The Breakdown: Young Activist Sparks #MeToo “Avalanche” in Mexico

Getty Images: David McNew / Stringer

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The One Big Thing

Young Activist Inspires #MeToo “Avalanche” in Mexico

While the anti-sexual harassment #MeToo movement went viral in the US in late 2017, it had yet to gain momentum in Mexico. That all changed last week when Ana G. Gonzalez, a 29-year-old political communications consultant, took to Twitter to accuse a writer of abusing 10 women. By speaking up, she would go on to inspire hundreds of women to share their personal stories of harassment and abuse. Though it remains to be seen if action will be taken on those who abused their power, the impact of #MeToo in other parts of the world has been undeniable. As the movement continues to create a real impact across the globe, Gonzalez has handled the backlash she’s received with incredible courage, saying that while she “can’t eat or sleep,” she wouldn’t do anything differently.

(Pop) Culture Shock

Brad Paisley Breaks Ground on Free Grocery Shop in Nashville

Country star Brad Paisley traded in his signature cowboy hat for a construction hat as he broke ground on the space that will become a free grocery store in Nashville, Tennessee. Built in partnership with his alma mater, Belmont University, the store will serve low-income families who will be able to shop there free for a year when referred by a social service agency. The shop responds to a huge clear need in Nashville, where 1 in 5 children experiences food insecurity. Paisley’s wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, emphasized that the store is meant to function as a stop-gap, rather than a permanent fix, saying "we want to help people in this gap where they are trying to get back on their feet."

The Good News Is...

Apple, Salesforce Commit to Closing Gender Pay Gap in California

On the eve of Equal Pay Day (April 2), a group led by California first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced a campaign called #EqualPayCA to close the gender pay gap in the state. In a statement, the group announced the names of 13 companies -- including corporate giants Apple and Salesforce -- who have committed to “conduct an annual company-wide gender pay analysis, review hiring and promotion processes and procedures to reduce unconscious bias and structural barriers and promote best practices” in order to achieve pay equity. In California, it’s estimated that women lose on average $78.6 billion(!!!) as a result of the wage gap. While the work to close the gap is far from over, getting high-profile companies to commit to change is an encouraging step forward.

That's What She Said

“I think that in terms of when he talks about his motivation...we really need to also acknowledge that it's not about the intent, it is about the person on the receiving end of that behavior.”

-Former Nevada Assemblywoman Lucy Flores, responding to Joe Biden’s statement denying that he touched her inappropriately at a political event in 2014. The former VP has faced similar accusations from six other women.

Quick Hitters

Why aren’t they talking about... how the House voted to reauthorize gun legislation to protect survivors of domestic and dating abuse...despite the NRA’s attempts to block it.

My hero today is... William Rabillo, a 13-year-old boy who sold his Xbox and did yard work to buy his single mom a car.

I’m obsessed with... like I said, Us. Even better than the movie itself? This mind-blowing Twitter thread about the movie’s symbols, connections, and easter eggs. (Contains spoilers, obviously.)