Last night I happened to see the trailer for the new Ghostbusters movie (the latest reboot idea). I was a bit curious about it, especially since the leads are all female this time around. As the characters were introduced, however, I became more and more disturbed...
First, three white female scientists/engineers are introduced as dedicating their lives to understanding the paranormal. Later, an African American woman (named Patty) says she'll join their group because while the other three "are really smart about this science stuff", she knows New York. I realize the original 1984 Ghostbusters also included three white scientists and a black employee, but I strongly believe the characters portrayed in contemporary films need to reflect the world we currently live in, and avoid reinforcing stereotypes that can cripple our nation's progress in STEM (Science, Technology, and Math) education. The director/writers may not have consciously tried to suggest African Americans (or just black women?) are not scientists, but the character of Patty is definitely NOT going to encouraging African American kids, especially girls, to pursue an interest in science.
On the other hand, the actress that plays Patty, Leslie Jones, has made some comments on Twitter that suggest she thinks such critiques are silly, tweeting that it's not about race, gender, or class. Instead, it just showing that a regular person can also be a ghostbuster and a hero. I certainly consider this aspect to be an important point, too, but other modern retellings are able to express stories in a way that is more inclusive of race. Check out the broadway musical Hamilton for a great example!
Another reinforced stereotype, of perhaps a less serious nature, is that the street-savvy Patty needs to help the scientists and engineers navigate the real world (at least that is the implication I took away from the trailer). As another review already pointed out, this trope is commonly employed in movies and shows, such as The Big Bang Theory. Brilliant scientists like Sheldon and Leonard need help with the most basic social situations, which they receive from their 'normal' neighbor Penny. I can definitely admit that scientists need to get better at being able to explain their research and its significance to the general public (see Randy Olson's films as an example), BUT most of us are capable of navigating social situations or understanding 'real life.' This stereotype feels to me like I can't be both a scientist and a regular person somehow. Again, it's probably NOT encouraging kids to look on a career in science as favorable.
Overall, I'm pretty sure this movie is not going to draw me to the theater when it comes out in July!
First, three white female scientists/engineers are introduced as dedicating their lives to understanding the paranormal. Later, an African American woman (named Patty) says she'll join their group because while the other three "are really smart about this science stuff", she knows New York. I realize the original 1984 Ghostbusters also included three white scientists and a black employee, but I strongly believe the characters portrayed in contemporary films need to reflect the world we currently live in, and avoid reinforcing stereotypes that can cripple our nation's progress in STEM (Science, Technology, and Math) education. The director/writers may not have consciously tried to suggest African Americans (or just black women?) are not scientists, but the character of Patty is definitely NOT going to encouraging African American kids, especially girls, to pursue an interest in science.
On the other hand, the actress that plays Patty, Leslie Jones, has made some comments on Twitter that suggest she thinks such critiques are silly, tweeting that it's not about race, gender, or class. Instead, it just showing that a regular person can also be a ghostbuster and a hero. I certainly consider this aspect to be an important point, too, but other modern retellings are able to express stories in a way that is more inclusive of race. Check out the broadway musical Hamilton for a great example!
Another reinforced stereotype, of perhaps a less serious nature, is that the street-savvy Patty needs to help the scientists and engineers navigate the real world (at least that is the implication I took away from the trailer). As another review already pointed out, this trope is commonly employed in movies and shows, such as The Big Bang Theory. Brilliant scientists like Sheldon and Leonard need help with the most basic social situations, which they receive from their 'normal' neighbor Penny. I can definitely admit that scientists need to get better at being able to explain their research and its significance to the general public (see Randy Olson's films as an example), BUT most of us are capable of navigating social situations or understanding 'real life.' This stereotype feels to me like I can't be both a scientist and a regular person somehow. Again, it's probably NOT encouraging kids to look on a career in science as favorable.
Overall, I'm pretty sure this movie is not going to draw me to the theater when it comes out in July!
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