With all that has happened this year, we’ve seen how more and more women came forward to stand up for their rights. From women who stood up against catcallers, to women who stood up against sexual harassment–you name it. We can say that these women, who once have lost their voice, finally found the courage to break the silence.
So it’s not surprising to see that media outlets focus on the empowerment of women. But just because a media outlet celebrates women empowerment, it is not exempted from criticism particularly when they show partiality about it.
Twitter users are furious about the recent cover released by Los Angeles Times. This particular issue, called “A Shift in Focus: Actresses Call for a Change in the Way Stories are Told,” focuses on recognizing empowered actresses from the entertainment industry. They featured several actresses who were nominated and celebrated this awards season, namely: Jessica Chastain (“Mollie’s Game”), Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya”), Diane Kruger (“In the Fade”), Saoirse Ronan (“Lady Bird”), Annette Bening (“Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool”), and Kate Winslet (“Wonder Wheel”).
People are angry because they noticed that the pool of actresses selected for the cover are all “white” and there was no indication of diversity. It was rather obvious that if editors of LA Times wanted to recognize how empowered actresses are from the industry, they should have included women of color. But they didn’t and they are being called out for their huge mistake.
It shouldn’t be necessary to point out the obvious, but clearly it’s necessary to point out the obvious. pic.twitter.com/FQjLkBiaMy
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) December 22, 2017
no editor on that entire staff said "oh, huh, wait a sec?" Not in discussions about the photo, not in booking the photo, not the day of the photo shoot, not looking at proofs, not sending it over for a final look before publication? Dozens of places to stop and reconsider.
— Laura Lorson (@prairielaura) December 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/FletcherChristy/status/944321635103932416
Four of the last 8 winners of Best Actress in a "Supporting" role are African American. Viola, Lupita, Octavia & Monique.
— 🌻Norma Francisco Wine (@NormaWine1) December 22, 2017
And of course Twitter is savage about this and some users even called out the attention of these women in the cover for failing to recognize the obvious.
honestly i think that envelope may be whiter than this one pic.twitter.com/VmyfmugSD9
— Megan Amram (@meganamram) December 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/KateHarding/status/944258753905483776
Honestly @jes_chastain as an outspoken voice for equality how do you pose for a photo like this and not feel absolutely mortified by the blatant exclusion? How is it possible to not understand the msg this photo sends? pic.twitter.com/nb8caRfVL6
— Rebecca Carroll (@rebel19) December 22, 2017
What is wrong with people? Not ONE of these talented and smart women stood up and said, 'hey, something's missing in this photo?' Really?
— Rebekah Sager (@Rebekah_Sager) December 22, 2017
One user even pointed out how their “all white women” cover negates their thesis of “A Shift in Focus” because it centers only on white women in Hollywood.
It is literally the antithesis of "a shift in focus" — this is literally The Same Focus on White Women in Hollywood.
— Rebecca Carroll (@rebel19) December 22, 2017
Perhaps, LA Times can explain how is that cover a “shift in focus” again?
