Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

At the Beauty Standards of Women in Non Traditional Roles Panel co-sponsored by Ithaca College Women in Communications, we got hella uncomfortable. Joined by Professor Chrissy Guest of Ithaca College, Dr. Rachel Raimist from The University of Alabama, and Professor Caroline K. Kaltefleiter for SUNY Cortland, we started the night off with video clips from Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue at the 90th Oscar Awards. 90 years and we have our first female cinematographer nomination. 90 years later and we have our first female director nomination in over 8 years. 90’s year later and we’re still in the era of firsts. This was Dr. Raimist’s reiteration during our discussion. Why are women still not being recognized? Why are women not being seen?

We went on to discuss the recent Times Up campaign and the forthcoming of an overwhelming amount of survivors of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. An important note we kept in mind during this discussion is that women are harassed everyday, in every form of employment. Professor Guest commented that “no one is being punished or held accountable,” which is true. Harvey Weinstein isn’t in jail. He was fired and removed from the academy but his name is still attached to the company. Weinstein is still present in this industry. And why is he the first offender to be denounced by the academy? The only other person to be removed from the academy is a guy who pirated movies. Many people, such as Casey Affleck, have had their name attached to actions of sexual misconduct. But instead of holding them accountable, we give them awards, make them presenters, and highlight their attributes to the arts. Want to know who matters most? Take a look at who is being honored.

A discussion began where our three panelists highlighted different women in the field who don’t fit the beauty standard we are force fed from the day we are born. Dr. Raimist presented on women of color behind the camera who are changing the way characters are portrayed and seen. Women like Ava Duvernay. Dr. Raimist’s presentation was empowering and education. She honestly could have also done an entire presentation on herself and her work elevating female voices through her own filmmaking. Professor Kaltefleiter presented on the riot girl movement. Girls like Lady Bird and Juno who don’t fit the beauty standard, but are at the forefront of films regardless. These are women who are so extraordinary because they are now dominating stories that usually have a male-lead. These riot girls, however, are not dominated or defined by men. Their relationships with other females are organic and honest. This is a breath of fresh air for critical media consumers. Professor Guest brought to light the way that women are underestimated behind the camera. In a very telling “behind the scenes” documentary about “Lost,” a female camera operator is referred to as “a pretty little thing” who surprisingly can handle a camera. She is of course gorgeous and fits the ideal beauty standard, yet is still underestimated for her physical capabilities.

A discussion between educators and students created room to talk about how we can rebel in our everyday spaces. All three professors reiterated the importance of spaces that help women reassure each other of their capabilities and sense of belonging. Dr. Raimist suggested setting guidelines for group activities. In the classroom men often watch women handle equipment and wait, ready to correct, instead of giving them space to learn. One point that seemed universal amongst the room was that educators need to shut down inequality when they see it inside and outside of the classroom. All students should be given the same learning experience and when they’re not, we’re doing a disservice to the entertainment industry because we aren’t giving them students that have been taught to their fullest potential, and that is truly a shame. Educators set the example in the classroom and when that example is one of inequality, we are perpetuating the current industry systemic cycle. Women need to be seen inside of the classroom in order to ensure their success afterwards.

Again, why are women not seen? It has a lot to do with the way women are treated and listened to (or not), as well as the fact that we didn’t grow up seeing women in non-traditional media roles. Women such as Penny Marshall, who directed “A League Of Their Own.” Penny Marshall is a name everyone should know, but don’t because women in these non-traditional roles are neglected. That being said, it has been overwhelming to see the growth of women in the past year and to see narratives such as Ladybird, Black Panther, Wonder Woman, a Wrinkle in Time, and more surface. It is creating a revolution of badass women ready to change this industry. These conversations are uncomfortable, but if we’re not having uncomfortable conversation, we’re being complacent. And when we’re complacent, we’re wasting precious time and energy. This panel was a great reminder of women who defy the beauty standard, educators who activity create equality in their everyday spaces, and the ways students can create change today. Thank you again to Professor Guest, Dr. Raimist, and Professor Kaltefleiter for joining us and highlighting women who defy the beauty standard narrative.