The harsh realities of the #MeToo movement have brought down a number of once highly respected people and for good reason.

However, a problem that arises with the movement is where the line between what is ok and what is not. There are honest men out there that may be interested in asking a woman out, but hesitate due to fear of crossing the line.

A group of 100 French women, including actress Catherine Deneuve, signed an open letter defending men’s “freedom to pester” women. The letter denounces a “hatred for men and sexuality” as well as the recent wave of “denunciation.”

One of the most important excerpts from the letter reads, “Rape is a crime, but insistent or clumsy flirting is not an offense, nor is gallantry macho aggression.” This speaks to the uncertainty, on the part of men, of where that line is.

Make no mistake. There is no uncertainty involved when it comes to consent. Lack of regard for a woman’s consent is something that has absolutely no place in society, whether in a Hollywood workplace or a bar full of college kids.

That said, in this time of sexual harassment enlightenment, men must know the difference between harmless, even if poorly executed, flirting and criminal behavior. Straight men are surely not the victims of the #MeToo movement. The line between right and wrong will become increasingly clear.

It seems a bit like people are forgetting women are humans too, meaning they are just as likely to make mistakes and possibly lie. No gender has the monopoly on irrationality. Though it has no yet been the case, there is always the possibility of women using the #MeToo movement irresponsibly if they perhaps get a creepy vibe from a flirtatious drunk.

There are enormous consequences for those who have been accused of sexual assault whether or not they are ultimately found guilty. The subsequent harm done to someone accused of sexual assault is enough to justify a certain level of conviction on the part of the accuser.

More importantly, it goes without saying that men who have committed rape or assault should  ask themselves that same question.

With all that has gone on with the #MeToo movement, if a woman approached someone and claimed she has been sexually harassed, that person would hopefully believe her and take appropriate action given the severity of the issue.

I believe that is what the open letter was trying to shed light on. While rape is undoubtedly a serious issue, and perhaps the most important of our time, it is in a straight man’s nature to be attracted to and pursue women. With an issue of such volatility, in an age of awareness, we must be wary of allowing our emotions to bring us to hurried conclusions.

Simply, we have to work toward finding and establishing what is right and what is wrong.