Feminist Theory at the SAG Awards

    Strangely enough, two of the speeches from last night’s Screen Actor Guild’s Award Show encompassed several of the issues we have covered in our readings. Dick Van Dyke, while presenting a lifetime achievement award to Mary Taylor Moore, “praised” Moore for being ''… one of the few performers — women — who can do a flat-out comedy scene and still be beautiful and feminine and adorable'' (Entertainment Weekly). There is no question that Van Dyke was heartfelt in his admiration for Moore but instead of honoring her for her acting achievement he places her in category defined more by her sex, looks and femininity instead of talent.

    When Viola Davis accepted the Best Cast award for The Help she said ''The stain of racism and sexism, it's not just for people of color or women — it's all of our burden, all of us can inspire change'' (Entertainment Weekly).  When hearing her statement you can almost believe that she has read bell hooks' essay from our text. I would hope that prior to taking this women’s studies course I would have noted these two statements but I am sure that as I continue my studies over the semester I will be able to hear the subtext of oppression in every day speech.

These quotes were taken from Entertainment Weekly’s Website, January 30, 2012.

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20560482,00.html#21112591