HelloGiggles: The spirit of musical theater has always been one of acceptance, a place where people from all walks of life can come together and enjoy. Which is why many are calling out a New York Times theater critic who body-shamed talented theater actress Alysha Umphress in a recent review.
3 comments:
Although I say this on almost every article I comment on, it is still very true. The fact that this article has to be written is honestly pathetic. I understand how critics have to judge the performance, however, this critic was trying to bash the costumes. However, in the process of it she body shamed an actress. I find this unacceptable in every way. Women should not be judged by how they look. They should be judged on their talent in theater. The fact that the critic was trying to criticize the costumes, yet worded it so terribly that she called one of the actresses fat is sad. In addition, the fact that she was allowed to publish such a poorly worded article for such a big newspaper shows how body shaming is still a generally accepted thing in society, when it should be the polar opposite. Hopefully we will get to the day where women don't have to worry about articles like this being written about their bodies, however just their talents should be assessed.
After reading many articles of people giving their opinions on different shows from film to live theatre this is one of the many articles that a critic has commented on an actresses weight rather than her talent. It's 2018 and people are still body shaming other women on their looks. I understand the critic was trying to give her opinion on the costume designers design but it's astonishing that with that she as well body shamed an actress by calling her "fat". For many people theatre is a gateway to go away from the numerous stereotypes people have on each other; by having people like this critic who body shames women breaks that security that theatre has. Hopefully, one day people will change and critics will critic on a person's talent rather than their bodies.
It’s so frustrating how women are taught to shame and tear down other women instead of building them up and standing by them. Body shaming has real consequences, and is such a big part of why the media can be so incredibly toxic towards women, especially young girls. The media has decided that a woman’s worth as a partner and as a person is determined by her body shape and her weight. So much of this is women against women, unfortunately. Like other comments above said, I understand where this critic was trying to come from, but she pretty much missed her target all together. Theatre performers, as well as any other performer, should not be judged on their abilities and talents based on their body shape, or looks in general. Women of all shapes and sizes should be able to succeed, and given the chance to succeed. I hope this critic has thought about how what she said was problematic, and made an effort to change and be more conscious.
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