Bynion’s Opinion: Cut the act at awards shows
Copy Editor Taylor Bynion often finds herself wishing there was a way to overcome life’s daily inconveniences, struggles, and challenges. This column gives her a space to share her feelings on everything from minor annoyances to more prominent issues, and hopefully make some positive changes along the way.
Having the wrong winner announced at the Oscars this year was not the only disappointing event that took place at the awards show.
During the Oscars, politically based comments, such as, “I am against any form of wall that wants to separate us,” and “All you people out there who feel like there’s no mirror for you…The Academy has your back, the ACLU has your back, we have your back, and for the next four years…we will not forget you.”
These comments were completely unnecessary for the environment of an awards show. Similar comments were also made at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammys, People’s Choice Awards, and the American Music Awards.
Such comments take away from the intent of an awards show. The purpose of awards is to recognize the accomplishments and talents of men and women in the entertainment industry, not to provide a platform for them to express their political views.
Many viewers tune into such programs, hoping to see their favorite entertainers win awards based upon their success and popularity. This year, viewers instead found bold political commentary and divisive comments that many people, including me, found offensive.
With so many political programs already on television, it is unnecessary to bring political comments into awards shows. According to the New York Times this year’s Oscars held “the second-lowest total since Nielsen started tracking viewership in 1974,” with one of the reasons for the low viewership being, “the prospect of political speeches aimed at the Trump administration.”
Entertainers should consider the ramifications of their actions. Simply because someone appreciates their talent as performers does not mean he or she shares the same political views. According to the Hollywood Reporter National Research Group, “66 percent of Trump supporters said they have stopped watching an awards show because a winner discussed political views during his or her speech.”
Celebrities sharing their political views is not wrong, but they need to consider the forum on which they choose to do so. Making political statements at awards shows is inappropriate due to the venue and overall environment. The speeches and comments made at award shows need to focus on more positive topics and avoid controversial issues.
Taylor Bynion is a Copy Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.