Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is correct when she talks about the toxic 1990s in the media industry (Why did it take so long to unmask Brand and Walliams? Because noughties culture told girls like me abuse was normal, 11 November). This abhorrent sexualised behaviour from celebrities and channel executives has been going on for much longer.
When I worked in the media as a makeup artist in the 1980s we were warned never to be alone if working with a certain Mr Savile or Mr Harris. Men like those two were the majority, not a minority. They were directly enabled by those managers and directors who sanctioned their behaviour through inaction. If you complained, you were seen as trouble and hounded out.
If the Russell Brand case has taught us anything, it should be that those in power are equally culpable through inaction and refusal to upset the so-called “talent”. Until these enablers are rooted out, the TV industry will remain a ripe hunting ground for sexual predators who are excused because they make money.
I long for that day to come, as it is obvious that the safeguarding laws today are completely ineffective in the face of power, money-making and obstructive management structures.
There are many more of these cases both present and past that will now surface. How offences are reported will influence how the victims are perceived. I cheer from the sidelines each time a vile, entitled abuser is held accountable. It would be far-reaching to hold TV executives accountable, too.
Claire Parkman
Brighton, East Sussex
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett’s article gives a thoughtful perspective on young womanhood for those of us who experienced the early to mid-1990s and 2000s as teenagers and young adults.
I would like to add that not only were young women subjected to the appalling lads’ mag culture that no doubt enabled sexual assaults through constant objectification and dehumanising language, but women were also hoodwinked into thinking that mimicking poor male behaviour was somehow empowering, only to find that so-called ladette culture was subjected to harsher judgment.
It often led woman to be complicit in their own dehumanisation and objectification. “We’re only having a laugh, love – have another beer!” What a thoroughly depressing time.
Kirsty Lees
Mont-Joli, Canada
While it’s true that misogyny and lad culture were applauded and rewarded in the 1990s when I was young, I don’t believe for a minute that my daughter is growing up in a safer, less toxic environment.
In a world where drink covers are available to buy online to prevent your drink being drugged while out, let me assure you that girls and women are still in danger every day, everywhere. Domestic violence is on the rise, and the comments yelled at my daughter and myself are still as vile and threatening as they’ve ever been.
It would be lovely to be able to walk down the street without some man my age saying he wants to F my daughter. It’s great that women are speaking up, but quite often that just makes them more of a target. Ask any female politician or public figure about the abuse they receive on a daily basis. We have a shockingly long way to go.
Sarah Wolf
Elwood, Melbourne, Australia
I have every sympathy with Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett’s experiences of growing up with “lad culture” and rape myths. I was born in 1961 and it was all alive and thriving when I was growing up: the miniskirt myth, the “she had it coming” view of rape victims, the trivialising and the jokes. All the more reason to applaud the victims – and the journalists – who challenge the culture that women have endured for too long.
Melanie Tuck
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
