Since Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual assault and rape — and subsequently fired from his production company — many women have come out against high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry. In fact, there have been at least 60 confirmed cases of unprofessional behavior by famous individuals that have led to them being fired or resigning. Some of the names on this shameful list include Vincent Cirrincione, Garrison Keillor, Matt Lauer, and many more influential celebrities. However, the widespread public notoriety these people have obtained has helped to raise awareness about the sexual divide in Hollywood — and has even led to vast changes being implemented by the national entertainment union, SAG-AFTRA.
SAG-AFTRA — that is, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists — is the most influential union of its type in America. It represents 160,000 public figures, from singers to journalists to television hosts. They protect jobs, wages, and benefits for those employed in entertainment fields. They also protect their members against discrimination and harassment — something that has become quite evident with the recent redux of their Code of Conduct on Sexual Harassment.
Led by President Gabrielle Carteris, alongside the national executive director David White, SAG-AFTRA developed the improved Code in response to the countless allegations of sexual harassment made in the industry in recent months. It is meant to be only a small part of a large upcoming program that will address equality and harassment in the workplace. It will lay out the definitions of sexual harassment, will provide examples of what a hostile work environment is, and also requires employers to have a reporting mechanism for sexual harassment.
While many unions have a code that is somewhat like the new Code of Conduct from SAG-AFTRA, the new one is unique due to the purpose of its implementation. Most codes exist to inform employees and prevent harassment, but nothing more. However, the SAG-AFTRA code is just the first step in an initiative that is meant to change the culture in Hollywood — particularly with respect to sexual divides and boundaries.
SAG-AFTRA is taking it one step further, too. They have introduced a new initiative called the Four Pillars of Change that all members must recognize. The pillars are as follows: “rules and guidelines, empowerment through education, expanded intervention efforts, and building bridges and safety nets”. The new Code touches on each of these pillars. However, it will take an active effort by all SAG-AFTRA members to fully implement the Pillars of Change in Hollywood.
Amidst a veritable hurricane of sexual harassment and assault allegations against some of the most famous men of Hollywood, the new Code of Conduct from SAG-AFTRA is a shining light. Not only will it help those who are employed as entertainment professionals but should also affect the public perspective on these matters as well.
After all, many Americans look to our celebrities and politicians for guidance. In a Hollywood that has less to do with a person’s gender and more to do with how well they act, a more tolerant and inclusive culture will emerge. This attitude may expand to the general public as well, especially as viewers see more and more inclusive actions from the leading members of our entertainment industry.
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