The edition is an extended look at how one new industry move sets off some big questions for the business landscape.
LESSON #1: JOHN LASSETER IS A TEST FOR CAREERS MOVING BEYOND THE #METOO MOVEMENT— I came on this column space a little over a year ago with my first “Soapbox Special” to address the uneven career assassinations that have occurred both before and after our present #MeToo landscape. I shared my stances where I separate the person (their personal life) from the persona (their careers) and never boycott anyone. Likewise, my consistent emotional response to cases like Kevin Spacey or Bill Cosby is one of patience and sadness. I refuse to jump the gun with outrage and boycott on mere “allegations” and “claims” These folks are innocent until proven guilty in my eyes, which seems to fly against the court of public opinion that immediately sinks people on the first click bait headline before we even know if they deserve it. A year later, with former Pixar czar John Lasseter being hired by Skydance to lead their animation division, we have reached the decision points of who and what “gets to,” more or less, move on from #MeToo. Lasseter comes to Skydance after a self-imposed leave of absence from Pixar amid claims of sexual harassment he deemed as “missteps.” His resurrection hiring has been met with a great deal of adamant outrage from some sectors.
LESSON #2: IT’S TIME FOR CONSUMERS TO BE REFLECTIVE AND FAIR— From John Lasseter all the way to Kevin Spacey and anyone else in between, people need to table the court of public opinion and get a better look at the whole situations beyond the outrage and headlines. Here are the reflection questions that I think folks need to consider at this point:
1) What’s the proper waiting period between allegations and actual guilt? MY ANSWER: When it gets its day in court and no less that that. Go ahead and hate the convicted Bill Cosby. The evidence came and the ruling has come down. Cool your jets on all the unproven stuff elsewhere. Save your crucifixion nails until the gavel hits the block. Until then, call it quarantine or something and be the discerning consumer you want to be with that right. Reserve judgment because it’s not even your place to judge.
2) What amount of contrition or correction is necessary in order for people to continue their careers? MY ANSWER: That’s up to each case and each consumer, but the amount can’t be zero. I’m a proponent of giving people chances to correct their wrongs. Some stars have handled that better than others (Louis CK, Kevin Spacey). This is just me, but I will gladly acknowledge and appreciate those who legitimately try to seek forgiveness and personal improvement. I wish more viewers and fans could do the same.
3) What are these people allowed to do with their rest of their careers? MY ANSWER: Anything they want or anything a boss wants to hire to run their business. This might have to circle back to old adage of the punishment fitting the crime. If the person(s) in question come out of Question #1 with unfounded innocence and have completed the mea culpas of Question #2, they should be able to return to their field of profession. Similarly, if the person(s) doesn’t get through Question #1 clearly yet have served their time or sentence of meted and legal punishment (think Michael Vick from the NFL), then they should be able to return to their field of profession. That’s not to say all people are going to support either of those wishes. Once again, folks can be whatever discerning consumer they want, but those returning people should be allowed the chances to try and correct their mistakes.
I know if it were any one of us instead of them, we would want those same minimums and grace. That’s how you find any possible empathy in these situations. Try some of this reflection before pissing and moaning all over social media. You’ll be a calmer and better person for it.
DON SHANAHAN is a Chicago-based and Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic writing on his website Every Movie Has a Lesson and also on Medium.com for the MovieTime Guru publication. As an educator by day, Don writes his movie reviews with life lessons in mind, from the serious to the farcical. He is a proud director and one of the founders of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle and a new member of the nationally-recognized Online Film Critics Society. As a contributor here on Feelin’ Film now for over a year, he’s going to expand those lessons to current movie news and trends while chipping in with guest spots and co-hosting duties, including the special “Connecting with Classics” podcast program. Find “Every Movie Has a Lesson” on Facebook, Twitter, and Medium to follow his work.
