Sexual Politics Of The Oscars: No Statues For Women, They *Are* The Women

By Linda Z


BEYONCE 'BOUND' FOR THE OSCARS

did you see it on TV
did you sit through hour after hour of men running up to the palatial stage, aglitter in crystal, and circles and mobile podiums interspersed with Blackberry phone costly advertisement that scared me more than a horror flick because it showed that even hiding in a skinny school locker, the Blackberry will "out" you into the watchful eyes of those you tried desperately to avoid, affirming: Big Brother is here!

did you see the women on the red carpet cat walk, listen to the interviews and realize that every dress was the same dress, the same slender lined or over full balloon in which no woman could make a swift get-a-way.

and the Monstrous
elevated bosom pushed into and out of the too tight cloth like the bound feet of young girls; painful, unnecessary restrictive. and if maintained might contribute to Cancer in the future and pain in the afterglow of the Hollywood parade

did you see all those black suited men with the one exception out of thousands being Mickey Rourke, (oh why didn't he get the best actor award?). And did you see Madame Meryl of film? Could you miss her?

Like the Queen sitting center stage, her daughter by her side hiding behind her mother's enlarged frame. They watched the unfolding of the male bash of heroes honoring themselves. Was there really no women's protest?

no protests except a lone clap of support for "Waltz with Bazir", one lone voice heard in protest of Israeli's atrocities echoed by millions, billions, hopefully trillions of on lookers who watched/listened in silence.

I watched,
if only to know that men should not design women's clothes and women need to find their voice, even in the conspicuous consumption of extravaganza and dearth of political consciousness displayed at the 81st Academy Awards.

p.s. the only honestly humorous moment was when the porters of the awards, porting the briefcase of winners names came on the carpet. All they needed to look more like the Blues Brothers than the Blues Brothers was the sunglasses. Even their walk was a delight to see. Next year, of course, they will offer the job to their female employees, if there are any.


Linda Z
WBAI Women's Collective