As 2014 comes to a close, here are a few things that drive me nuts, Lewis Black style.
Recently I’ve seen two signs in neighborhoods that say “Drive Like Your Children Live Here.” OK, I don’t have children. How should I drive? Batshit crazy? How about “Follow the fucking law.” Let’s not even bring children into the subject. You should drive legally whether there are kids around or not.
Racism exists. Excessive force by police exists. End of story. Defensive white people trouble me.
Women do not often report rape. Women do not report rape and sexual harassment by powerful men until years later. This is also real. The Washington Post did a great article on it here.
Women continue to be miss-represented in Hollywood and television and theatre. As do people of color. Don’t be offended, white man, when I speak the truth. It’s not about YOU, it’s about a system of oppression and favoritism. Support movies that are directed by women and tell women’s stories. Pay attention to who is writing the story and who is directing it. Remember the Bechdel Test?
A movie production company talks bad about actors? People think this is wrong? They are actors. They are picked based on their talent. None of this shocks me. And I don’t think any actor in Hollywood should be surprised by this. Nor do I think email is some safe secret place where you can tell the truth. It’s the fucking internet.
I live too far away from people I love very much. Why hasn’t teleportation happened yet? Seriously?
Conflict is part of the world in which we live. There is no black and white. There is almost always just gray. I have colleagues and family members who think conflict should never be out in public. I disagree. Working through conflict is the best way to get to agreement, negotiation or at least the realization that we have two different opinions on a subject. This saddens me.
I hate so many Christmas commercials that get played over and over again. I can’t even listen to the Surface Pro commercial made to the tune of Walking in a Winter Wonderland. And I can’t even hear that song without seeing Christopher Walken in my head, since a friend posted it on Facebook.
And finally, Facebook. Don’t air your dirty laundry there. Be nice. We don’t need to see you rant about your miserable life. Your life is not miserable, clearly if you have a computer and have the leisure time to post on Facebook. Educate, share love, share pictures of children and animals, start healthy debate on important subjects, but please don’t whine. In memory of the late and great Dr. Sandra Hardy, my favorite acting teacher: No Whining.
I promise to write something more sweet before the end of the year.
Happy New Year!
The Feminist Critic 