Golden Globes' Bubble Feminism

There was something a little over the top about the so-called smug feminist speeches at the Golden Globes. Just because extremely wealthy entertainers wore black dresses and brought activists as their dates, they would have us believing that somehow indeed a tectonic shift has taken place. Sure, as far as the industry is concerned, that one of the biggest names has been taken down by women who came forth to disclose his sexual assaults, abuse, threats, and intimidation is indeed a big moment. But, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of levelling the playing field for actors and actresses of colour; equal pay (yes, which was talked about at the ceremony); and, making films which set the historical record straight. 

Dunkirk was honoured and will continue to be honoured even though it's another 'f-ing' World War 2 movie (SICK AND TIRED OF WORLD WAR 2 and this typical narrative that goes with this F-ING WAR) and it was another whitewashed film. That Gary Oldman (nice, Denzel gets passed over once again) was waxing lyrical about the racist pig that was Winston Churchil as he received the Best Actor award for playing Winston Churchill goes to show that films are still made which glorify extremely flawed historical figures placed on the highest pedestal, historical figures who are merely imperialists, colonialists, and racists.

Any word of solidarity with Palestinians? Of course, not. How could Hollywood ever dare to pontificate against Israeli injustice during one of its biggest nights? George Clooney would only repeat 'Je Suis Charlie' like a trained monkey because its a fashionable refrain to repeat it. No, Israel is off limits as a hot topic to rally around. After all, the biggest feminist film of 2017 featured no one else but an ex-Israeli soldier. 

Of course, it's admirable that more and more women are in the driving seat as producers and directors! It's great that women are celebrating this year past when so many women broke the silence and came forward to talk about criminal male actors and producers and directors. It coincided so well with the politics of 2017 and, how much liberal, polite America is suffering under its 45th Supreme Leader. 

Does this hail a great a leap forward for feminism? Hardly. 

Oprah's speech was indeed magnificent! Can anyone talk so well as her? Can anyone else captivate an audience like her. No, she's not a typical actress (and actors are really trained monkeys who until they don't have a script to deliver, reveal their ordinary, ignorant selves) but a woman of experience and wisdom. It was a thundering speech! That she pointedly mentioned Recy Taylor in this fervent 'Time is up' frenzy, was poignant and powerful. But still, it was a generous speech and not as scathing as it could have been. Some level of protocol has to be maintained after all. 

All in all, a great awards ceremony but let's keep the perspective. 

Disclaimer: I am still crazy about movies.