Stay #BoycottGreysAnatomy & #RehireSarahandJessica Strong! It matters more than ever. Here’s why:
Hi guys! I’ve been quiet because I’m devastated. This post is not going to be my only one about Sarah and Jessica being fired. There might be a goodbye post coming (not to this blog, to April/Arizona…) But I wanted to get on here to tell you why the effort to speak out for Sarah and Jessica is more important to me than ever, even though Sarah is a badass and got a job in a week:
1. For me, the core of this issue is fake feminism and a brand issue we’ve seen for years. I mean, I don’t even have to spell it out. Shonda herself always played favorites, but this is not really about her beyond the fact that she could’ve stopped it. A lot of people could have if they came together, especially. Shonda just wouldn’t have needed support from others.
I’m really disturbed by what they have been calling female empowerment for years now. I mean, take Meredith’s raise. What’s that, season 12 right? The story was, she found out she was paid less, walked into a female boss’ office asked for more and got it. Now, the storyline isn’t too compelling in itself. I believe The Bold Type did it better later. But on the show, as in real life Shondaland, that message doesn’t hold true for every female, as real feminism should. The closest fictional example to this I can think of is April taking over Mer’s position s13. She did not even ask for it. She did it to the best of her ability and was bullied for it. Not to mention she’s been fired or suspended so much for really weak reasons to say the least.
We know Sarah Drew was not “unhappy.” Perhaps she asked for more for her character and more money, as one should in negotiations. She knows how Grey’s works. Those without love interests are vulnerable of not being written for. She spoke up for herself and her character and her work and was punished. I imagine that’s common. But it is NOT ok when you’re running a brand that THRIVES on the idea of empowering women who speak up. I can see Ellen’s negotiation in my head. I imagine she looked up the number she had to beat to be the highest paid, slid it across the table, and was Yes’d to death by protectors who haven’t understood the heart of what brings people back to Greys for years.
As for Jessica, I was a little more shocked. I’ll explain why below but I imagine she asked for similar for her character and her acting worth and was denied. I mean, Arizona was just thrown love interests with no thought behind them. Jessica fans, please forgive me, I admittedly have been upset over the years about Arizona’s actions toward April. I may not have the best examples for her character nor do I follow her career as intently as Sarah’s, but that’s about to change.
So for me, this is about standing behind the women who embody Grey’s, and rejecting a brand that doesn’t stand by the messages it exploits for popularity.
2. We cannot let Ellen and Krista get away with this gross unprofessionalism. There is years worth of either proof or near proof that Grey’s is a huge HS clique and with Shonda as queen and Ellen as the even nastier sidekick. KH, Jerrika…their stories are valid, if hard to find and prove. As fans with instinct, WE KNOW. I was surprised about JCap because I thought she was “in.” But Sarah? I was only shocked they let her go based on her talent and commitment. It goes both ways because Sarah didn’t kiss Ellen’s butt, but in 9 years, maaaaybe the’s a handful of one-on-one interactions documented. They aren’t friends. Ellen is threatened. Sarah was the most vulnerable to this.
But that’s besides the point, honestly. Right now Krista and Ellen are being so shady. Literally, they can’t even type NAMES without including their handle until Sarah gets a job and you want to bait her for supporting her as if you have hearts? On International Women’s Day the news they were fired gets out and all you can do is run to defend yourselves without even acknowledging you know, like, Greeeeaaaat timing???
I’m not blaming Ellen’s contract one bit. However the fact remains she does have power. Producer credit, Debbie and K’s ear. She does. And ANY of that cast could’ve spoken up, sure. But when the leader takes a stand? The power there would’ve been enormous no matter what.
There is also the issue of Krista’s behavior on social media. Ellen’s too. You are your own person. But when you represent a network and a brand? Nah!!! Y’all two are LOUD about a certain White House resident. Yet, your egos at least seem to match. Just saying.
3. Representation Matters. I’m not quite sure this country understands what true authentic representation is. So for me, networks get too much credit for simply including minority characters. I’m a wheelchair user and I didn’t feel that Arizona Robbins was ever given a story I identified with at all. Her disability wasn’t the fabric of who she was, and Jessica is able-bodied. I’m not blaming her, just saying. She didn’t know the character would be disabled when she got the part. Even though disabled characters being played by able-bodied actors is a huge problem, Arizona matters on TV because she is an amputee.
Her presence also matters because she is a lesbian. I’m not part of the LGBTQIA community. So, I won’t speak much on this. I know Grey’s did A LOT wrong, but at a time they did a lot right. And I know she probably means a lot to people in the community for really valid and deep reasons.
As for April, I don’t identify as Christian, I think they wrote her religion horribly at times. I do think it’s important to represent progressive Christians. But she’s who I identify most with because she is human and vulnerable and strong despite all the bullying writers put her through. I even wouldn’t blame the writers sometimes. Because April was April. And she has her flaws. But April was April in spite of writing and because of Sarah Drew. Arizona was Arizona, bright and happy and strong-willed, because of Jcap. And I can say now and see clearer that everything I dislike about both was writing and the things I love? Were because of those actresses named Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew.
So Shonda’s statement? complete BS. But you have to keep standing up for why it does matter that these characters were on TV.
4. Let’s Talk about ‘Stories Ending.’ It does happen. As a writer I can’t say that’s not true. But on Grey’s? If ‘stories’ mattered here’s how it would look:
Izzie would still be there with Alex (not anti-Jolex but I never was a shipper.)
George would at least not have thought about thee army come freaking onnnn….
Owen would be gone. (I don’t even hate him but COME ON…)
Stephanie would’ve GOTTEN a real story long before the dumb Kyle arc
Slexie would’ve been engaged at leaaaast before death. (I shipped them but that’s my point…looking back? OK, they died. But leading up to it the story was so dragged and unnatural…)
Derek? IDK….he would’ve died differently or cheated at a point.
Japril would be at least trying to work things out and never divorced.
Maggie would be with Delucca or a black man not familial in any way.
Meredith’s story for the past 3 years would have flow, not just people telling us she’s strong.
I could go on….I also find it really problematic that most of their “feminist” dialogue includes the literal word feminism or a variant. Act it, tell a story. It’s a TV show. Don’t just yell “roar…” But I digress we need to move on…
Arizona’s “Story” only stopped because Callie left and the writers didn’t write her more. The writers are now getting bad at writing. Period. And understanding where the heart of the show is. A HUGE piece of it left with Sandra/Cristina. I think Ellen could act opposite her because she was so good. Another HUGE piece left with Callie/Sara. Now, I didn’t like later years Callie but Sara was so good that she had her own following and became a separate heart for the show. I actually always thought it was dumb they didn’t just hold off on shoving Maggie at us and let Callie be a stronger presence for Mer.
With Jessica and Sarah leaving, their losing characters who were forces in their own right and had the potential to soar past Meredith. For Arizona? Keep Sofia in Seattle. Actually invest in finding an actress Jessica has chemistry with, maybe AFTER you do a disability and identity deep dive while she’s a single mom? Gold mine to the end right there. And NOT just based on a ship.
For April, ummm sorry, HELLO??? She’s IN a story that has potential right now w this crisis if faith. Done well this doesn’t end for another season. But also?? Japril COULD be in the middle of a great one finding their way to each other right now. IF the “CREATIVE DECISION” wasn’t made to keep it all in the family. I don’t know how you see chemistry there if you do but whatever. Do not tell me that story flow was natural. Do not tell me that Sarah Drew isn’t suffering the consequences of that “Decision” only working if they pushed her out. I mean, congrats. I’m done w the show, but don’t even try….
5. The Cagney (and maybe JTV omg yay for Jcap) of it all. I need to include this section. I’m SO PROUD of Sarah. It’s going to make mourning April harder but imagine…it’s like if I got fired and then went down the street and got a new job. SO PROUD of her….BUT make no mistake. OBVIOUSLY Ellen/Krista are only using this for their own gain. I mean, they didn’t know Sarah’s name before and they DON’T know Jcap’s because of all the shady shade shade I live for.
I know egos like this. None of Jcap or Sarah’s accomplishments are going to ever make them think “HMMM maybe we made a mistake.” It doesn’t seem like Sarah had to do much auditioning for this role, and all her other big ones have been written for her like Jcap’s might. A testament to them.
I don’t want to put this show Sarah’s getting down. But the fact is it may not even go to series. I don’t want these women to look back, honestly. BUT I respect the fact that the principle of the thing is winning them the choice by using our voice. I also just want to quiet down the rudeness. For the LOVE, at least Shonda should tell Krista she’ll be fired if she doesn’t stop. Ellen has been at it for years and there’s not a show without her in their minds. But Krista?? Nah bye.
So, after I post this I’m donating to the banner what I can. As a stand against mean girls, fake feminism and a fake brand I once stood beside, but doesn’t stand for me. Please know the boycott matters. It doesn’t matter that it’s Ellen’s episode this week. Let that fuel you not deter you. And Imagine if we get “RehireSarahAndJessica” or “BoycottGreysAnatomy” Trending? Maybe then they’d at least KNOW. With all 3 of these efforts. I just want them to know that Grey’s heart left with Sarah and Jessica.
Damn this felt good to write. Please feel free to share everywhere. But if you know me on twitter don’t tag my name, I’m locked. So make your own tweet!
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