpet Sunday night as part of the Times Up movement.

 

With more than 300 figures in the entertainment industry signed on, Times Up was formed in order to fight against sexual harassment, assault and inequality for women. It is leaderless, run by volunteers and made up of working groups, according to The New York Times.

 

Prominent members include Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, Shonda Rhimes and many others.

 

The organization has raised more than $15 million for a legal defense fund for people who have experienced workplace harassment, according to the New York Times. They are also encouraging the Golden Globes attendees and supporters everywhere to wear black as a show of unity as well as statement against sexual misconduct due to Hollywood’s recent issue with sexual harassment allegations.

 

The group asked people who were attending the Golden Globes to wear black, and most did.  According to People Magazine, stylists confirmed through social media that even men, including Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson and Edgar Ramirez, will also be wearing black in support.

 

Senior Jessica Harris said that she supports the Times Up Movement and that if given the opportunity, she would’ve be one of the people wearing black.

 

“I think it’s noble that these women are all willing to conform and wear black to support a mutual cause,” Harris said. “I’d do it and I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t.”

 

The hashtags #WhyWeWearBlack and #TimesUp were also both trending on Twitter at the time of the event.

 

Still, there were three women who chose not to wear black. One of these women, German model Barbara Meier, wore a beige floral gown.

 

Meier later explained her reasoning through an Instagram post: “We were fighting for a long time for the freedom to wear what it is ok, to dress up a little more sexy,” she said, translated from German to English by People Magazine. “If we now restrict this, because some men cannot control themselves, this is a huge step back in my opinion. We should not have to be serious. Us women should shine, be colorful and sparkle. Just like it is our nature. In my opinion, this symbolizes our freedom and our new strength.”

 

No matter who wore what color, the goal of bringing attention to the movement was achieved, and has been largely influential on society through social media outlets.