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Tolerating Wrong For “The Greater Good”
Liberal paternalism gave rise to a new kind of white supremacy
A minor controversy ensued after the 2022 Critics Choice Awards over remarks directed at superstar tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. The Williams sisters were in attendance because their biopic King Richard was nominated for best picture. New Zealand film director Jane Campion won for best director.
During Campion’s acceptance speech, she acknowledged the male directors she beat for best picture. Then said, “Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys like I do.”
Since actresses have complained about pay disparities for decades, it’s not hard to believe that women behind the camera have their own difficulties. In 2018 Glamour (the women’s magazine) complained about the constant lack of female best director honorees at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Industry insiders knew what Campion meant, and the Williams sisters weren’t bothered. However, a grave offense was taken on behalf of Venus and Serena.
“The offended” — people who weren’t hurt but derive pleasure from knocking “the privileged” off their pedestal — felt Campion “whitewashed the racism/misogyny/elitism” the Williams sisters endured playing professional tennis. Their harsh…