On May 3rd, the academy of motion picture arts and sciences announced toady that they had voted for the comedian Bill Cosby, and "the Pianist" director Roman Polanski, to be expelled from the academy, the group that presides over the academy awards. This announcement comes less than a week after the conviction of Mr. Cosby for the sexual assault of Andrea Constand, and continues the fall from grace the comedian has experienced ever since sexual assault allegations have appeared. The more surprising part of this announcement comes at the expelling of Mr. Polanski, who has been a charged with the rape of a thirteen year old girl in 1977, and his fleeing of the US in 1978. This comes as a surprise because only 4 people have ever been kicked out of the academy, with Carmine Caridi in 2004 for leaking film, and Harvey Wienstien for Sexual Harassment last October. Mr. Cosby's conviction came as the first major conviction from the #metoo movement. Mr. Polanski won best director for "The Pianist" in 2003, thirty two years after fleeing the US.
Discussion Questions:
1. Are actions like these enough condemnation from organizations?
2. What actions should be taken by high profile organizations with "sexual predators" as members?
3. How can average people be involved with the removal of incidents like these from society?
4. How has the #metoo movement affected public and celebrity views on sexual assault?
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I think Cosby and Polanski's expulsions are enough condemnation from this organization, considering all the other punishments these men will receive. High profile organizations like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences should look into their members more, if they want to maintain a prestigious reputation. However, I wonder why it took 30 years for Polanski to be expelled, as he has been a fugitive since 1978.
ReplyDeleteThe #metoo movement has increased public awareness about sexual predation in Hollywood. Celebrity condemnation has also increased awareness about sexual assault. Hopefully, more people will be brought to justice for their sexual crimes.
I think that actions like these are enough condemnation for organizations because there is little else they could do other than expelling members who do not uphold their standards of being a member. It would be more prudent for these organizations to expel members in a more timely fashion, rather than waiting over thirty years. All organizations that have members who hold sexual predators within their ranks should expel those members if they don’t want their organization to have a tarnished reputation. I think the #metoo movement has changed the way people think of sexual assault and harassment victims and now take accusations much more seriously. According to producer Simon Chinn, “There have been seismic, tectonic changes in the industry that are still unfolding,” in regards to the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. It is still unknown what the heads of that festival will do in regards to the #metoo movement and people involved in sexual assault scandals that may attend.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Cosby and Polanski being condemned from major organizations is enough punishment for these two individuals, for it kicks them out of a major position and also sort of blacklists them for wrong actions. I think that the #metoo movement has been able to change the way we as the population see these directors and high up celebrities that we idolize so much. It us realize that they have lots of power as celebrities and that some of them are not perfect and actually pretty terrible human beings instead of the perfect ones we view them as. It also raises the question of who else has sexually assaulted people due to their power in Hollywood. To me it sort of makes sense that this would come along eventually because when people have power, they tend to abuse it, it was just a matter of when someone spoke out on it and actually had the courage to speak out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reply Cameron! I really liked your take on the issues in Hollywood! I agree with your views on the magnitude of their punishment, and how it will affect how much people react to sexual assault, and how much people will speak out against it. Thanks for your input.
DeleteAn expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is enough punishment for sexual predators like Cosby and Polanski, as their future careers and relationships will be ruined. While some might believe this is too harsh, 94% of women who are raped have PTSD symptoms, traumatized by the experience, and many develop depression, nightmares, and anxiety. They face life long negative effects from the experience, which doesn't sound fair at all. If celebrities are held accountable for sexual assault, hopefully others will as well, bringing some justice to the situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comments that the expulsion of Cosby and Polanski from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are enough condemnation for their actions. Other high profile organizations should also similarly punish any of their members once any of their cases of harassment are looked into. The #metoo movement allows victims to feel more comfortable in coming out and telling their story. It raises awareness for cases of sexual assault and victims can get their justice if the predator is potentially caught. This also makes it harder for any celebrities to get away with their actions, and treats them like any other regular person committing the crime.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely believe that Cosby and Polanski deserve to be expelled from the Academy. Sexual harassment and rape are both crimes and any kind of major crime should receive some sort of condemnation, and being kicked out of the Academy is a great example of this. While I would wish that crimes such as these never occurred, they do, and it is important to make it abundantly clear that these actions are not okay. I believe that an example should be made of these two people and I absolutely believe that they should have been expelled from the Academy.
ReplyDeleteI think their expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is enough condemnation because there isn’t much else that they could do while still making sure that the guilty are punished for their actions in a way that would make them rethink what they are doing and what they could possibly do in the future. Getting expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science is basically going down from such a high position ensuring difficulties for future careers, which I think that they deserve because of their cruelty towards not only women, but little girls. I think that high profile organizations with “sexual predators” as members should get rid of/punish anyone who has committed a sexual assault because it is not only the victims’ reputation on the line, but also the organization’s. I think that average people have no control over this situation except making sure to think morally and make wise decisions. I think that the #me too movement has helped more people realize the big numbers regarding the victims of sexual assault, but I don’t think that the movement itself can change the minds of the people who commit acts of rape and sexual assault, it can only help them see the effects of it; they have to change themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Camila and Janet that the expulsion of Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski from the Academy of Motion Pictures arts and sciences is enough condemnation because there is nothing else that they can do. Bill Cosby recently got charged with the crime of sexual assault and he is going to jail and there he is able to think of the horrible deed that he has done and also face the fact that the world now knows that the is guilt and he also has to face the fact that the things that you do have an effect on the things that you did whether good or bad. Especially with a crime as horrid as sexual assault. Cosby and Polanski both deserve to be removed from the academy as these are serious charges that they are going to be condemned for.
ReplyDeleteI think Cosby and Polanski from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are enough condemnation for their actions. They did something that is very uncalled for and their punishments should include being expelled from the academy. I completely agree with the solution to their punishment. It isn't just Cosby and Polanski as other major companies like Pixar have expelled people for their miss behavior. Even if they were a celebrity, each person should be treated like they are a regular person, so all justice is applied to the situation. Agreeing to Elsie, I believe the #metoo movement has changed the thoughts and morality about sexual harassment. Many people have become more aware of their surroundings and how many more people get sexual harassed everyday. It also gives people more knowledge about the world surrounding them and how people must raise awareness for those victims who were sexually assaulted.
ReplyDeleteI find it really interesting that people are only taking action now even though allegations have started many years ago. I do think it is necessary for all parties to address the events that took place and by expelling them it really makes a statement. I would have to say that late is better than never and it was the right move to take action. The current movement addressing sexual harassment are really powerful in how they were able to grab everyone attention. I think ts really important to set up an example for later generations letting the public know that his behavior is unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteI think that condemning Cosby and Polanski from the Academy is enough. If both men are actually guilty, the law will provide them with enough punishment for their actions. I don't think the Academy wants to draw a lot of attention to itself. As long as they can appropriately handle the situation without causing any chaos, they will have done enough. Cosby and Polanski actions were horrible, but I don't think that this is a problem the Academy needs create a bigger situation.
ReplyDeleteAdding on to what I previously wrote, I think other organizations need to follow suit as the Academy did and punish those that think they can follow through with actions like this and get away with it. It is not fair to those that have endured pain and those that caused it get away with it. As long as they can do their part, the law will add to the punishment they rightfully deserve.
DeleteI believe that the condemnation and expulsion of Mr. Cosby and Mr. Polanski from these organizations is enough. Additional actions wouldn't make a difference because these people have already faced so much criticism that their reputations can't be ruined any further. As more sexual predators are exposed by the #metoo movement, high profile organizations should continue to expel these members immediately to spread awareness for action against sexual predators.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the expulsion of Mr. Cosby and Mr. Polanski is the most that they can do. While removing them from this organization does not fully reprimand them for their actions, this is the most that they can do. This organization is just for rewarding skilled people in the arts industry, not for punishing people in the organization. The #metoo movement has revealed more knowledge about people in the acting industry who have committed horrible acts during their fame and is extremely important in helping to shed light on the movie industry. People are not only receiving justice for their crimes, but victims are able to speak out and receive closure.
ReplyDeleteThe expulsion of Polanski and Cosby is good enough. I do not think there is much else these organizations can do. It is good that they are being punished because it shows that people cannot commit sexual assault and get away with it. The #metoo movement changes the way we view celebrities because we can see that they do bad things too, but they must also be punished. Average people could be involved in removal of these incidents by not committing terrible actions, like sexual assault.
ReplyDeleteI think the expulsion of both Polanski and Cosby are definitely appropriate. What surprises me is that previous to their expulsions, only two others had been kicked out of the academy. I can guarantee that more than the three actors expelled have partaken in matters of assault and in my opinion the academy has taken such matters too lightly. While it is good that the academy is now recognizing and condemning such predators, I feel as if for a long time those who have assaulted others haven't been called out appropriately. These organizations, in order to uphold a pristine image, should obviously discourage the acceptance of anyone accused of something so inappropriate. In the future, I believe high profile organizations should do their best to keep out/ remove members like Cosby and Polanski, especially if they want to keep their own high regards and sense of morality. It is great that these individuals have been removed from the academy, because their own public condemnation not only serves as punishment but also a deterrent for these types of behaviors. Regarding the #MeToo movement, I believe the movement has been instrumental in the conviction of these men, because it gives others the courage to speak up about their traumas. It is much easier to speak out when you stand in solidarity with others. Harassment and assault are incredibly important things to talk about these days, and we can only hope for better recognition and combat in the future.
ReplyDelete4) the Me Too movement raises awareness to sexual assault and teaches people to stand up and finally speak out about their stories. Our community has been seeing a lot of people talk about their times when they have been sexually assaulted and it's reducing the amount of rapes now that women (or men) know that they have a voice. It's uncomfortably common in Hollywood to hear about women who have been assaulted while making a movie and their have been several actresses who have now addressed it because of this movement. It's good that this is finally being noticed and that people are finally standing up for themselves to prevent sexual assault.
ReplyDeleteI think Cosby and Polanski's expulsion from the academy is enough condemnation from that organization, considering both people will be facing other punishments. However, I do believe it was a good idea because it makes a statement on how the academy does not support or tolerate sexual assault. I think movements like #metoo have helped to raise awareness and caution, and have helped in preventing events involving sexual assault from occurring as much. The #metoo movement has raised a lot of awareness for sexual assault, and has taught people about how common it can be, and to stand up for themselves. It has empowered and united many victims of sexual assault who previously felt alone. By having celebrities speak out, it has caused many other to as well, and has helped raise support for the cause.
ReplyDeleteThe removal of both Cosby and Polanski is definitely an appropriate punishment from the academy, considering that there is a limited amount of other actions it can take and the fact that there will be other consequences to face. People such as these are not uncommon, especially in Hollywood; they just go unnoticed for various reasons, whether it be no one came forward about their past actions or they have, but were ultimately ignored by society. Organizations such as the academy need to pay more attention to its members not only to maintain its prestigious status as Jossie mentioned, but simply on their own moral compass. The #metoo movement has definitely raised more awareness to this problem, as it gives people an opportunity to speak out and share their own stories regarding sexual assault/harassment. Rape is often regarding as a highly uncomfortable subject as has been pushed aside in the past for the sake of men's futures, but is beginning to be addressed more nowadays. Many people, primarily women, experience sexual assault in their lives and can result in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. It is far too common, but the #metoo movement gives women a sense of empowerment and lets them relieve some of the pressure from having to hold onto their traumatizing experiences for so long.
ReplyDeleteI think that expelling Cosby and Polanski from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the appropriate action. I think that is sufficient , and that the organization has taken the necessary action. The #metoo movement has definitely helped spread awareness about the harassment and sexual assault. It has given people the courage to say something about their own experiences surrounding abuse. People who take advantage of others should not be be looked up to.
ReplyDeleteActions like expelling Cosby and Polanski from organizations such as the Academy are just the start. This is an appropriate punishment, but not enough. These organizations have to be more prudent and more vigilant in preventing sexual harassment and rape. They have to condemn more actors and actresses accused of sexual assault, and educate further to prevent these crimes from happening. Hollywood and the organizations perpetuating it promote a culture where men demean women, especially those of color, and can do whatever they like to them. Organizations must instead promote a culture based on equality and respect, showcased in everything from the stories told in their movies, and the wages various actors and actresses are paid. They can equalize the working field, hire victims of sexual assault, and develop programs to assist them as well. High profile organizations must always be severe with sexual predators and expel them as soon as possible, especially if they want to maintain an upstanding reputation. Average people can further the cause by being smart with their money, and refusing to support any businesses or franchises that associate with sexual predators, as many businessmen and CEO's easily take advantage of women, and no one says anything.
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