Feminism Vs. Seth MacFarlane. Feminism Wins.
Hosting the Oscars is a fool’s errand, no matter how skilled the performer. Any attempts to add fresh elements to the show don’t change the fact that the fundamental structure of the ceremony always remains the same. As do the complaints that it’s overlong, tacky and not funny. For every beloved repeat host like Billy Crystal, there’s been one time hosts such as David Letterman, Chris Rock and Ellen Degeneres to name just a few.
And while each of them had tough critics, none had to deal with the level of feminist outrage that Seth MacFarlane inspired with his hosting gig. Taking a look at some recent headlines regarding MacFarlanes Oscar performance, makes the unenthusiastic reaction to Letterman’s, “Oprah, Uma,” gag in 1994 seem like a warm reception in comparison.
It’s no surprise that in the aftermath of the united negative response of pretty much the entire female blogosphere, MacFarlane said, “No Way,” when asked if he would host the Oscars again via his Twitter account.
The level of intensity of the responses to MarFarlane’s performance is remarkable. Is an awards telecast really worthy of this level of critical analysis? Apparently hosting the the Oscars is serious business. Or at least, a seriously politically correct business. Posted below is a cross section of articles expressing outrage at the Oscar telecast:
“Oscars 2013: How Seth MacFarlane’s sexist jokes hurt women”
by Alexandra Le Tellier – LA Times
Here Are All of Seth MacFarlane’s Predictable Sexist, Homophobic, and Racist Oscar Jokes
by Kate Bennert – Gawker
Sexism Fatigue: When Seth MacFarlane Is a Complete Ass and You Don’t Even Notice
by Lindy West – Jezebel
Seth MacFarlane and the Oscars’ Hostile, Ugly, Sexist Night
by Amy Davidson – The New Yorker
Forget Seth MacFarlane’s sexist jokes. This was the End of Men Oscars.
by Dana Stevens – Slate
Why Seth MacFarlane’s Misogyny Matters
by Margaret Lyons – Vulture
9 Sexist Things That Happened At The Oscars
by Hillary Reinsberg– Buzzfeed