I was never one to tune into Joan Rivers-esque shows during red carpet shows, so this isn’t about that. But I have always happily engaged in critique as sport, lately extending to social media, when it comes to entertainment awards season. Something has shifted for me this year, though. I’m shying away from nasty.
And it’s not just about awards season. Mean is all over the place (see the appalling Rex Reed ‘review’ of Melissa McCarthy’s ‘work’). Ask Lena Dunham about mean or the actor in that GoDaddy Super Bowl commercial or Gov. Chris Christie. We’re so darned surface-y in our judgments. Life isn’t supposed to be a beauty contest, people.
Today’s Game Plan: Awards Season and the Culture of Mean
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Thanks for the read. A culture of mean has always existed, I think it’s risen to new heights lately. I don’t remember critics stating Jackie Gleason was fat or John Candy was fat. Both were considered comic geniuses. Yes, they might have had a whole host of health issues, but their comedic timing was everything to audiences.
I watched Melissa McCarthy discussing her career with Jon Stuart and she hysterical. Her wit was equal to Jon’s. She was engaging. Melissa McCarthy is beloved by many, and that infuriates many meanies and some critics.
Nancy, you rock! So do I! And so does Melissa McCarthy!
Very well said, Terry! And rock on
Nancy