So says Jon Robin Baitz in his latest salvo, a bracing commentary on the Voices of Uncertainty video we linked to earlier today. He writes:
I'm hoping that our labor action signals a sea change in American tolerance for corporate greed and disdain for ethics and morals in the relentless pursuit of profit.A week and a half ago, one of my best friends, a young screenwriter and playwright of great talent and greater soul, reminded me that my first thoughts on this subject were clouded by my feelings about how the business works, and my place in it. (Without going into details, my urges as a playwright sometimes fly in the face of the realities of a top 20 network TV show like Brothers & Sisters. ) He reminded me that whatever I may go through personally, I had a responsibility and a forum. As I have said, hearing his anguish broke my heart. I took stock. As I have thought about the issue, my bitterness and sorrow over the limitations of my own abilities and even value as a TV writer have been replaced by the greater understanding that I care deeply about my colleagues -- from the crew, up to the executives -- because that is called citizenship. That is called continuity.
I realize, after watching this clip, that I am sentimental. Ever was it thus. That is a blessing as much as a curse. No such sentiments exist in the hearts of Moonves, Murdoch, Iger, Silverman. I do not envy them. They are sloppy dissemblers. Somehow having risen to power, they are soul-sick and awash in shameless double-speak and reflexive corporate arrogance. These are not enlightened positions from which to lead their businesses into a new age.
4 comments:
Is this meant as a parody?
The autobiography of a pompous-ass, the heartbreaking story of a great writer[sic] humbled[sic!!] and now standing shoulder to shoulder with the common hack.
"As I have said, hearing his anguish broke my heart."
And you link to this shit?
Bring on the hacks. They write better.
Yup. We link to it. Happily. Proudly.
*Strawman Alert*
And what's with the [sic]s after words that don't even appear in the original? Kind of deflates your attempt at literary sarcasm.
I'm not opposed to the strike, I back it all the way;
but I don't back self-importance and pomposity. That wasn't about his "brothers and sisters" it was about him.
The people you work for? Fuck'em. But you need to get your audience on your side.
Keep it real. Or if it isn't, then make it real.
That's all.
This, sadly, has become the American way.
Just look at our government. "LEADERS" are a dying breed. There is total lack of leadership in our country- the managers and corporate types run it all and it's time that we take to the streets like the French and let them all know we are done with this air of greed and disposability. People are not disposable! And the reason corporate fat cats can live in that bubble, surrounded by their sycophants is because they don't see OUR faces or know OUR families. There's no eye contact anymore- no face time.
It's everywhere, mega corporations, churches, schools, government....
These fat cats's star in their own little movie and we're just the extras. This has to end in our country and the WGA strike seems like a good place to start.
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