Reasons I know I can't stay in acadamia
A few weeks ago I assigned a reading to my class. It discussed how there are very few women or minorities in the film industry and how the addition of these points of view could drastically change the types of stories being told in Hollywood. My class hearty agreed. The article then went on to say that even if you are not a woman or minority (based on gender, race, or sexuality and I had my students physically write in 'or disability) it is important not to forget about these people when writing your scripts. Even more importantly, however, when one does include someone who is not white, heterosexual, able-bodied and male, the writer should not rely on stereotypes to build the character.
"Yes!" They agreed.
"OK then, how does this apply to your writing or films?" I asked to my 10 white male and 4 white female students.
A bit of silence...
and then:
"Well, I don't see the world in stereotypes so I don't think this really applies to me."
"I think stereotypes are funny. I mean have you ever read stuff White People Like? I'm not offended."
(Going off of an example in the reading of the white cop/black dynamic, think Lethal Weapon)
"It seems to be working. I mean, those films make a ton of money so people must like them. I don't see the problem."
And finally:
"Well, I don't see how I can write about people who aren't white like me. I'm not trying to be racist or anything, but it seems like black people hang out with black people and white people hang out with white people."
