Is there a more powerful hashtag in today's social media realm than #MeToo?
A hashtag, for those wondering, is the word or phrase preceded by a pound sign that generally identifies a specific social media message topic. Social media. Where the world comes to commiserate in 280 characters or fewer.
Still, the power of the megaphone that is social media - be it from the grassroots of Michigan State to the grassy hills of Hollywood - is undeniable. And the #MeToo hashtag carries the power of a lightning bolt.
That's a great thing. To a point.
Whether it is the saga of the gymnasts who were molested by Dr. Larry Nassar or the actors and actresses who suffered under big-time show business power players or the boys ignored under Joe Paterno's regime or by the Catholic Church, our awareness and consideration for the victims of sexual assault have never been greater.
Again, that's a great thing.
No one is pro-sexual predator. No one.
The empowerment that has come to victims with the strength of public support is great. And the perpetrators of these acts deserve all the backlash that comes their way.
Take Kevin Spacey, for example. Spacey, you may remember, was one of the more bankable stars in motion pictures. Then he admitted to possibly being part of some sexual misconduct - using the excuse of alcohol to boot - and his acting career collapsed.
First, he lost his gig on "House of Cards." Then, his most recent movie - "Billionaire Boys Club" - made less than $130 in theaters last Friday on its first day of release. Yes. All of $130, and we did not leave out any zeroes. The movie was released in 10 cities - meaning it averaged less than $13 per theater, which is roughly 1.3 tickets sold per theater, on the first day.
Then there is Larry Nassar, the former team doctor for U.S. Gymnastics and at Michigan State who was convicted of sexually abusing young athletes. Nassar has been forced to switch prisons after he was physically assaulted soon after he was sent into the general population at a penitentiary in Tucson, Arizona. Here's betting ol' Dr. Nassar is going to have a rough go of it in just about every prison.
But the need for justice and our eagerness to protect the victims also come with a painful caveat.
Allegations are just that - allegations - until there are admissions or legal proceedings.
There are a lot of examples - and again, these are the exceptions rather than the rule - that make us pause at the overpowering avalanche of #MeToo.
It's impossible not to root for A.J. Johnson, the former University of Tennessee linebacker who played in his first NFL preseason game over the weekend with Denver. He had one tackle.
Johnson, you remember, was considering leaving early for the draft, came back to UT for his senior season before being suspended from the program after he was accused of rape. He was acquitted last month - yes, it took almost four years - and has now signed with the Broncos.
Will he make the team? Looks like it. He signed a three-year contract Monday, but it's not guaranteed beyond the $50,000 signing bonus.
Will Johnson be able to deliver an NFL career, something that was a foregone conclusion not that long ago? Hard to know how what kind of shape Johnson is in after not participating in football for the last three-plus seasons. Hard to know if a guy who has not been football active since the Obama administration can get back to the form that made him look like a sure-fire NFL starter.
Here's hoping, since he was acquitted by a jury in less than two hours after years of uncertainty, he makes a run and maybe something good can finally come from this four-year nightmare.
For everyone involved - including those of us wanting to protect the victims as we try to separate allegations from actual abuse.
Hashtags included.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6343.