patricia_arquette – Photo credit: salon.com
Way before Neil Patrick Harris’s joke about the “whitest” Oscars, we knew Diversity was going to be the loud elephant in the room at this year’s Oscars. And right we were, as actors, directors, and other nominees alike took to the stage to highlight diversity issues, from gender equality to immigration issues, not to mention LGBT and suicide. Yet what struck a chord (whether in a positive or negative way) for many working women out there, was Best Supporting Actress winner Patricia Arquette vibrant call for wage equality...and the ensuing big foot she managed to stick in her mouth backstage!
Yet, after all the excitement is starting to die down, we’re realizing now, while her speech may have come from the right place, it may be hitting the wrong nerve for many women of color everywhere.
Yes, there’s gender inequality at work; yet, for women of color, the pay gap is even wider, with Black women earning 64 cents on the dollar, and Latina women earning 54 cents as opposed to 77 cents for white women. Lesbian professionals earn less than straight and/or gay men, not to mention there is still lacking legislation against harassment and firing of LGBT employees.
My $0.05: Let’s look at the positive, shall we? It’s great for anyone with a worldwide platform to advocate for gender equality, regardless of race, background or sexual orientation. Was Ms. Arquette’s speech a bit narrow, and maybe a tad awkward backstage? Yes, there was a lot more that could have been said about women’s struggles everywhere. Yet let’s remember every bit helps…
And as far as I’m concerned, telling the whole world on national TV it’s women, all women’s, time, is not bad at all…
What do you think?
The Corporate Sis.
I’m with you Corporate Sis. about looking on the positive. While Patricia Arquette’s backstage comments were troubling, all women can benefit from a public discussion on wage equality and Arquette, no matter what you think about her now, put this issue on a very public stage.
Sadly, looking around on Twitter, few people are leading with that part of the story.
I agree, Stephanie, I think we have enough divisiveness in the world and as women as it is to add even more. I do agree some of her comments backstage were a bit awkward, but we must also give people the benefit of the doubt.We are all women, and must support each other to thrive. Thank you for a great comment, I’m with you there!
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