The story is familiar. “Promising” (affluent, white young men) routinely excused from sexual assault charges or shown leniency to protect their future careers, and victims, slut shamed, “who asked for it”, because they were too drunk to consent.

Promising Young Woman follows Cassie, a medical student who drops out to help her best friend after an unpunished rape which eventually leads to her suicide. Consumed by the lack of empathy of their friends, school officials, the legal system, and the perpetrator, Cassie embarks on a calculated mission to avenge her best friend’s tragedy upon those responsible, to shine a light on the impact of sexual violence on the victim, the importance of speaking out as a bystander, and the misconception that privilege should give a violator a pass.

It also explores the pervasive ways we continue to blame women for their own sexual assault—that somehow “she asked for it.” We are reminded again that factors like manner of dress (or lack thereof), previous consensual sex, a reputation for promiscuity, or level of intoxication, cannot replace active and enthusiastic consent. 

What will you do today to be #beupstanding and help #changetheculture for an environment without #sexualharassment, #abuse and #racism? #TimesUp. Let’s #playnice. For more info on this topic and other related issues, check out  “Play Nice - Playground Rules for Respect in the Workplace,” and join us at  www.thesandboxseries.com.