I may have become over-sensitive to the social impact bullying continues to have in schools, but I couldn't help but analyze all of the ways the Oscars promote a more negative climate, which is modeled by society and children in schools. These actors are looked up to by so many people that their words and deeds impact society whether they admit to it or not, and they are role models as they depend on public opinion (ticket sales) as they live their lives in public.
Bullying is the repeated harassment of an individual with the intent to do harm in a situation where a power imbalance exists (according to the research I am conducting during my dissertation). Bullying does not occur between friends, and only extreme cases would be categorized as bullying if it is a one-time event. But even if actions and words at last night's Oscars is not classified in bullying, let's examine some of the 'humerus' behavior that actually does more harm than good in changing society into a more positive place.
Seth MacFarlane, the host, made a comment about the Los Angeles Men's Gay Choir in his opening, and also made a comment about "not actually being a member." Why was that funny? Who cares if he is a member? Isn't this just another form of gay bashing?
He also continued the practice of introducing presenters with "funny" bits of information. For example, when he introduced Channing Tatum and Jennifer Aniston, who were presenting one of the first awards of the night, Seth made the comment that"At least one of them had admitted to stripping," a reference to Channing's role in Magic Mike, and his interview where he admitted stripping in his younger years. Now given, I don't know who has friendships with whom at these awards shows, but is it too difficult to imagine a host who compliments people for their hard work, good fortune, etc. instead of slamming everybody with back-handed compliments? Would it really lose ratings if Seth would have introduced them with, "And now, please help me congratulate a man who is expecting a child, and a women who has recently gotten engaged as they present the award for...."
When you view something like the Oscars through this lens, you see that this negative stuff is said all the time. How about a host who praises the people who are there to enjoy their night instead of making fun of their misfortunes? And self-deprecating humor only masks the issue, it doesn't excuse it. How about a host who builds up people, and then leave it there (instead of tearing them down with a negative reference). And please don't get me wrong, I am not bashing on Seth MacFarlane. I reviewed past Oscars and other awards shows of the past month and find the same type of comments and behavior in them. I just feel that in these times, positive praise goes so much further, and it needs to be modeled by these people so others (especially children) can see that it is cool to celebrate the joys in life and all of the good that is in people.
In short, yes, I could host the Oscars because I wouldn't worry about my monologue. My research would be to find out all of the good that all of the people on stage have done. If I were one of the stars and I knew that I would not be the butt of any jokes, and my transgressions would not be brought to the forefront, I would have a more relaxing and fun time, and would appreciate the efforts of a host who keeps things positive. I believe that style of show could also be funny and successful, it just may take a little more work, research, and creativeness. And I believe that if every show followed suit, and change would occur in society that would trickle down to schools that would improve school climate because schools would have an awareness of the behavior and a model for this change.
