GradBay’s Post

Because I, a regular girl who knows nothing about anything, watched the 2024 Golden Globes Awards. So, don't come at me. Picture this:  A man tells a sexist joke at an award show, a room full of sophistication featuring some of the most influential women, renowned performers, and forward-thinking directors who have been breathing life back into the cinema. And, unfortunately, some people laughed. A man tells a sexist joke at an award show, and by the end of the night, instead of questioning if he deserves to be on stage, or why we give a platform to those who recycle uninspiring content and stereotype women based on appearance, there is this discussion about whether woman’s reaction (not laughing at the joke) was too much. A man tells a sexist joke at an award show, while the show specifically acknowledges the crucial role of writers in the industry. But before that, a room filled with writers greenlit the joke, expressing approval with nods and laughter, deeming it fit for comedic purposes. Surprisingly, not a single colleague offered a cautionary note, raising awareness about the potential outrage it might spark. Last but not least, many sophisticated and powerful people said many things at an award show that specifically focused on the power of writers to change the world, and yet not a single voice, be it a writer,  a director,  an actor,  a man or even a woman, dared to address the harsh realities of our times. #ceasefirenow

''Ich bin ein Amerikaner.'' (Russell Brand) “Americans no longer talk to each other, they entertain each other. They do not exchange ideas, they exchange images. They do not argue with propositions; they argue with good looks, celebrities and commercials.” ― Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business “In America, everyone is entitled to an opinion, and it is certainly useful to have a few when a pollster shows up. But these are opinions of a quite different roder from eighteenth- or nineteenth-century opinions. It is probably more accurate to call them emotions rather than opinions, which would account for the fact that they change from week to week, as the pollsters tell us. What is happening here is that television is altering the meaning of 'being informed' by creating a species of information that might properly be called disinformation. I am using this world almost in the precise sense in which it is used by spies in the CIA or KGB. Disinformation does not mean false information. It means misleading information--misplace, irrelevant, fragmented or superficial information--information that creates the illusion of knowing something but which in fact leads one away from knowing." ― Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business “When a population becomes distracted by trivia, when cultural life is redefined as a perpetual round of entertainments, when serious public conversation becomes a form of baby-talk, when, in short, a people become an audience, and their public business a vaudeville act, then a nation finds itself at risk; culture-death is a clear possibility.” ― Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business https://lnkd.in/eMv3C6a4 #RussellBrand #showbusiness #entertainment #amusement #celebrity #cult #idiocracy #television #socialmedia #toxic #clown #publiekslieveling #popularity #cancelculture #popculture

In an age where information flows faster than ever before, and the lines between reality and entertainment blur, one phenomenon has risen to the forefront of popular culture: the public's obsession with shipping celebrity couples. From Hollywood powerhouses to musicians, athletes, and even internet personalities, the romantic lives of famous individuals have become a topic of intense fascination for millions around the world. At this time when social media grants us unprecedented access to the personal lives of celebrities, it's no surprise that the public has taken a keen interest in the relationships that form within the glittering confines of the entertainment industry. While we may never fully understand the inner workings of these unions, the art of "shipping" — the practice of rooting for or speculating about the romantic pairing of two celebrities — has become an integral part of our pop culture lexicon. But what is it about shipping celebrity couples that fascinate us so? Why do we invest our time, energy, and emotions into the love lives of people we've never met? And what does our collective obsession with celebrity relationships reveal about our broader cultural values and desires? Read this article by Heenakshi on the Imperium Publication website to learn more.

What role do celebrities and award-winning artists play in elevating events like the Annual All-Star Gospel Celebration? 🎤 Their participation often brings a unique blend of glamour and talent to the table. This year's 17th edition was no different, with a host of famous faces gracing the event during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Their contributions undoubtedly added an extra layer of allure and success to the occasion. It's fascinating to see how the worlds of sports, music, and faith can intersect so beautifully. How do you think such collaborations impact the overall experience of these events?

Ready to explore the challenges faced by people of color in Hollywood? 🎬🌟 Join us as we delve into the barriers and obstacles people of color encounter in the entertainment industry. From underrepresentation and typecasting to limited opportunities and systemic biases, we'll examine the multifaceted challenges impacting actors, directors, writers, and other creatives of color. Learn about the efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, the voices advocating for change, and the inspiring stories of those who have broken through these barriers. Whether you're a film enthusiast, an aspiring actor, or interested in social justice, this guide will provide valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for equality and representation in Hollywood. Let's uncover the realities and drive the conversation towards a more inclusive entertainment industry. #DiversityInHollywood #RepresentationMatters 🎬🌟 https://lnkd.in/d3fs_PdT

DON'T VOTE FOR A HOLLYWOOD ELITE! To call Donald Trump a Hollywood elite is to blend absurdity and irony into a smoothie thick enough to sustain you through a six-hour Netflix binge of 'The Apprentice'. Yet here we are, in a world where facts have become as flexible as a yoga instructor, and the mere possession of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star qualifies one for elite status. Trump’s star on Hollywood Boulevard is the golden ticket to the city's elite club, or so it would seem if you’re browsing TMZ. The star, nestled among the footprints of the cinematic gods, is a testament to his unparalleled contributions to the art of being Donald Trump. Consider the prerequisites for getting a star. One must be a household name, preferably more famous than talented, and possess a knack for self-promotion so vigorous it would make a Kardashian blush. Trump's ability to transform self-promotion into a performance art is undisputed. He took a name synonymous with real estate and fashioned it into a brand captivated America's red carpet hearts. If being an elite means having more name recognition than your average Oscar winner, Trump’s got it covered. Now, some might argue that real Hollywood elites are actors, directors, and musicians. But let’s not forget, Trump's cameo appearances in 'Home Alone 2' and 'The Little Rascals' showcased a versatility only rivaled by his policy shifts. He's dabbled in reality TV, a genre that redefined Hollywood elitism by proving anyone with a flair for drama and an absence of shame can be famous. If reality TV is the gaudy crown jewel of Hollywood’s entertainment landscape, then Trump is its undisputed monarch. Moreover, Hollywood elitism isn't just about what you do on screen; it’s also about the lifestyle. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate could be mistaken for a movie set designed by someone who saw 'Scarface' and thought, "More gold, more glitter!" His lavish parties, complete with A-list attendees who often moonlight as government officials, fit right into Hollywood’s long-standing tradition of mixing business, pleasure, and scandal. Critics might say Trump lacks the political correctness that pervades Hollywood today. But what could be more elitist than bucking the trends and making your own rules? Hollywood loves a rebel, and Trump, with his uncensored diatribes and unfiltered bravado, is the ultimate renegade. The Hollywood elite thrive on media coverage, and Trump, like an actor with a scandalous new fling, has been the tabloid darling for decades. I declare Donald Trump a Hollywood elite. His star on the Walk of Fame isn’t just a symbol of his achievements; it’s a glittering badge of honor among the titans of tinsel. He’s played the game, and in true Hollywood fashion, he's redefined the rules to suit his narrative. Whether you're a fan or a critic, there's no denying that Trump has earned his place among the luminaries of La La Land.

Back in 2019, I was outside the museum of modern art in New York City with two of my best friends when I saw an actress from a popular new web-series purchasing a hot dog. "Go talk to her," Shounak said. "I can't just approach her out of context!" "Just do it." I was petrified. Rationally, I knew there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. All I had to do was walk up to her and ask her if she's XYZ from the ABC show on YouTube. "I'm not doing it." My friends looked at each other and sighed. The disappointment in their eyes was too much to bear. I took a deep breath and thought to myself - what if it wasn't this person, but Jennifer Lawrence standing at that hot dog stand in front of me? It would probably have been a lot scarier to start a conversation with Jennifer Lawrence purchasing a hot dog. I realized that if I wanted to become the sort of guy who wouldn't miss out on a chance to do that, I could not walk away from starting one with this actress who was a lot less famous. "I want to do it, but I can't move," I said. "Tell you what," Kaza said. "If she leaves before you speak to her, we'll shave your left arm. Only your left arm." 2 minutes later, I walked up to the actress, expressed how much I admired her work, and told her my friends would lose their minds if I got a picture with her. She was gracious enough to oblige. This incident is one of many where I've leveraged the power of consequences to force myself to act when I'm avoiding something. Everyone needs a Jennifer Lawrence in their lives who inspires them to overcome fear. And everyone needs friends like mine to threaten them with consequences for not walking towards her when the opportunity presents itself. It's a concept I find fascinating, and something I want to take a deeper look into - especially into the demographic makeup of people who engage in bets like these with each other. So, I'm conducting a survey on the little bets and challenges we make in daily life and would love your insights! The link is in the comments below 👇🏾 What's your figurative or literal Jennifer Lawrence, and how have your friends pushed you to act when you couldn't find the courage? I'd love to read your stories.

Did you cringe hard 🤮 when a Kardashian offspring broke earbuds at the Lion King Hollywood Bowl concert? Your answer could mirror what you think of workplace Nepotism, what I’m calling ‘Wepotism’. The story of how the 10-year-old Northwest was cast, despite other trained same-age vocalists is steeped in privilege. We don’t need any further evidence for this. Her identity and affiliation to status and power outweighed her ability to perform. Cast this back to the workplace and it's not as obvious as familial bloodlines. Instead here’s what it can look like: 👉🏽 Private schooled kids taking the top ranks of corporate leadership; 👉🏽 Pics of 2 young Anglo males grinning because their start-up got seed funding; 👉🏽 A bad boss with many deficiencies is promoted to the highest rank of their discipline; 👉🏽 The person the company keeps who's really good at ‘managing up’ despite a trail of HR complaints, and exiting staff. ‘Wepotism’ relies on turning a blind eye because of the ‘too hard basket’. It’s drenched in unconscious bias and will defend itself against any power imbalance to safeguard from the cancel culture threat of diversity, representation, and access to equal opportunity. The only prevention strategy for Wepotism is Inclusive Leadership. Teaching leaders how to understand their privilege or disadvantage, opening the gates to inclusive competencies, which SEES, HEARS, UNDERSTANDS, and RESPONDS TO new possibilities. Inclusive Leadership is an underrated concept but will help the whole choir sing to a better tune, so the accolades belong to all contributors, not just the loudest and best dressed. #inclusiveleadership #diversityandinclusion #nepotism #workplacetoxicity #power #uhnconsciousbias #equality #equalaccess #representation #leadershipcoach #ship30for30 #wepotism https://lnkd.in/gGT6GHvd

While I do not know this man or his work, the content in this NPR report concerns me. Here's the link: https://lnkd.in/gqZKtZA3 It is about Hasan Minhaj's response to an article in The New Yorker which accuses him of serial lying. In it, Minhaj responds in a 21 minute video that details his concerns about the article. He maintains that The New Yorker is hypocritical in its selection of facts to check. Similarly, Minhaj distinguishes between the need for accuracy required by his political comedy and the elasticity of facts in his stand up. This flap up grieves me. Comedy is often one of the most significant tools we have in our society for addressing some of our most contentious subjects. It encourages us to laugh instead of going to blows. We have violence pouring into so many aspects of our lives--places where a few decades ago we could hardly have imagined like places of worship, bowling alleys, and elementary schools. So the stage, where the stand up comedian tells a story that gets at truth without the need to be entirely factual, reconciles in my mind, particularly when it helps us gain a little more understanding of another's humanity. I am interested, too, because next year my book will be published. It takes an irreverent look at Black history--rather like street life and a study guide met Drunk History at a bar. My co-author (Hoke Glover III) and I try to disappear in the writing, which is different than comedians like Hasan Minhaj or Dave Chappelle (who has also come under scrutiny for his stand up comedy). The spotlight is literally on them in a way that it is not on us. Nevertheless, comedy is the place we have turned in order to explore some really difficult truths. I get it. Truth has come under attack in recent years when folks are willing to put forth "alternative facts" as viable substitutions for actual facts. But anyone who ever tried to tell a funny story knows that sometimes facts strangle comedy. I reiterate, that I do not know this man or his work. I haven't been watching The Daily Show. So I don't have a position on this scandal. But I do wonder, with our politics so polarized in our nation today, where do we go to find a shared understanding on some of our most difficult issues? I hope that we still find ways to share laughter.

12 People From the Past Who Look Exactly Like Today’s Celebrities At some point in your life, you may have heard, "Oh, I know someone who looks exactly like you," talking about a person you've never met and aren't even related to. It's the Doppelgänger effect: a combination of the German words Doppel (double) and gänger (walker). Believe it or not, celebrities also have these unknown twins. If you're curious about their similarities, check out what "How To Learn Tricks" has put together for you. 1. Mark Zuckerberg and Philip IV of Spain 2. Peter Dinklage and Sebastián de Morra 3. Anne Hathaway and An Officer 4. Keanu Reeves and Paul Mounet 5. Christina Aguilera and Ginger Rogers 6. Paul Giamatti and William Shakespeare 7. Adrien Brody and John Locke 8. Chuck Norris and Vincent Van Gogh 9. Jennifer Lawrence and Zubaida Tharwat 10. John Krasinski and Carl Feilberg 11. Hugh Grant and Oscar Wilde 12. Matthew McConaughey and A Reddit User’s Family #Celebrities #Past #LookToday #People #WhoLook