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xenolinkfgb-blog · 9 years ago

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REACT WORLD: The FineBros Controversy

(NOTE: These videos are re-uploads, more information can be found on my newest post.)

First of all, for those who don’t know, the FineBros are two incredibly famous and successful YouTube personalities. The brothers (Rafi and Benny Fine) created their main channel “ Fine Brothers Entertainment” on 4th June 2007. They started creating comedic sketches and shorts before the debut of what would become their REACT franchise with “Kids React to Viral Videos #1″ on 16th October 2010. Since then, the REACT videos have become the core of the content they create, even to the extent of having a third channel created specifically for REACT videos named REACT which debuted on 22nd July 2014. Since then, they have moved from strength to strength and have become one of the strongest channels on YouTube boasting over 14 million subscribers and over 3 billion video views. However, on 26th January 2016, the Fine’s announced a business move which has since shook the YouTube community with the announcement of “REACT WORLD”.

youtube

“REACT WORLD” is a license created by the FineBros to effectively allow YouTube creators to use their format of reaction videos under their brand name “legally”. According to the FineBros, “REACT WORLD is a new and innovative way to license formats around the globe with no upfront cost, and our goal is to cultivate a worldwide community of creators (media companies, other production companies, and individuals) on digital media platforms around the REACT franchise.” (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2UqT6SZ7CU ‘Video Description’)

Basically, the Fine Bros have copyrighted the format of their reaction videos, their show names and original content within these reaction videos and have created their own license. YouTubers’ and other content creators can pay a license fee to create their own REACT videos using the brand names and original content owned by the FineBros and then receive support and promotion by the FineBros (minus part of the videos monetisation earnings.) “React World is about licensing FBE's show formats, not just for shows like Kids React, but also others like "Do They Know It?," "Lyric Breakdown," and more. This is similar to TV where you can't make a show substantially similar to "America's Got Talent," but of course you can make a completely different talent competition series.” (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2UqT6SZ7CU ‘Video Description’)

The idea of this license is too effectively stop others from re-creating and profiting upon the reaction format the FineBros have created along with any of their other video ideas and shows. At face value, there isn’t really a problem with this as the FineBros have actually spent time in creating a video structure which is quite unique for a reaction video along with the format and original content (like graphics and music.) In essence, the license allows people to recreate their videos under their branding at a price, making these new videos official.

So the big question is why there is so much controversy surrounding this move. Well very unfortunately, the FineBros have not been as forthcoming on this subject matter as they should have been and displayed aggressive moves which suggest they are trying to completely corner the reaction video genre.

Now before I start analysing why this move is so controversial, I would first like to state that I don’t think the FineBros are these evil people that everyone is reportedly making them out to be, but rather they take too much pride over their structure and format and are now receiving backlash because of this.

Positives, Fairness of Protecting Original Content Under the REACT WORLD License:

First of all, lets highlight why this is (in principle) a fair move. From what the FineBros are suggesting, they only want to stop people copying their reaction video structure and format. This means stopping other content creators from imitating or using graphics, show names and logos created and owned by the Fine Bros (Format) and stopping others from copying the specific sequence of video and editing in said video in such a way that resembles the FineBros style (Structure).

In all fairness this is completely justified. It is clear when watching any REACT video by the FineBros that there is both a specific format and structure used to differentiate their content from other reaction videos and their format and structure is part of the reason they are as successful as they are. Just allowing people to copy this is harmful to their business and takes away from their originality.

Creating the license solves this issue by allowing content creators to legitimately create REACT videos using the same structure and format whilst allowing the FineBros to profit off of their original ideas and content. From this view, there isn’t much of a problem and as the FineBros have stated “We do not own the idea of reaction videos nor would we shut down anyone making reaction based content. Of course you can make your own react videos, but React World is an opportunity to localize versions of our specific series.” (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2UqT6SZ7CU ‘Video Description’)

However, this is where the situation becomes muddled as whilst the FineBros have stated that they would not attack those who create reaction based content, this proves contradictory due to reports of videos being taken down by Copyright Claims and even their confrontation and claims of copying their format and structure against The Ellen Show.

Negatives, a Lack of Clarity on What Defines Their Structure and Format and Faults of Their Own Pride :

Unfortunately, even if the premise of REACT WORLD is to protect their original ideas, it is apparent that the Fine’s are too prideful in the fact that they have reportedly shut down people’s channels and removed videos for feeling their reaction videos are too similar to their format and structure.

The most prolific of their attacks was on The Ellen Show. On 19th September 2014, The Ellen Show produced a segment where Ellen Introduces Kids to older technology (essentially, kids reacting.) On the same day, the FineBros went on both their Facebook and Twitter accounts, stating that The Ellen Show had in essence stolen their idea. The Twitter post can be found here (https://twitter.com/thefinebros/status/513062181772865536) and here is an upload of their Facebook post which was taken down some time after.

Whilst this was posted over a year ago, it is none the less an example of how defensive the FineBros are over their format and structure, to the point they felt that The Ellen Show was infringing on their originality...of showing people’s reactions.

As Already stated, the idea of the REACT WORLD license is to let others use the FineBros’ structure and format, but with attacks on YouTubers and Ellen, this brings up the question of what the FineBros define as their format and structure. From analysing their “ KIDS REACT TO TYPEWRITERS” video (released a month prior to the Ellen clip), we can denote what is classed as their format and structure. First of all, you can watch the video and then see what I’ve denoted as both their format and structure.

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So, here’s their structure and format which I’ve denoted as being unique to the FineBros’ REACT videos. Their graphics, show names, logos, music and sets CREATED and OWNED by the FineBros’ are what constitute as the FineBros’ formatting of the video. The structure is the FineBros’ specific sequence of video and editing within the REACT video.

(Whilst the analysis of the structure and format is as accurate as I can denote, it is not necessarily representative of what the FineBros’ class as their own structure and format since they have not defined it themselves.)

Format:

Sound: Introductory audio (Kids voices), Sound effects, Background Music

Graphics: Opening blackboard images and fonts, Images to border the demographics names and ages, Images to border facts which appear, End images to house promotional content

Show-names: Kids React

Logos: Fine Bros logo, Kids React Font

Music: Sounds which were created by the FineBros and are owned by them (not free-to-use audio)

Sets: Classroom backdrop

Structure:

Introduce Your Demographic

Name the Reaction Content

Show Demographic's Initial Reactions to Content

Discuss Final Opinions with Demographic

Present Facts About Reaction Content Throughout

(Additional/Optional Step) Ask Demographic For A yes/No Answer

End Video with Demographic Exiting Statements

Additional features of the structure include:

Editing style consists of quick white fades and interchanging between the entirety of your demographic.

We never see the FineBros personally and nor are they intentionally comedic, they simply ask for their reactions and are as impersonal as possible.

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If we are to compare this to the video produced by The Ellen Show (see above), we can see that there are a few similarities, but largely the video is entirely different asides from the similarities in the set design, the reaction content and demographic. This just shows that the FineBros apparently are not fully aware as to what constitutes as their own format and structure and this is very worrying and largely the source of the controversy. The FineBros are in a position where they can, on their own judgement, decide what is infringing on them and then proceed to attack others who are most likely not infringing on their content. This could (if unchecked) lead to them attacking any kind of reaction video that shows the slightest spark of originality as it could be seen “legally” as infringing on copyright.

Overall, this is a very worrying prospect and if unchecked, could see many content creators being unjustly taken down as a result of this license. I hope (and like to think) that the FineBros are not out to corner reaction videos and have complete control over the genre. The FineBros have released an update video in response to this, yet are still being unclear as to what constitutes as their own structure and format under their license and this controversy could mark the start of others laying claim to formats and structures which should be available to all.

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#FineBros #fine bros #REACT #REACT WORLD #controversy

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xenolinkfgb-blog · 9 years ago

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Do you ever imagine having Darth Vader’s theme while walking...?

Just take a moment to imagine yourself.

Walking down the street.

With that music.

#Badass.

#very cool #but #i might get beaten up

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xenolinkfgb-blog · 9 years ago

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I can see that you feel passionately about this, but I can’t help but think you’ve not only failed to research your argument to any extent but that like others, you are too distrusting of opinion. So first of all you’re accusing Michael Caine of holding an opinion based on the fact that he gets “…handed awards each year just for still breathing?” If you even spent 10 seconds of your time and looked on IMDB, you would see his last Oscar nomination was back in 2003. How is that in any way representative of your notion that he’s just given out awards, he doesn’t even get nominated for the Oscars anymore, let alone win any. Next time, spend some time on your argument before you rant. In particular, Caine is referencing Black actors as they are the majority who are calling for the boycott. Obviously you understand that Black actors have won awards in the past and that simply because there have been no Black nominations this year or the year prior, is not necessarily an indication of racism, but of the fact that they may not have provided the best performances.

Now I know what you’re thinking, this is white superiority bullshit. How can you know? It feels to me that you and others find it impossible to perceive that maybe people have an opinion and that just because an actor is Black, it doesn’t mean they should get special recognition. Everyone should be judged equally. ““…black actors just weren’t as good” It’s just not fucking true.” Why? In your opinion that’s not true? The problem is that you’re not admitting to not being objective in your argument. You simply believe that the notion of a Black actor not being as good isn’t true because it’s just not.

I was also curious as to what you mean by “…[the] oscars still have no interest or intention of representing.” From this, I assume you mean Black actors. Because of course, Black figures within the industry have never been nominated have they, that’s if you don’t include figures like; Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Will Smith, Chiwetel Ejiofor. This also means from your point of view that films which predominantly include Black characters or are related to racial issues have not been nominated or won anything before. Again, films like; 12 Years a Slave, Django Unchained, Selma, Ray, Invictus, are never nominated are they, the Academy refuses to award anything if it stars or has issues relating to racial prejudice. “It’s just not fucking true” that the Oscars refuse to represent films of race.

“…black actors and directors were as worthy of nominations as anyone. it wasn’t the quality of the movies so stop arguing that.” This is a fairly decent point, but again, regardless of if they were worthy or not, it all comes down to opinion. In your opinion (and the opinion of others) some of these Black actors and Directors should have been nominated, but perhaps in the opinion of others, they weren’t quite deserving this year. The Oscars now and always are a matter of opinion, as is anyone’s evaluation of what they consider talent. But no, because there are no Black actors, it’s racist. Are you honestly saying that there is no possibility of it being the result of an informed opinion? It just seems a shame that you and others can’t allow opinion without being wary of it.

True it may not be the quality of the movies, but there are many contributing factors as to why these films may not have been nominated or only had White nominations (something you can check out on my own post if you’d like to.)

The only thing I can agree with you on is that the board does need a reform as not only does it not envelop diversity, but it also fails to produce reasons for their nominations, something I think people would find interesting and would help to justify the nominations. The problem is neither side of the argument can prove their point accurately as this entire debate is centred on the opinions of a select few. However, I can’t help but feel that the issue is not as simple as most (like you) are making it out to be. The issue not has multiple factors to consider, but the lack of nominees and the focus of a lack of diversity needs to be focused on the industry itself and the films put into production and the opportunities they provide, not a glorified award ceremony.

Feel free to argue your points and like I said prior, I welcome you to read my debate on the Oscars.

#OscarsSoWhite/reactions to recent white actors' statements

Add-on: Feel free to message me if you have a different perspective, or if you feel uncomfortable with me talking about this race-specific issue since I’m not a person of color. I can imagine that black people been aware of this issue for more decades and have been making better and more informed statements a lot longer than I have.

I want to say Michael caine meant well, but at the same time no, that’s not how it is at all. Why should black people have to be “patient” when you get handed awards each year just for still breathing? And Charlotte I don’t even know what to say, but she was a lot more obviously insulting and I’ve heard that same bs white superiority “I’m still not racist but maybe black actors just weren’t as good” before and am sick of it getting press again. It’s just not fucking true.

people have BEEN waiting and oscars still have no interest or intention of representing. the films this year were good, black actors and directors were as worthy of nominations as anyone. it wasn’t the quality of the movies so stop arguing that. But the fact that the only ones nominated for work on said movies were the only white people involved (the two white writers for Straight Outta Compton but none of the actors, Stallone for a wink-wink cameo over the real leading guy) deliberately is a statement. And we need more than dumb “Oscar So White” jokes from presenters that are given every year but never change anything; they should be openly making statements, calling them out and bringing attention to how wrong it is, and risk making waves in their own careers to do so. Fame means shit if you don’t use it to speak out to a wider audience about these things.

the oscars need major reform in the committees’ selects’ and/or the committee itself needs to change. all attitudes about people “overreacting” need to change. If there is a protest and a boycott forming and it makes major waves at the oscars this year, AND if the presenters and actors put aside their own image and seriously talk about the unfairness of this, I will definitely cheer them on.

#Oscar debate

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xenolinkfgb-blog · 9 years ago

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The Oscars 2016: Racism In The Oscars or Narrow Minded Thinking?

Okay, so the biggest topic of discussion in the Film industry that’s causing controversy across all Media Outlets. Are the Oscars Racist? The Oscars 2016 marks the second year running where no Black actors have been nominated for an award. In light of this, public figures and largely stars from within the industry have called for a boycott or have shown reticence towards this years’ awards ceremony. Figures include:

Spike Lee

Will Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith

George Clooney

David Oyelowo

Lupita Nyong’o

Mark Ruffalo

Al Sharpton

50 Cent

Tyrese Gibson

Snoop Dogg

If one is to generalise the argument being made, then it can be summarised that because there are no nominees for Black actors (I stress Black actors as this is something I will come back to later), the Oscars are racist. When looked upon at face value, this does appear to be the case and it does seem unfair. However, I cannot help but feel that the argument starts and ends at this assumption. If we are to examine the facts in full detail, then we may begin to come to form other ideas as to why there is a so-called “lack of diversity” for the nominations. As such, I will be heading each of my debates as I go forward with my argument as to why the Oscars aren’t necessarily racist. Here are the arguments which are going to be made.

The Nominees Are Chosen Based On Their Performance and The Nominee Selection Process Has Always Been A Matter of Opinion

The Films From Which The Nominees Are Drawn From Are From Highly Successful Hollywood Films

The Issue Does Not Solely Lie With The Oscars

Do The Oscars Really Represent A Lack of Diversity Or Just A Lack of Black Actors

1. The Nominees Are Chosen Based On Their Performance and The Nominee Selection Process Has Always Been A Matter of Opinion:

“Regular awards are presented for outstanding individual or collective film achievements in a wide variety of categories.” Taken from the official Oscars’ website, the nominee criteria is decided upon performance. When all is said and done, the nominee selection has always been decided upon as a matter of opinion. Often we hear audiences in their masses protest year after year that their nominee didn’t win and they’ll list off reasons why their favourite should have won and it goes on and on. Clearly, the nominees have been chosen based on that of a collective opinion. The supposed difference this year however, is that it is a racially charged decision. I can’t help but feel that the notion of the voters being racially prejudice is flawed. Not only is it impossible to ascertain a persons’ true opinion, but I can’t see why, after so many years of having nominees consisting of multiple ethnicities, that the past two years would suddenly indicate that the voting board for the academy is racist. If that were the case, why have we not seen said racial prejudice in the past decade? The primary issue is that the opinion of the voting body is not justified. Yes the award nomination is meant to be an indication that whoever has been nominated has outstanding talent, but there is never an explicit reasoning. The Academy never release written statements on their choices and because of this, there is a recognised ambiguity of why nominations have been awarded, resulting in the fact that because their are only white actor nominations this year, the opinion is that the nominations are racist. Unfortunately, we live in a World that is full of racism and prejudice and thusly no-ones opinion is trusted and many cannot accept the fact that the lack of Black actor nominations could simply be that the board did not feel that their were truly outstanding Black performances this year. It has to be, in the mindset of most, that the lack of nominations for Black actors is racist.

2. The Films From Which The Nominees Are Drawn From Are From Highly Successful Hollywood Films:

If we are to comment on the lack of diversity, then another key aspect to consider is what the Oscars are for. Primarily, it is to praise successful Hollywood films. Why is this? Because it’s what the majority of the audience watching the Oscar’s will recognise and will have seen over the this year. It is often why most of the nominees are for American figures in the industry, because these awards are mostly for American films. If we were to call for awards that promoted true recognition of global cultural achievements in film-making, then an entirely new awards ceremony needs to be created, because as far as we can tell, the Oscars are for the popular films which American audiences saw and will want to win awards. Let’s be honest, the average film viewer will not have cared for films like “Son of Saul” as it wouldn’t have had a large release. The films nominated are those which were not only commercially successful, but ones that were the most talked about in the Media. If we are to be cynical of the Oscars, then we can basically assume that categories like Foreign Language Film and Short Film are there so that a claim can be made for diversity. The point is, the films nominated and the figures associated with these films are but a handful of the creative talent that exists. But then this poses a question. Were Black actors not part of this handful? Well...

3. The Issue Does Not Solely Lie With The Oscars:

...not really. If we are to look at these popular films, what ethnic group do the majority of the actors belong too? White Americans. So, I now pose a second question. Who casted these actors in these roles, was it the Academy? No, it wasn’t. A third question. These films which have focuses on white characters, who were they commissioned by, was it the academy? Again, no. Pretentiousness from my part aside, my point is, that the Academy do not decide on the films that are made and who is cast in them. If we are to look at films made this year and in particular, those which have Black actors in leads and in supporting roles, then we can only really comment on the following four films that had an impact this year: 1. Straight Outta Compton 2. Concussion 3. Beasts of No Nation 4. Creed. Okay, so we have four films that could have been nominated for Black actors. So why have they not been nominated? Well, it is again a result of opinion and in particular the standard of acting amongst other factors.

Straight Outta Compton is largely comprised of up-and-coming actors. It is very hard to often justify the nomination of new talent when they are competing with more established actors, some who have been in the profession for decades. Not only this, but often (as a flawed mindset of the Academy) films which focus on music rather than involve it directly into the musical form, tend to suffer. The circumstance here is worsened as in particular R&B (which is seen as a “young persons” music) is often not taken as seriously as other films which involve it directly into a musical film (8 Mile) and as a result of this, a film like Straight Outta Compton unfortunately holds far less of a prestige in comparison to films from other genres and which focus on quote “more serious” topics.

Concussion. Will Smith is known for so many roles and is a well established actor. One of cinemas greatest? No. In his career he has been nominated for two Oscar’s, neither of which he has won. The generally held opinion (myself included) is that his performances are often lacking, usually in emotional depth, which is why he was only ever been nominated for two Oscars prior, when he exceeded expectations. Because of this, it is to myself and many others that his lack of a nomination, is of no surprise.

Beasts of No Nation. Idris Elba, whilst recognised for his talent, has never really starred in many prestigious roles, his most successful blockbuster roles being a minor character within the Marvel Universe and a crew member from the no so loved Ridley Scott movie Promtheus.. Not only this, but Beasts of No Nation was a film made by Netflix. Whilst it is true, they have made some outstanding content, Netflix, in terms of film-making, is incredibly new and as a result of this, it too has little in terms of prestige and recognition. It will be a long time before Netflix films (should they continue to be made) are recognised by the Oscars.

Finally Creed. Yeah...another Rocky film...brilliant. Whilst I undeniably have a bias against the Rocky films, so too does the Academy. Whilst “Rocky” did win 3 Oscars, the subsequent sequels, not only failed to garner more than 1 nomination, but also received more negativity. So 10 years after the previous Rocky, we have another one, another Rocky film in a long line of movies that have lost recognition with a well-established Academy. Honestly, the nomination for Stallone is quite simply out of sympathy and in my opinion, the last powerful role I saw Michael B. Jordan in was Fruitvale Station (which if you haven’t seen it, is a great movie.)

My point here is that the focus of “racism” is being channeled to the wrong place. There are many contributing factors and other reasons why the nominations may not have been awarded. The real issue at hand is the lack of opportunities and films in commission which require Black actors which unfortunately means we are missing out on talents like; Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Laurence Fishburne, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jeffrey Wright (I would mention female actors too if they’d be brave enough like Tarantino and create outstanding leads for Black women like Pam Grier.)

4. Do The Oscars Really Represent A Lack of Diversity Or Just A Lack of Black Actors:

So when reviewing the arguement, the primary issue is that there are no Black actor nominations. But does this mean the Oscars aren’t diverse? The classification of diversity being used is simply related to skin colour and thus most people are viewing this debate from a Black vs White standpoint. Personally, I don’t see this as a Black vs White debate or that the lack of Black actor nominations means a lack of diversity. A lack of diversity within the Oscars would be only nominating American talent and by American talent, I mean people born in America, skin pigmentation has nothing to do with it. Saying the Oscars are #OscasrSoWhite implies that because people of different nationalities have a similar skin pigmentation, that they’re the same or that this is not diverse (which in itself could be seen as racist to simply clump people of similar skin pigmentation together.) I can understand the arguement to an extent that having nominees of White or similar skin pigmentation implies inferiority upon Black actors, but that only applies on how you view race. Myself, I feel that an issue of diversity should be looked upon if there were only American nominations, this would include if there were Black actor nominations who are American.

Moving on, in terms of Oscar nominations for individuals, here is a list of the nominations and their corresponding nationality (Note: I am only including nominations for individuals so awards for the films themselves won’t be shown, neither will a collaborative nomination such as Original Song. Also if anybody knows the nationality of the names marked unknown, please let me know.):

Male Actor In A Lead Role:

Bryan Cranston: American

Matt Damon: American

Leonardo DiCaprio: American

Michael Fassbender: German

Eddie Redmayne: British

Female Actor In A Lead Role:

Cate Blanchett: Australian

Brie Larson: American

Jennifer Lawrence: American

Charlotte Rampling: British

Saoirse Ronan: American

Male Actor In A Supporting Role:

Christian Bale: British

Tom Hardy: British

Mark Ruffalo: American

Mark Rylance: British

Sylvester Stallone: American

Female Actor In A Supporting Role:

Jennifer Jason Leigh: American

Rooney Mara: American

Rachel McAdams: Canadian

Alicia Vikander: Swedish

Kate Winslet: British

Cinematography:

Ed Lachman: American

Robert Richardson: American

John Seale: Australian

Emmanuel Lubezki: Mexican

Roger Deakins: British

Costume Design:

Sandy Powell: British

Paco Delgado: Spanish

Jenny Beavan: British

Jacqueline West: Unknown

Directing:

Adam McKay: American

George Miller: Australian

Alejandro G. Iñárritu: Mexican

Lenny Abrahamson: Irish

Tom McCarthy: American

Film Editing:

Hank Corwin: American

Margaret Sixel: South African

Stephen Mirrione: American

Tom McArdle: American

Maryann Brandon: American & Mary Jo Markey: American

Makeup & Hairstyling:

Lesley Vanderwalt: Australian & Elka Wardega: Australian & Damian Martin: Australian

Love Larson: Swedish & Eva von Bahr: Swedish

Siân Grigg: British & Duncan Jarman: Unknown & Robert Pandini: Canadian

Music (Original Score):

Thomas Newman: American

Carter Burwell: American

Ennio Morricone: Italian

Jóhann Jóhannsson: Icelander

John Williams: American

Production Design:

Adam Stockhausen: American & Rena DeAngelo: Unknown & Bernhard Henrich: Unknown

Eve Stewart: British & Michael Standish: British

Colin Gibson: Australian & Lisa Thompson: Australian

Arthur Max: American & Celia Bobak: Unknown

Jack Fisk: American & Hamish Purdy: Canadian

Sound Editing:

Mark Mangini: American & David White: Australian

Oliver Tarney: British

Martin Hernandez: Mexican & Lon Bender: American

Alan Robert Murray: Unknown

Matthew Wood: American & David Acord: American

Sound Mixing:

Andy Nelson: British & Gary Rydstrom: American & Drew Kunin: Unknown

Chris Jenkins: American & Gregg Rudloff: American & Ben Osmo: Australian

Paul Massey: British & Mark Taylor: British & Mac Ruth: American

Jon Taylor: American & Frank A. Montaño: American & Randy Thom: Unknown & Chris Duesterdiek: Canadian

Andy Nelson: British & Christopher Scarabosio: Unknown & Stuart Wilson: Unknown

Visual Effects:

Andrew Whitehurst: British & Paul Norris: Unknown & Mark Ardington: British & Sara Bennett: British

Andrew Jackson: Australian & Tom Wood: British & Dan Oliver: Australian & Andy Williams: Unknown

Roger Guyett: Unknown & Patrick Tubach: Unknown & Neal Scanlan: Unknown & Chris Corbould: British

Richard Stammers: Unknown & Anders Langlands: Unknown & Chris Lawrence: Unknown & Steven Warner: Unknown

Rich McBride: Unknown & Matthew Shumway: Unknown & Jason Smith: Unknown & Cameron Waldbauer: Canadian

Writing (Adapted Screenplay):

Charles Randolph: American & Adam McKay: American

Nick Hornby: British

Phyllis Nagy: American

Drew Goddard: American

Emma Donoghue: Irish

Writing (Original Screenplay):

Matt Charman: British & Joel Coen: American & Ethan Coen: American

Alex Garland: British

Pete Docter: American & Meg LeFauve: American & Josh Cooley: American & Ronnie del Carmen: Filipino

Josh Singer: American & Tom McCarthy: American

Jonathan Herman: American & Andrea Berloff: American & S. Leigh Savidge: American & Alan Wenkus: American

If we are to tally the talents nominated (excluding those marked as unknown) then we find that out of the total 106 nominees:

American: 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 5, 3, 3, 5, 6, 4, 11, = 51

British: 1, 1, 3, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 1, 4, 4, 1, 2, =25

Australian: 1, 1, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2, =11

Canadian: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, =5

Mexican: 1, 1, 1, =3

Swedish: 1, 2, =3

Irish: 1, 1, =2

Filipino: 1, =1

German: 1, =1

Icelander: 1, =1

Italian: 1, =1

South African: 1, =1

Spanish: 1, =1

Total: 106

From this, we can see that American nominations don’t even contribute to half of the nominations awarded to individuals. This is important in recognising that this notion of racism may be being taken out of proportion as one would think that a racist Academy would try to ensure that as many Americans were nominated as possible, something that is evidently not true. Thus we come back to the argument of whether or not this is simply an issue of skin colour, which again, goes under the assumption that one follows a Black vs White mindset and considers similar skin pigmentation's the same, disregarding nationality.

When all is said and done, who really cares? The Oscar’s are an opinion driven way of glorifying already successful figures within the film industry. Sure it’s nice for them to get gratification and if we like them it’s nice to see them win. But at the end of the day, I can’t help but feel that this boycott is being focused on the wrong area within the industry. The real issue lies with diversifying film as a whole and creating opportunities for other ethnic groups to star in Hollywood epics. Hopefully 2016 will provide us with some fantastic roles (preferably from some of the actors I want to see again), but for now, we will have to accept that the industry slipped into a trend of films centered predominately around White people and that if this happens again, then an effort needs to be promote diversity, rather than this silly boycott of a superfluous awards ceremony.

Thankyou for reading this argument, I would quickly like to make clear if it wasn’t apparent already that I am in no way shape or form a racist of any kind. I just feel that this argument against the Oscars is being made on a base assumption of “racism” when all of the other factors have not been taken into consideration and that it is a shame that we don’t trust others to simply have an opinion without linking it to racial discrimination. I’m not saying that racism doesn’t exist and I’m not trying to kiss ass for the Oscars, I just want to try and broaden this “Oscar racism boycott” opinion held by many. For a simple version of what I’ve just said, watch this video:

youtube

Again, thankyou for reading this argument. Please feel free to comment or ask me something. No opinion is undebatable of flawless and if I have made any errors or if you feel I haven’t justified myself properly or even if you just want to discuss this, feel free to post something, just don’t be an arse. :)

#Oscars #Oscars2016 #OscarBoycott #Debate #Racism #oscars 2016

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