The Journal

Issue date: 3/3/05 Section: Opinion/Editorial

Jill Moon

I have no problem with the Oscar ceremony. It is often a platform for political statements, either verbal or symbolic. It's probably the Oscars that made wearing colored ribbons as political statements fashionable. While this is not as effective as picketing, at least it reaches a larger audience. More than 40 million viewers watched the Oscars Feb. 27.

I do, however, have a problem with the red carpet shows that glamorize blatant materialism and judgment of others on the basis of appearances.

These shows affect the prime advertising audience, viewers ages 18 to 34, more than any other demographic. This is the demographic with the most buying power in the United States. Oscar ratings were up from last year among this age range.

Reporters should ask, "Where are you from and how did you get here?" instead of asking "Who are you wearing?" We don't wear people - we are people.

The answers would be far more inspirational to Americans.

Jamie Foxx, winner for best actor in a leading role for "Ray," was born in the small town of Terrell, Texas, and was raised by his grandmother after his parents separated. He excelled in academics and attended the U.S. International University in San Diego. During his acceptance speech, Foxx credited his grandmother as his best acting teacher when she told him to "act like you've been somewhere." She did not say look like you've been somewhere.

Hilary Swank, winner for best actress in a leading role for "Million Dollar Baby," is from Bellingham, Wash. and lived in her car when she first moved to Los Angeles. She looked up agents' names at the library. Swank said she was "just a girl from a trailer park with a dream" during her acceptance speech.

These moments of humility are overshadowed by the red carpet celebration of excess.

Most celebrities do not even own the couture clothing they wear but borrow from designers. Most young people do not know this and aspire to look like these celebrities rather than work to achieve success.

Americans feel they have to compete with each other through appearances and ownership of material possessions to be important in the world.

I contend the focus on appearance and expensive clothing and accessories perpetuates shows such as "The Swan" and "Dr. 90210." It is not normal to put a second mortgage on your house to undergo life threatening surgery that takes months to heal.

It would be nice if we could watch the Oscars to celebrate the art of film and not the cult of consumerism that now goes with it.






Jill Moon, a senior journalism major, is a staff writer for The Journal.

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