Sunday was the 75th annual Golden Globes. If you are a human being who frequents the internet semi-regularly, chances are you probably heard about the highlights of the evening and you maybe even know some of the winners. But this year’s Golden Globes was fraught with social and even political protest.  

Celebrities “blacked out” the red carpet to show support for the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, both of which were spearheaded by female activists to encourage and protect women who spoke about sexual harassment they faced in the workplace. The night also featured heartfelt speeches by women who acknowledged the courage of those who shared their stories throughout the year and condemned the predators who took advantage of their employees. All in all, the Golden Globes seemed more of a powder keg on the verge of exploding with righteous feminist anger than a lighthearted celebration of the arts.

As an unabashed Oprah fan, that was more than okay with me. But for some, the protests sparked annoyance and even outrage.

People bashed the efforts of Hollywood’s finest, calling it tacky, disingenuous, and pointless. To a certain extent, I hear where they’re coming from. It’s very easy to put on a $20,000 Dolce and Gabana suit/dress and claim that you’re making a statement. It’s very easy to say things with inspirational words but then go right back to the money-making machines that run Hollywood. Unfortunately, for all of the statements made at the Golden Globes, it’s almost certain that sexual harassment in the workplace will continue to be a frightening reality for women and men globally.

But to say that such a publicized and prominent protest was pointless is taking things a little too far for my liking. The very fact that iconic personalities like Oprah, Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Emma Watson and Michelle Fairley took such a publicized stand against sexual harassment will only encourage more women to come forward with their stories. And with their stories come the lawsuits, the public condemnation and, hopefully, the change.