Emanuel, Schwimmer try to raise awareness of sexual harassment
Some day, men won’t need to be reminded that sexual harassment is illegal and offlimits. Women won’t need to be encouraged to come forward when men in positions of power cross the line. Bystanders who witness the abhorrent behavior will join them.
But, if the # MeToo and # Times Up movements have proven anything, it’s that we’re not there yet. Not by a long shot.
Which is why Mayor Rahm Emanuel is joining forces with actor David Schwimmer on a campaign aimed at empowering victims and witnesses to speak truth to power.
On-Monday, public service announcements created and produced by Schwimmer, the Northwestern University grad of “Friends” fame who also co- founded Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, started appearing on billboards, street furniture and in taxicabs.
The PSAs are aimed at shining the light on “unacceptable” behaviors that have been endured by women and tolerated by their co- workers for too long.
The reality- based videos are titled “The Boss,” “The Co- Worker” and “The Doctor.”
The PSAs and other information can be found at www. CityofChicago.org/ Thats Harassment.
Emanuel joined Schwimmer at a City Hall news conference-Monday.
“This ad is about awareness. It’s awareness that leads to empowerment and empowerment that leads to action,” Emanuel said.
The mayor added: “This is not a women’s issue. Men must speak up.”
Schwimmer noted the PSAs are not only about generating awareness.
“We’re providing actual resources — not only for victims, but bystanders . . . I’m pretty confident that sexual harassment is happening every day. Probably right now as we have this conference — in every industry,” the actor said.