“We’re killing ourselves by doing that, we’ve lost our sense of humor”
Director and world-famous actor Clint Eastwood spoke at the Cannes Film Festival, where he decried the culture of political correctness that has dominated film—and everything else. According to Mr. Eastwood, political correctness began way back in 1971 with his movie Dirty Harry. He believes this set Hollywood on a course for constantly policing for political correctness.
“We’re killing ourselves by doing that, we’ve lost our sense of humor,” Eastwood said to his audience. Clint Eastwood is known as an outspoken individual who has previously blasted the current generation in an interview he gave to Rolling Stone magazine last year. Using some choice words, he lamented that nobody wants to work anymore in this “sad time in history.” Clearly, walking on eggshells isn’t his style.
While the Hollywood community has done a lot of good with many causes and awareness, it has also paved the way for the overly sensitive. Celebrities have led movements far beyond the necessary equal rights or animal rights of yesterday. Now, they are calling for character assassination where they feel it’s warranted.
This can be seen when politicians or public figures say something disagreeable to the Hollywood crowd. It’s become such a huge part of our society that entire careers can hang in the balance. It’s a society where one truly has to watch language, words, and tone. There is no room for mistakes or lapses in judgment. A trip to certain department stores can get people publicly shamed for supporting businesses that carry Ivanka Trump’s brand.
It’s gotten so out of control, and there seems to be no end in sight. Ironically, those policing what the standards should be regarding political correctness are also supporters of shutting down conservative speakers on college campuses.
Sometimes there are vast differences in opinion over what constitutes not being politically correct. While it’s been established in the United States that hate speech is protected speech, those in the public eye have a certain responsibility to their target audience. As such, I can understand celebrities who refrain from comment at all when they have “nothing nice to say.” They’re also going to stick to the agenda of their audience when commenting or taking up causes. It ensures their job security and loyalty from their fans.
However, political correctness has begun to hinder films in terms of what’s acceptable. Recognized as part of the arts, films often find themselves mired in controversy. I recently read a list of films that would not have been made today due to being politically incorrect. Among the films listed was the classic Breakfast At Tiffany’s—a film I grew up watching.
Recognizing that times have changed, making certain things less socially acceptable, the Hollywood industry has made great strides. Inclusion and diversity in movies has become the norm. Despite protests of typecasting and racism in the film industry today, it has come a long way.
