Why are so many performance awards still gendered?
There are enough valid and different skills represented in these areas that gendering the performers’ awards seems outdated.
I don’t recall seeing separate awards for “best female set designer” or “best male sound engineer”.
Is there an actual, valid reason that I am unaware of?
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Because in performing arts, among many other things, there is a difference between male and female so it wouldn’t be fair to pit them against each other.
In performing arts as in sports, there is still a differentiation between the representation and availability of good roles for men and women. To be blunt, there are more good roles available for men than for women. Separating the awards gives playwrights a reason to craft valuable roles for women as they readily do for men.
If it’s gendered then you can have two awards. Do you think any actors, male or female, want to limit it to just one and reduce their chances?
It’s not just misogyny…
The more awards, the more BS, and longer Oscars. The more fashion oriented people will watch. The more fodder for people to gossip about…
And. Overall it just brings more exposure to the entertainment industry…
@JLeslie You could also have more than two categories. ;)
@raum I don’t think you can. If you mean trans people, I consider them to be the gender they identify with, and they are about 1% of the population and maybe there are one or two a year in a role that even qualifies for a category like lead or supporting.
No, I don’t mean trans people. There are plenty of non-binary people. (Both genders, third gender, gender fluid, non-gender…)
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