After being jolted by the chronicle of Roger Ailes downfall in “Bombshell“, I made a point to listen the Regina Spektor’s trenchant song, “One Little Soldier” this evening. The song and associated animation captures the film’s theme was exceptional clarity that kept me seated to watch the end credits.
The film itself outlines the insidious culture of sexual harassment practiced at but not unique to Fox News. I was uncomfortable throughout the movie. I thought of my mom. My sister. My partner. My daughters. Each had at different stages, in different ways, faced painful sex/gender based traumas.
What would be my response? How might I count to reproach men who believe themselves entitled to create and then exploit vulnerabilities? At this point, I do not know, but I aim to find out.
Megyn Kelly is a force to reckon with. As she describes herself, she can use sharp elbows, but can also be soft. I believe she correctly identifies the futility to convince the entrenched electorate to change their voting behavior — but she remains optimistic, even it’s through the eyes of her children. And yet, her and our children’s sense of equality and empowerment can easily be eroded.
Charlize Theron and company have produced as powerful women’s story, even if a relatively (all?) white story ( and even claim Jesus and Santa must be white). Theron, both on and off stage, articulates the complexity of the Fox News climate — orchestrated to isolate, instill fear, manicure women to be objects — objects for Ailes and Ailes’ imagined ideal woman to sell TV.
Which brings me back to the closing cartoon and Spektor song playing for the credits. It’s the opposite of a James Bond opening titles songs and images. I could not have been more riveted by credit graphs and powerful lyrics. As Bombshell’s director, Jay Roach, acknowledged, the song encapsulates the script with stunning fidelity.
I have sent a link to song to my Mom, Sister, Partner, and Daughters to tell them I believe them. I will fight with them. And I will confront and call out men who abuse their power. And even if I rarely see the world the same as people like Kelly or Gretchen Carlson (who deserves more attention here!), these and other women deserve to be treated (and paid) appropriately, as talented professionals.