Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Fri, Aug 17 2007
Performers often judged, not on work, but on other behavior: And who decides which behaviors are okay?
Reading the ABC News article on Steven Seagal reminded me of the dark days of McCarthyism and the blackballing of performers. I've never been able to understand why some performers can have drunk driving convictions and other court-ruled crimes and go on getting jobs one after another. Other performers' who reveal a staunch political stance or make disparaging remarks about someone in office often receive criticism and censure on the part of both those who hire performers and those who pay to see the performers' work. (I don't mean that Steven Seagal did either of those specific things, but something changed in the industry moguls' attitude toward him, and in many fans' attitude toward him.)
In the end, I suppose the business that is entertainment is a lot like other businesses, where braggarts and schmoozers often get the office with the best view, while workers who do their work well and without fanfare often go unrewarded, or even end up being punished when they blow the whistle on negative working conditions or when rumors, either idle or manufactured, threaten their good name.
Some years ago Mr. Seagal was decent and generous to someone I care about, so he has a special place in my heart, even though we've never met. I hope he gets a good word from those who have accused him. And I hope we see more of his work in the future.
posted at: 15:19 | category: /Arts and Entertainment | link to this entry
Reading the ABC News article on Steven Seagal reminded me of the dark days of McCarthyism and the blackballing of performers. I've never been able to understand why some performers can have drunk driving convictions and other court-ruled crimes and go on getting jobs one after another. Other performers' who reveal a staunch political stance or make disparaging remarks about someone in office often receive criticism and censure on the part of both those who hire performers and those who pay to see the performers' work. (I don't mean that Steven Seagal did either of those specific things, but something changed in the industry moguls' attitude toward him, and in many fans' attitude toward him.)
In the end, I suppose the business that is entertainment is a lot like other businesses, where braggarts and schmoozers often get the office with the best view, while workers who do their work well and without fanfare often go unrewarded, or even end up being punished when they blow the whistle on negative working conditions or when rumors, either idle or manufactured, threaten their good name.
Some years ago Mr. Seagal was decent and generous to someone I care about, so he has a special place in my heart, even though we've never met. I hope he gets a good word from those who have accused him. And I hope we see more of his work in the future.
posted at: 15:19 | category: /Arts and Entertainment | link to this entry
