Last night I watched as Jennifer Hudson accepted the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls and was reminded of all the rumors surrounding a rivalry between her and Beyonce, especially when I saw them perform together on stage.
Why is it that folks pit successful women against each other or we see our contemporaries as competition?
There is enough room for all women within every industry. We don't have to fight
our way to the top. From their singing performance it was clear that Beyonce and Jennifer have different styles and strengths. Rumors have swirled that Beyonce is jealous of all of the attention and accolades Jennifer is receiving. I've even wondered why Jennifer's acting performance was categorized as a supporting role when she was clearly a leader actress in the film. Did Beyonce's star power make her an automatic marquee headliner? Is she a better actress? Prettier? Slimmer? Smarter?
If it's true, folks in Beyonce's camp shouldn't begrudge Jennifer's success any more than we are aspiring writers should envy the success of our author sisters. As women can't waste time comparing writing ability, speed and creativity, industry connections, and contracts. Instead we should cheer each other on and work hard for the same success.
Rather than lamenting about the limited space at the top, we'd be better served by extolling the richness of success.
Why is it that folks pit successful women against each other or we see our contemporaries as competition?
There is enough room for all women within every industry. We don't have to fight
our way to the top. From their singing performance it was clear that Beyonce and Jennifer have different styles and strengths. Rumors have swirled that Beyonce is jealous of all of the attention and accolades Jennifer is receiving. I've even wondered why Jennifer's acting performance was categorized as a supporting role when she was clearly a leader actress in the film. Did Beyonce's star power make her an automatic marquee headliner? Is she a better actress? Prettier? Slimmer? Smarter?If it's true, folks in Beyonce's camp shouldn't begrudge Jennifer's success any more than we are aspiring writers should envy the success of our author sisters. As women can't waste time comparing writing ability, speed and creativity, industry connections, and contracts. Instead we should cheer each other on and work hard for the same success.
Rather than lamenting about the limited space at the top, we'd be better served by extolling the richness of success.
2 comments:
Bravo! Well said. I admit that I get twinges when a friend succeeds but I don't want to believe it is envy because I also love it when someone does well or achieves a goal/dream. I think I get frustrated sometimes knowing how hard I try...
But in the country music world, an artist - Faith Hill made a joke and acted as if she was upset for the cameras when a new talent - Carrie Underwood won Female Vocalist of the year. Faith couldn't understand how people thought she was serious but several other long time female artists came forward and said they understood because they were upset. They didn't feel that Carrie Underwood had been around long enough or put enough into a career to have won such a big award. But they looked the fools. Carrie only commented that she was having a good year and hoped no one sincerely was upset because she was working very hard. How sad that it's not a perfect world where we can all just get along. Let's all just drink a coca~cola and smile! ;)
AMEN! It's amazing how people lovea "chick fight." I'm sure Beyonce felt slighted at being overlooked, that's just natural, but there's no evidence of a rivalry between her and Jennifer.
I just LOVE the fact that a thick sister got the award. :) She's representing for all of us!
On the issue of writer jealousy, Jennifer Crusie has an excellent blog about it called, "Green Is Not Your Color." You can read it here: http://www.jennycrusie.com/essays/greenisnotyourcolor.php
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