Netflix is fighting gender roles using Twitter with a brilliant PSA about the language referring to movie genres. As we know gender roles and stereotypes are harmful in many ways and one of the reasons, is because they contribute to rape culture. That why we love when big brands stand up against them and take time to educate audiences.
Here is the full thread:
Quick PSA: Can we stop calling films “chick flicks” unless the films are literally about small baby chickens? Here’s why this phrase should absolutely be retired (thread):
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
For starters, “chick flicks” are traditionally synonymous with romantic comedies. This suggests that women are the only people interested in 1. Romance 2. Comedy. Which I can promise from the men I’ve come across in my life – simply isn’t true.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
There aren’t sweeping categories specific to men. You don’t hear people asking to watch “man movies” – instead, pretty much every intersection of genre is on the table and seen as for men, except of course, the aforementioned rom-coms.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
The term also cheapens the work that goes into making these types of films. Romantic comedies and/or films centered around female leads go through just as much editing, consideration, and rewriting as any other film.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
And nicknaming films “chick flicks” drives home that there’s something trivial about watching them. But what’s trivial about watching a film that makes you feel 1,000 emotions in ~90 minutes?
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
Overall, there’s nothing inherently gendered about liking a light-hearted film with a strong female lead and emotional arc. So next time you call something a “chick flick,” you better be referring to Chicken Run.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
Good job Netflix!
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