Child sexualization in film is becoming a reality

Jacquelyn Hurtado/ Contributing Writer

Woody Allen’s upcoming movie starring Jude Law and Elle Fanning has recently stirred up controversy. His untitled film is about a middle-aged director who sleeps around with many actresses, while having relations with a 15-year-old girl.

Amidst the current backlash against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, this film follows a similar storyline to Weinstein’s, but rather than condemning his actions, it is normalizing them.

This isn’t the first time Allen has done this. In the past, Allen has been accused of child abuse and has created films like “Celebrity” (1998) and “Manhattan” (1979) that pair older actors with young actresses, according to The Cinemaholic.

Through his work, Allen has attempted to portray these relationships as the norm despite the disgusting reality it evokes. In “Manhattan,” Allen was 43-years-old at the time and starred alongside 16-year-old Mariel Hemingway. His films were the perfect excuse for him to interact with younger women in an accepted environment.

Normalizing the sexualization of children is becoming more and more common through his work, which has influenced other directors and members of the entertainment industry.

Director Louis C.K.’s new film, “I Love You, Daddy,” centers around a TV producer whose 17-year-old daughter has fallen for a 68-year-old filmmaker. C.K. states that he grew up with Allen’s film and is happy to see that “I Love You, Daddy” is sparking debate, according to Hollywood Reporter. In C.K.’s eyes, it’s just a movie.

Unfortunately, “it’s just a movie” can easily become our dreaded reality because the more often child sexualization is portrayed in films, the more socially accepted it will become. Spectators will even begin to desire that type of relationship if it’s repeatedly glorified on screen.

Recently, 27-year-old Texan model Ali Michael shared a photo of 14-year-old “Stranger Things” actor Finn Wolfhard and wrote “Not to be weird, but hit me up in 4 years,” according to Daily Mail.

Even though directors Allen and C.K. feel it’s okay to show this type of behavior in movies, the incident with Michael is only one of many that show how child sexualization is becoming the disgusting reality we were all trying to avoid.

After the model’s actions backfired and were described as “gross,” Michael apologized and said it was all a “joke.” Unfortunately, her “joke” is about the same as C.K. saying “it’s just a movie.”

Sexualization is a socially constructed concept. Through constant repetition, it is normalized and becomes a part of our society; therefore, child sexualization cannot be accepted as a joke. It must be addressed as a serious matter.

Although Allen’s newest film and Michael’s actions have received backlash, it can’t stop there. With the current downpour of sexual assault allegations, we cannot tread lightly on touchy subjects like child sexualization. Serious actions such as shutting down the production of Allen’s film should be taken.

Unfortunately, shutting down the production is near impossible, but refusing to watch his film and allowing it to flop in the Box Office is doable.

In order to stop child sexualization, do not promote it by going out and watching his film when it is released. We, as an audience, have to recognize when it’s time to put our foot down, and now is definitely the time.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

Photo taken from Flickr.