The Controversy!!!
Some people get very riled up over usage of the word “Actress”. They consider it to be a demeaning word, and the next logical step in the centuries long war of equalization of the two genders is to abolish the use of it. After all, what possible good reason could there be for singling out an entire gender of people who act for a living?
Some people consider the word “actress” to be sexist. After all, other roles aren’t gender specific. You wouldn’t refer to a female doctor as a “doctress” would you? Critics of the word point to the fact that the English language doesn’t have a lot of examples of gender specific roles, such as this.
Don’t Forget History
The emergence of actresses is a fairly new thing that didn’t come about until the 17th century. Before then, acting was considered to be a man’s profession, and women roles were played by men. Think about that one for a second. Romeo and Juliet without any women. Antony and Cleopatra without any women. A Midsummer Night’s Dream without any women. All of these are Shakespeare plays, and in the last example, the storyline goes that one of the characters, Francis Flute, is forced to play a role as a woman in a play within a play. This was a common thing back in the day.
First of all, I think that a movement to get rid of the word “actress” would cause us to forget this history of the role. To proclaim that you are an actress means that you are strong person, able to overcome the hurdles of modern day sexism, and that you are a product of enlightenment, and not of an era where women weren’t even allowed on stage. The word actress is empowering. After all, men don’t have a special word like this. A man can only be an actor, but a woman can be an actor AND an actress.
The REAL issue at hand
Not to mention that actresses have to deal with issues that an actor doesn’’t. For example, it is much more common to hear about backstage “cat-fights” amongst actresses than it is to hear about feuding actors. This is a double standard that often proves to be false. This is a problem with society that needs to be dealt with. People are likely to believe stories such as this. THIS is the type of issue that we should be paying attention to.
I don’t see the issue of the word “acrtress” as one dealing with sexism or the English language. The word is not demeaning in any way. It is simply the name of an occupation. And as far as the english language goes, you’re talking about one of the most inconsistent languages on this planet! There’s no need for every word, and ever term to coordinate nicely with each other. This level of consistency is never going to happen anyway. Like I said, the real issue of sexism comes into play with how actresses are regarded. That issue will not be solved by abandoning a gender specific word.
One BIG problem With Getting Rid of the Word “Actress…
If we eliminate the word “Actress” from our vocabulary, then let’s also eliminate the “Best Actress” award. If our goal is to lump all actors, male and female, into one unisex category, then let’s let the female actors and the male actors all compete for one single solitary award. Maybe we could simply change the name of the award to “Best Female Actor”, in which case we would be missing the point. Just like we don’t call a female doctor a “doctress”, we also don’t refer to her as a “female doctor”!
My point? There’s nothing wrong with the word “Actress”. It’s just a word. There’s absolutely no negative stigma to be attributed to the word. If we eliminate the word “actress” people will still spread rumors of catfights and other stereotypes. There will still be a “Top 10 Hottest Actress” article published every week, albeit with a different name. The common opinion about female actors will not change one bit. So how about focusing some of that energy on tackling an issue that is actually a problem?
I think it’s so easy to get distracted down dead ends when it comes to prejudice. In my humble (and yes, male!) opinion, the real issue is not whether we call female actors ‘actresses’ but about the lack of great parts (compared to male roles) and that they are paid less. It’s the discrimination that’s the problem, not the word we use.
I’m curious to read the female view of this. As I say, I’m male so hard to know if ‘actress’ is offensive. I can think of far more offensive words!
Ian
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@ Ian
You bring up another point that I should have mentioned, the discrepancy in pay between male and female actors. I’m pretty sure that the actresses are a big draw. Yet they don’t command the same lucrative salaries that a lot of male actors do. I also would like a female’s opinion on this. Thanks for commenting!
I think this is all part of the gender equality movement but it is receiving road blocks still.
Like i think our parents (mine are around 50) especially my dad, males of that age still have the mindset of male dominated society and roles.
I think it is still passed on to their kids like guys my age.
@ tom
You’re right. The idea of a male dominated society is being challenged nowadays. My point is that there’s nothing demeaning about being an “actress” instead of being an “actor”. For someone to have a problem with the word “actress” is grasping at straws, in my opinion. There are plenty of other issues with women in the workplace, including acting, and the title that they receive is probably the least imporant thing they could be focusing on. Thanks for commenting!
Yeah I don’t get the whole thing with calling an actress an actor. What’s the big deal? Maybe they think calling themselves an “actor” makes them sound more serious, and of Oscar quality. i don’t get it at all.
But I don’t need to ponder this for much longer for I am heading to my guitar and then perhaps to a donut and sheer decadence of a second coffee.
Another well-written one.
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I like the point of lumping the genders in a single category for an award. I feel that humans should be treated with respect, gender aside. Many languages base their entire vocabulary off gender. I don’t think that undermines the values of the words. Many people get in an uproar over “secretary’s day” saying that it’s demeaning and should be called “administrative assistant’s day” on their cards and balloons. Well why do we need to celebrate any day that singles out certain employees when ALL of the employees work hard to make a business work. Yes, the flowers are thoughtful but shouldn’t everyone get them and not just the females? What’s next changing the word “woman” to “female human”?
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@ Jannie
That may be part of it. When I’ve heard people complain, they cite sexism. To me, the idea is that when you hear a job title, some people want to be able to distinguish whether that job title is held by a woman or a man. It’s the same concept behind “Mrs. vs. Ms.” However, I don’t agree with that.
I like your attitude behind these things. You question it, but then you go on with your day. Thanks for commenting!
@ ed
I don’t really think we’re ready to have male and female actors compete for the same academy award. I do, however, think that people who want the word “actress” abolished should also be in favor of having one “Best Actor” award in order to be consistent with their argument. If you want one label, then let’s have one award, right?
“Secretary’s Day” is definitely a good point. If they can have a day, then let every job title have a day. At one of my jobs, we celebrated every single birthday with a cake and small party. (Even if it fell on a weekend) It really is a small price to pay to keep morale up.
And yes, I do wonder where all of this PC stuff is going to end as well. When do we reach this utopia where there are no gender specifications? Are we going to have to eliminate “he” and “she”? Words don’t matter, it’s the feeling behind the word, but that’s a whole nother topic that I don’t want to get into, because I try to stay on the topic of entertainment.
Thanks for commenting!