Let’s face it, when it comes to relationship advice Chris Brown is the last person you think of. Right? Recently, at a Hollywood club, Brown offered advice on how to treat women. His statement of course was derogatory and sexist, but I was wondering who are the fans that continue to support him? Also, R& B singer Robin Thicke’s #1 single called Blurred Lines, which has been #1 on the music charts for the past three weeks and has generated controversy due to its rape-y lyrics and demeaning music video. Who are these people keeping it #1? Then you have the female consumers supporting Fifty Shades of Grey, a book that glamorizes a sexual fetish that in the end, is not about having sex, but more about the complete and unhealthy control one person has over another. I mean forget about the garbage Chris Brown, Robin Thicke and EL James are putting out, the real conundrum are the people buying and eating this garbage!
Its no secret Hollywood continues to marginalize women in the media because women are more profitable for cosmetic, plastic surgery and weight loss industries. In an article Not Just A Pretty Face: Modern Men Prefer Women With Brains Rather than Beauty, claims the US is lagging behind countries like Iceland and the UK, where recent studies show it’s the best place for working women, and more progressive when it comes to gender equality in the work place. They suggest that, “increases in gender equality in the society around us can also change the way we think about the opposite sex.” [1]This made me wonder about Chris Brown’s remarks on how to treat women, and the Blurred Lines song/video by Robin Thicke. Are they changing the way we view the opposite sex for the better? After all, you are what you eat. Add to that the multiple articles attacking women over 40, and the Fifty Shades of Grey book that has an insecure female lead Ana, who believes she can change Christian. And even when Christian demeans her, hurts her and robs her of her previous life, she continues to run back to him. What’s going on? Does Hollywood believe the only way to succeed is by degrading and preying on insecure, vulnerable women and men because appealing to confident and intelligent men and women destroy profits? or How about consumers who support degrading content because they don’t think or demand they deserve better? Perhaps this is why the US is lagging behind when it comes to gender equality in the workplace. In the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, she gives some startling facts.
“Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect their lives.[2]”
Now it’s important to recognize those industry leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and other smart men like him who aren’t threaten by intelligent women. Sheryl Sandberg the author of Lean In is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Now, let’s revisit Chris Brown and Robin Thicke and the people supporting them. Who are these young men and women? Why aren’t they buying and eating healthy and intelligent messages (like the one below) that respect and empower both sexes? After all, you are what you eat.
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Great article OB, of course SO timely.
What sounds titillating and risqué’ in a multitude of faux YouTube videos and what constitutes sure career suicide are clearly two different things. In the “what hack isn’t an artist” sweepstakes, two young celebrities just jumped out of the competition. They certainly aren’t the first ones and I’m not really a gambler, but I predict an avalanche of this sane Hollywood trend.
50 Shades=Career suicide
Great article OB!
I agree with LB. I’m leaving it there about thinking about 50 shades. No, no, no cat may make another appearance otherwise!
Garrett Hedlund said he did not want to take on the role…
“because he didn’t want to commit to the eventual sequels.”
RRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGHHHHTTTTTT. Everyone in Hollywood hates repeat performances.
Lol, I know right?!
I haven’t heard many actors come out and say it’s complete garbage. I’ve only heard of two. I wonder why that is? Are they scared?
I think you hit it on the head (unless they don’t know), I’m sure most will resort to being career cautious and use the most mundane yet illogical pleasantries.
“I’m really really busy next year.”
“I’m uncomfortable when too many people pledge to be at the premiere.”
“I’m concerned about my fans digestion and I’m not sure about serving buttery popcorn when the content is so controversial.”
When their fans nominated them to star in the thing they certainly don’t want to insult them by telling them what they actually think about the novel.
I think I should have said it would be impossible to make these statements referring to “50 Shades of Grey” if not for all of the attention paid to this topic on this web site.
LB and OB, you should take a bow!
Thank CR!,
Since u keep bringing up 50. I guess I need to expand a bit more on the topic before putting it to bed. Anyway, in all this hub-bub about casting for 50. I must give it to Robert Pattinson. I mean this entire series was inspired by his performance in Twilight. He could have really been an opportunist and disregarded the derogatory and sexist content that disrespects women given most Twi female fans can’t see how it disrespect’s them? I’m sure him having strong females in his family has allowed him to recognize and be sensitive to the degrading material. The truth is he could have easily taken the lead role in 50 and not be questioned at all given all the Twilight fans would have defended him.
LOL!
I hadn’t thought about fans nominating their favourite actors for the role. I can see why they wouldn’t want insult them now.
This is hilarious CR! Hahaha! My favorite.
“I’m concerned about my fans digestion and I’m not sure about serving buttery popcorn when the content is so controversial.”
Thanks CR & LB.
I really don’t have anything to say about 50 shades other than what I’ve stated in the article. I mean after hearing about the 150 arrested by the FBI for human trafficking u really have to be some heartless individual to continue to support or even be associated with 50 Shades is not only career suicide but opportunistic.
Since you brought it up, I thought I would find some footage. Not the most descriptive, yet in the media, it’s being used frequently anyway.
Sorry this one is far better,…
Everyone!
Are u more likely to support negative content because its popular in effort to be apart of the crowd, or resist it and risk getting isolated? Which one would u choose and why?
OB,
Honestly, I think having integrity is hard for everyone; no matter how hard you try.
I neither know Chris or Robin, but I know their worst enemy will be their record companies if they don’t stay relevant. For some entertainers, that means staying on the front of the gossip and scandal magazines.
Does this activity produce the best art? I doubt it. Is this behavior good for any of us? I doubt it. Are there a lot of impressionable people who think these performances are real? Obviously, or they’re drama junkies just the same.
I think you’re right to underline some of the issues brought up by Sheryl Sandberg because they seem so much more substantial in terms of any one else’s real life.
Not every R&B project intends to be destructive for women. This R&B/rap classic (in the “here today/gone today”) music world demonstrates collaboration do end up constructive.
Empire State of Mind: Rap lyrics by Jay Z, featuring Alicia Keys and produced by Al Shux.
I love that song for two reasons. One it’s an awesome song and two the spoof Newport State of Mind, lol!
Ozzie,
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Thanks for the reminder.
YAY! 🙂
This is funny. I’ve never seen this before. lol!!!.
Resist it and risk being isolated but I’ve always been an introverted odd ball so that wouldn’t be a new thing, lol! Anyway, I chose that because I have a high set of morals that I apply to myself. I chose peace and equality for all. Unless its purpose is to make people reflect and think I don’t tend to support it.
Hang on, brb. A new cat decided we’d make good slaves and moved in. I think she’s attempting to go out the bathroom window so I need to rescue her!
Oz! U are not a odd ball u are a freethinker. Having integrity is more important to u than popularity. I admire that. Not everyone can or will stick to their beliefs under pressure.
Everyone!
We’ve talked about why people need to be social in our Starsucker series. Other than fame. Why do u think people continue to follow a trend when it clearly degrades someone they know or them?
I’m not sure either of these guys( if anything is in E.L. James head) is doing that much thinking. Because it’s such a hard game to win, I suspect the relevance game is pretty tough for most entertainers to drop once they prove themselves competitive.
Music wise, I think artists like Mariah Carrey have sustained by being versatile, mega-talented and knowing when to diversify.
Regardless, I really like it when artists are courageous…
Yet for some artists, positivity pit stops can become dead tends if they aren’t flexible, varied or cable of adapting to new audiences, trends, etc. (Obviously we’re still talking about musicians).
Hmm! I’m sorry. Am I watching Betty Boop or Mariah Carrey? Regardless MC has the same problem most run into staying relevant. What’s sad is that she is mega talented and seems to be stuck in the 80’s. Who acts like that?
Sorry, her inclusion had more to do with career longevity than my promoting her music. 10 plus years in the music industry may be a century in dog years.
I thought you brought up the topic by asking about Chris and Robin’s career relevance and content development strategies.
Honestly, I admire her drive yet I haven’t been a collector of her music in the past.
Hmm! CR are u saying u don’t want me to stand in front of a wind machine and act like Betty Boop for u? Hahaha!
No seriously. Actually I like the song. It’s the video that make her look ridiculous. However, I get your point.
“I thought you brought up the topic by asking about Chris and Robin’s career relevance and content development strategies.”
Yes, I think its sad after all these years MC is acting like a blow up doll to stay relevant. U can still be smart and sexy without wind machines and showing your hoo-hah’s. I really think videos really help to solidify the real intent of a song. For example Justin Timberlake’s song I’m Bringing Sexy Back. Now the lyrics can be perceived as sexist but when combined with the video its not. Unlike in Robin Thicke’s video which is strictly objectifying women. Yet, in JT’s video the women is represented as a smart double agent he’s attracted to. Meaning women are portrayed and respected other than for their hoo-hahs.
I think you make a lot of good points.
OB,
I’m so embarrassed. THIS ISN’T AN EXCUSE, yet sadly we talk about music so infrequently.
Not thinking about it, in terms of longevity, the first woman who popped into my head was Mariah and you’re right the video is completely ridiculous. I’m still impressed with her staying power, but yes I hope at some point her videos would try to keep up with her real talent.
I rolled my eyes when I read a current Rolling Stone article that talked about something like the top 100 touring live acts. Madonna made the list at number 30!!!!!!!!!
Since we’re on the subject, here’s a female artist whose longevity and whose inventiveness is, IMO far more impressive.
Maybe we’ll dedicate a series to the topic of women in the music industry in the future.
Everyone,
Do u think if HW started producing empowering content for both sexes, they would have higher profits?
I think empowering varies by artist.
Do u think filmmakers and HW should be more socially responsible? For example, the 150 arrested in human trafficking, How can HW continue to be insensitive to what’s going on?
I think courageous varies by artist.
ITA!
I don’t know why they’re insensitive. I was just watching Taken the other night. Sure it’s a shoot them up movie but it did highlight human trafficking. Maybe the way to raise these topics to a wider audience is to introduce them into more popular genres.
ITA Oz! I have more to say and will have to finish up tomorrow.
Ozzie,
David Cronenberg did a really great movie on human trafficking as well. He did this film when this topic was really, really, really, really taboo and way before Taken. That’s why I like him he’s always a bit ahead of things. Anyway, the film is called “Eastern Promises.” Have u seen it?
Not yet. It was on TV about 6 months back and I forgot to watch it. I’m still kicking myself over it!
Everyone,
I’m going to be late to the discussion tonight. However, I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. I have left a few questions of my own to get things started and I will definitely, come back and answer all your questions as well. Thanks!
Do u think its possible with the Twilight generation women will achieve more leadership roles in industry equal to men?
Only those who take it for what it is. A cheesy story to escape into for a few hours after hard work. Those who literally take it like a bible won’t.
Are u saying those who got lost in Twilight are less likely to see themselves as leaders of industry?
No, just those take it as fact not fiction if you know what I mean, lol! There’s nothing wrong with Twi fans, it’s those who take it seriously and project it onto other things and people. That mentality is not healthy and will get you know where. But those who like just the story and see it as an escapism for a few hours, they’ll be fine!
U are saying those three sane Twi fans will do just fine. Its all the rest we have to worry about. JK! I understand your point.
OB,
If I’m not interpreting wrong, your inclusion of Sheryl Sandberg’s address at TED within your article counts as a ringing endorsement. It must be true that you believe more women in leadership roles might likely change the world of influences in this non-fifty/fifty world of influences we live in.
How do you feel about Cheryl Boone Isaac’s recent election as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences? The Hollywood Reporter describes her as…
“The marketing executive is the first African-American and third woman to head the 86-year-old organization.”
How do you believe these events will likely impact a world that currently supports the world broadcast of sexist musicians and BDS&M novels, screenplays, and their promotion in feature length films?
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cheryl-boone-isaacs-elected-president-595686
I think this is very progressive. I really admire her and very impressed. Hopefully, things will get better for minorities in HW. Yet, I digress. She is only one person it’s going to take audiences wanting and demanding better and more diverse content as well. What ways can audience vote for better content?
I think you are participating in it.
Hi everyone!
Catching up right now!
Hi Ozzie.
Hi CR! 🙂
All caught up now and all I can say is wow! What a very informative article, OB! I feel a little dizzy keeping up with those facts and figures, lol! I loved the Ted video too.
I understand her book is pretty spectacular too.
My mind will definitely be blown away then! I’ve add her book to my “must buy” list.
Thanks Ozzie & CR,
I know the facts are overwhelming. I read Sheryl Sanberg’s book about two months ago and was blown away. It was so empowering. I wondered what are women telling themsleves after they’ve heard, seen and read degrading content about them? What impact does it have on their self-esteem?
Oz & CR,
I really did not articulate what I meant to say last night very well. So please bare with me while I take another stab at it.
What I wanted to say, if we were to look at the obesity pandemic and the poverty level in America where 4 out 5 people face near poverty. And where women don’t hold positions of leadership equal to men in industry. There is know way people can turn a blinds eye and say the degrading content they are consuming and supporting is empowering them? Its just not possible!!! What I’m saying HW, The Government can have all the programs in the world to help people but if people aren’t willing to help themselves well??????
I’m hoping it’s because they’re not aware of such things rather than burying their heads in the sand. Sometimes you need the bash the knowledge into their heads before they wake up and smell the coffee. But those who ignore the problem, well you can’t really help them as they’re not willing to listen. That’s why I hope it’s the former rather than the latter.
I really hope its the former too Oz. Yet, I think most people today will opt to give crap a free pass because its popular. Instead of really looking at a product critically and see if it advances us culturally and socially.
As usual thanks for the brave topic OB. Talk to everyone later.
Night CR!
I’m heading off too. Night all!
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for participating in tonight’s discussion. I’m late but here and I will read and respond to your comments now.