Stars, fans, and naysayers are all discussing #WhyWeWearBlack ahead of the Golden Globes tonight

Rosario Dawson is among the many women in film, TV, theater, and media who are encouraging fans and supporters to make a statement supporting victims of abuse of power by wearing all black. (Photo: Getty Images)
Rosario Dawson is among the many women in film, TV, theater, and media who are encouraging fans and supporters to make a statement supporting victims of abuse of power by wearing all black. (Photo: Getty Images)

Without a doubt, this year’s Golden Globes awards is going to feel like a different event. Rather than the traditional twirl and questions — “what are you wearing?” — this Sunday’s Golden Globes awards show is going to be hosting a different kind of conversation. And it’s a conversation in which stars and celebrities are asking everyone to participate.

As has been reported, this year’s awards season will begin with a break with tradition: both men and women who walk the red carpet at the Golden Globes will be dressed in black. Rather than straight-up boycotting the event, the women representing the advocacy organization Time’s Up believe it would be better to participate and make a visible statement — one that could continue to increase awareness of abuse of power across all industries — by wearing all black. As Kerry Washington told the Los Angeles Times, “We thought it was stronger to participate, but make sure we had a public sign of support.”

Of course, not everyone who has been affected by these issues or cares about these issues will be walking the red carpet. So Time’s Up is asking people who want to be a part of the movement to post their own black-clad statements on social media with the tag #WhyWeWearBlack.

As Rosario Dawson explained on social media in her invite to participate: “It’s time to celebrate each other — not just the nominees.” And after thanking the many notable people who have come out to share their stories of abuse, assault, and misconduct — both men and women — Dawson extended the invite to all. “Please join us in blacking out Sunday — post your videos and pictures of yourself in all black, whether you watch or don’t watch, or go or don’t go. …”

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At the time of this writing, the Time’s Up legal defense fund has raised more than $15 million to help support women in generally low-wage work environments fight back against harassment and misconduct. A lot of that funding was provided by the 300 women in film, television, and theater who created the organization this past October. Among the many women who signed the statement launching Time’s Up are Dawson, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, and Ashley Judd.

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