Who Run the World? Girls? (I think?)
The above image is from the ‘Woman and Hollywood’ website for the 2014-2015 television season. This year’s figures haven’t been released yet. Though of course not nearly half as bad as it must have been decades ago, there are discrepancies in the data. Yes, 42% of characters on network television—with speaking parts—are female. What this study doesn’t show us is how many of these characters are lead characters, and how many are supporting. As seen above, it simply says that 28.4% of female actresses have speaking roles in the last five years.
More alarmingly, in the next table, there shows a discrepancy in age between male and female actors:
The majority of female characters were in their 20s and 30s (60%), whereas the majority of male characters were in their 30s and 40s (55%).
This isn’t groundbreaking news. There have been reports everywhere discussing the age difference between male and female actors—especially when you consider that the female usually plays the much-younger love interest.
[wp_ad_camp_2]
Women Behind the Camera—is it any better?
Well…no. In fact, it’s a far bleaker picture. But why is this important? In a Variety interview, Dr. Martha Lauzen said:
People tend to create what they know and having lived their lives as females, women tend to be drawn to female characters. We need to have greater diversity behind the scenes if this is going to change.
But when “27% of creators, directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and directors of photography working on broadcast programs” is there a feasible solution? Even worse, “45% of programs employed 4 or fewer women in the roles considered. Only 4% of programs employed 4 or fewer men.”
In an age where social media spreads like wildfire, petitions get made and word gets out on platforms like Tumblr, young people are growing in self-awareness of the imbalance of this situation. Much like university courses such as engineering, in which more and more females are enrolling, this should be the case for television. Looking at the figures, it clearly is not.
Change won’t happen overnight. But more and more television shows are picking up the mantle. Syfy’s ‘Killjoys‘ and ‘Wynonna Earp‘ spring to mind. The web-series ‘Carmilla‘ (now being made into a movie) is also thrown into the mix. It’s not revolutionary, but it isn’t ignored.
[wp_ad_camp_2]
The Good News and an Obvious Fact.
Here’s the thing: women are funny. Look at superstars like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, with their breakout roles in the laugh-out-loud ‘Bridesmaids’. Furthermore, Kate McKinnon is hot property at the moment. Possibly the funniest member of SNL, McKinnon stepped into the limelight as the bizarre genius Holtzmann in ‘Ghostbusters’, winning her a legion of devoted fans.
(See: ‘Orange is the new Black‘).
Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson dare you not to laugh at ‘Broad City‘. It’s impossible. Melissa Fumero and Stephanie Beatriz are stars of comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘. We had Amy Acker and Sarah Shahi as Root and Shaw respectively in CBS’ successful ‘Person of Interest‘, whilst Alycia Debnam-Carey has stolen the hearts of many for her portrayals as Commander Lexa (‘The 100‘) and Alicia Clark (‘Fear the Walking Dead‘). And there’s Taraji P. Henson ready to stab you with her stiletto on ‘Empire’.
Let’s not forget ‘Wynonna Earp’. There isn’t really much that needs to be said about ‘Wynonna Earp’ other than thank you, Emily Andras and Beau Smith Ranch. A legendary lawman such as Wyatt Earp should have a demon-hunting heir who rocks a leather jacket (with tassels!) and great hair. If Superman can disguise himself with a pair of glasses, then Wyatt Earp’s descendants can be ass-kicking descendants, wielding cool guns and embarking on a quickly-beloved same-sex relationship in ‘WayHaught’ (Dominique Provost-Chalkley and Katherine Barrell’s Waverly and Nicole).
[wp_ad_camp_2]
Wait—so what are you moaning about, then?
Whilst more television shows are beginning to integrate females as leads, or co-leads, there’s an ugly side to the industry. What about CBS’ ill-fated revamp of ‘Nancy Drew’, featuring Sarah Shahi as the eponymous heroine?
It’d make sense if the pilot had been rubbish. We know Shahi has an excellent acting range, judging by her performances in ‘Life’ and ‘Person of Interest’. It had reportedly been tested well with audiences. The combination of a beloved story plus Shahi’s name was sure to be a guaranteed success—until it was cancelled before it had even aired for skewing ‘too female‘. It spawned an angry backlash, with the hashtag #TooFemale trending for hours on Twitter.
And then there’s the frankly ridiculous lack of diversity:
77% of female characters were white, 15% were African-American, 3% were Latina, 4% were Asian, and 1% were of some other race or ethnicity.
How on earth is that representative of the world’s population? Is every programme set in some white suburban neighbourhood? Is there a serious cause of brown-face going on? We don’t know the cause—but we do know of the uproar Zendaya caused after she was cast as Mary-Jane in Spiderman. ‘Harry Potter’ author J.K. Rowling had to shut down racist comments after a black actress was cast as Hermione Granger.
So is that the problem? One that nobody shall admit to? Television and film are catered for the viewers anyway—but do viewers want diversity? Even in ‘iconic’ roles—some of which haven’t even been explicitly stated as one race or another?
[wp_ad_camp_2]
To come full-circle, this is yet another article pin-pointing some worrying statistics in the television and film industry. But if we don’t speak about it, then who will?
Actresses have spoken of their experiences in the film industry. SNL’s parody was ludicrous but hit the nail on the head—despite those problems (if SNL-style exaggerated) very much in the past. Smaller productions like ‘Carmilla’ have been led by producer Stephanie Ouaknine and writer Jordan Hall. ‘Wynonna Earp’ has been notably spear-headed by Emily Andras, with fellow writers in her team such as Caitlyn D. Fryers and Alexandra Zarowny. In an in-depth interview with AfterEllen, Andras states:
I did talk to (Dominique Provost-Chalkley, who plays Waverly) and (Katherine Barrell, who plays Officer Haught) a lot about the passionate LGBT community and how important it is that they see themselves represented on television as people, not as tropes. And the one thing I talk about a lot is I really want to make the relationship about the relationship. Not every lesbian or gay or whatever relationship is the same in the same way not every straight relationship is the same. That’s one thing I really learned from Lost Girl. Conflict should come from whom the characters are, not the fact that they’re gay or straight or other.
Thus it’s a mistake to just talk of female representation. What of race? Sexual orientation? Gender identity? There are subgroups within that subgroup, and whilst it may seem simple on the surface, it isn’t when you delve deeper.
What do you think about this topic? Has a show/character represented you? Do you think it’s important? Let us know @TVAfterDark!
For now, let’s just enjoy this Hannah John-Kamen scene (‘Killjoys’).
Sweethearts, as excellent as this article is about diversity, it lacks an aspect. Diversity does not simply stop at ones sex, gender, ethnicity or sexuality, etc. This problem also extends into disabled characters, particularly in regards to when there are so few roles to begin with that the ones that are get casted to abled-bodied actors. Not to mention the pretty much 0% employment behind the camera.
Hell the oscars aren’t even wheelchair friendly, least of all signed ……. just some food for thought for next week when lack of diversity rears its disappointing hydra heads.
Agreed!
I’d have to take time for research but when publishing had a plethora of other points to cover hence already pitched a ‘series’ on thus. Whether i’ll find the time to cover all of that I don’t know. Physical disability is a huge one (I can genuinely only think of one show who employed an actually disabled actor) as is mental disability, even physicality in terms of fictional characters able to simply fight. It’s all very muddled because there are so many branches of diversity, so much to fight for and even the littlest things are cause for the biggest celebrations. It’s both a triumph and a sadness that it must be so.
Fantastic web site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your effort!
Good write-up. I definitely love this website. Stick with it!
медицинская справка
wonderful submit, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!
Normally I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.
I read this piece of writing fully about the resemblance of latest and preceding technologies, it’s awesome article.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I think that you ought to write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people do not discuss such subjects. To the next! Cheers!!
Thank you for another informative web site. Where else may I am getting that kind of info written in such a perfect method? I have a challenge that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.
Excellent blog here! Also your site lots up fast! What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate link in your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
Hi, I desire to subscribe for this website to get latest updates, so where can i do it please assist.
Hi to every one, because I am actually keen of reading this website’s post to be updated daily. It consists of nice information.
Wonderful blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any ideas? Bless you!
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Currently it looks like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, let alone the content!
fantastic issues altogether, you just won a emblem new reader. What might you suggest in regards to your publish that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
There is definately a lot to learn about this topic. I love all the points you made.
Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?
Good day very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I am glad to seek out so many useful information here in the publish, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers
Keep this going please, great job!
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve bear in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too fantastic. I really like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re stating and the best way in which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.
I’m now not sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or working out more. Thank you for great information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
Can I just say what a relief to find a person that really knows what they’re talking about on the net. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people need to look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular because you certainly have the gift.
Incredible points. Great arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.
I was able to find good info from your blog articles.
I read this article fully concerning the comparison of latest and previous technologies, it’s remarkable article.
VIP мужской эромассаж Москва выбрать лучший
Hi! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Thanks!
Good day! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects? Thank you so much!
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
Your style is very unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is very good.
I was very pleased to find this site. I wanted to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and I have you book marked to see new things on your blog.
I love it when people come together and share opinions. Great blog, keep it up!
Hello there! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve got here on this post. I will be coming back to your site for more soon.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Many thanks!
You’ve made some decent points there. I looked on the web to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided shiny transparent concept
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Cheers!
This article is actually a nice one it helps new web people, who are wishing for blogging.
Now I am going to do my breakfast, later than having my breakfast coming again to read more news.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a leisure account it. Glance complicated to far brought agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people about this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks