Month: March 2014
Happy International Women’s Day: You Are Like Bacon!
Happy International Women’s Day! Today the world pauses to celebrate 50% of the world’s population–women. Now you might be thinking: ‘Since women make up more than 50% of the world population why should they get their own month and when will men get a Men’s Day and Men’s History Month? This is so unfair!’ Hold up.
Even though women make up 50% of the world population, they don’t have an equal share of financial wealth or political power. Globally, women do 60% of the labor, but own less than 1% of the world’s property. That’s right–women in the U.S. included–women hold only 1% f the world’s wealth.
When it comes to politics, women still don’t have equal representation in government. Even when in office, women continue to combat stereotypical commentary on their looks and family roles. Again, don’t comfort yourself by thinking this is only the situation in the developing world. The United States has not had a female at the helm in the history of the presidency. If Hilary takes the office in the upcoming 2016 election, that’s still 1 in 44.
Even the most unscientific research–Google Auto correct– reveals the uphill battle women face in the fight for equity. How do we think of who women are? What can they do? What should they do?
Okay, so we’re like bacon, shouldn’t vote or work, and can’t have it all. It may not be scientific, but these ideas are popular–that’s why they rank high in the search terms. I’m sure you’ve heard all these ideas about women before–except maybe the bacon thing….or maybe…
Interstingly, our not so scientific study has one more finding. When I entered “women deserve”, Google had nothing to offer…
So even as Google and the rest of the world celebrate women in today’s doodle, the wider discourse about women continues age old patterns of inequality. Raise your glass to amazing women today, but even as we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s plot to break out of March and claim our 50%.
12 Years A Slave: A Winner But Still A Slave
Now that the Academy has finally awarded Best Director to a Black man for the first time in its 85 years–wait, what? they didn’t?oh okay,sorry Steve, awarded 12 Years A Slave Best Picture, along with Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay, many will be ready to celebrate another milestone on our way to post racial America.
Though we too raise our glasses to this fine film, we hope this marks only the beginning of Hollywood’s foray into exploring films about the black experience in America, rather than a destination that ends forever in the past.
Despite the power of the film, Hollywood again gives the nod to a film that depicts the darkest chapter of American history, like Amistad before it, but keeps it in the distant past. Issues of race are still present in modern day America, and Hollywood too often misses the opportunity to engage us in thinking about race as something other than a historic setting for period costumes and the exorcism of old guilt .
Fruitvale Station, a film that asks us to confront more recent versions of racial injustice, is notably missing from the field. Also missing from the Academy’s most important stories are representations of people of color that veer from gangsters and slaves.
Look at the wide variety of characters that other nominees are playing this year. Awards do let Hollywood know that stories are worth watching to audiences. Here’s hoping that this award leads to a wider array of films about people of color.
Wishing You Calmer Seas
In a field of giants, Barkhad Abdi was in good company for the Best Supporting Actor Award. While he didn’t win for his depiction of a Somali pirate, not a bad result for his first acting career.
In the flash of Hollywood, it can be hard for a first time actor to hold on. When that actor is typecast, it can be even tougher. So that then is the struggle ahead for Abdi.
Without a lot of roles for Somali pirates, or even general African badies, Abdi has had a hard time nailing down his next roles, despite the accolades. Hopefully he’ll find his footing free of seas legs.
Best Dressed–Again!
Once again, Lupita Nyong’o kills the red carpet in an ice-blue Prada that she helped to design.
With her powerful performance in 12 years a Slave, she’s been a fashion forward fixture all awards season.
While her style is well worth watching, here’s hoping that she shows up in as many future films as red carpet gowns. Check out this very thoughtful plea to remember her acting chops. With her super svelte style, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that It girls like her are most successful when they act, not just act pretty
Susan X Jane 