The Oscars

 The Oscars

By: Lori Walker Sartain

I tried to think back to a time when I enjoyed watching the Oscars but it has been so long ago, I can't even remember who won and what year it was.  I am sure it was around the age of maturity as what I find so tremendously audacious about the affair is the fact that they all say they want to help those in need, they are for helping the poor and middle class but yet they prance around and walk the red carpet in outfits used for one day and never worn again that cost more than most people make in a year. 

Why?  

I don't know.  Do they feel they deserve to wear such expensive garments because they earned it.  Well, sure.  I do believe if you work hard and make a good living, you can do what you please with your money but it's like a slap in the face with them all wearing designer gowns, suits and carrying bags worth more than my car to a show that they want us 2nd class ticket buyers/video renters to enjoy.  Who in the world is this making feel good?  The viewer, the customer who pays the bills?  I think NOT.

They parade themselves like floats down a street with their sparkles and bling posing for photographs to make sure everyone notices their outfit.  They then they sit with a fake smile on waiting to see if they win.  If not, they politely clap and smile but you can see the envy in their eyes. 

Some now feel the need to give us political advice in their acceptance speech on things like on the gender pay gap and climate change while wearing clothing that could pay for 1000 girls to go to junior college or help clean 100 miles of the ocean.  

Why can't they wear regular nice clothes like we do to a party or awards ceremony?  Why can't they wear a $300 gown or a $300 suit or even a $1000 gown or $1000 suit?  Is that beneath them?  Do they think we could tell the difference?  Do they think we would judge them and say wow, they must not have enough money?  Here is a link to show you what I am talking about.  One gown cost over $140,000 that was worn one night. https://www.firmex.com/resources/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-dress-for-the-oscars/

Just imagine what $140,000 could do for a poor school district, surgery for someone in need, food for children that don't get food when school is out for summer.  Don't get me wrong, when you make money spend it how you please but this is not the place to flaunt your stuff if you are then going to try to address the public with personal beliefs, personal notions and expect anything to be heard.

I stopped watching because I don't believe in them anymore.  I use to think they were so cool.  They had talent and lived this wonderful life.  Now, I feel like it is always an act and contest for who has the best outfit, the most money and who thinks they can shout our to the world their opinions and everyone will stop and listen.  Me...Me...Me.

The Oscars should be about the film.  The work behind it.  The people behind the scenes who made it happen.  The writers and then lastly the actor who pulled it off.  But the Oscars, it is all about the face and not the work.  It is all about winning/money.  If you win, then you get more money for your next film.  It is not about the viewer, the audience or who pays their bills by buying a ticket to see them.  It is all about Me...Me...Me.

It has become a circus and last nights show just confirms that it is not only out of control but becoming a show where it is a free for all who can afford to be there.  It is their show, their stage and they will do what they want.  

I won't get into any debate over who was wrong or who was right.  I have only seen clips but what I will say, is that none of it should have happened live on TV for everyone to see.  

I will continue to NOT watch the Oscars.