Hollywood actresses are more than just their red carpet dresses. The up-and-coming social media campaign, called #AskHerMore, is urging red carpet correspondents and media outlets to ask actresses more compelling questions during their high profiled interviews.
As any socially aware human being or entertainment enthusiast knows, one of the most popular questions actresses receive on the red carpet is “Who are you wearing?” Even though these cream of the crop actresses are at these events to celebrate their greatest achievements that spotlight their hard work, they are being asked questions that are based on their overall appearance and not their work. Some may not see a problem with this. After all, these are celebrities that have access to the finest gowns, jewelry, and accessories-why shouldn’t they be asked about their outfits? However, the problem is a feminist one and one that devalues their career.
Thousands of young female girls watch these red carpet events every year and idolize these celebrities. If we keep asking questions that are just based on a actresses’ looks, looks will be the most essential thing to a young girl, putting the actual accomplishments they should be proud of on the back-burner. Like it or not, these actresses are some of the idols of young women everywhere. This being said, more thought provoking questions should be asked on the red carpet.
For example, questions like “What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?” or “What accomplishment are you most proud of?” are far more intriguing questions for the actress and the viewer. Girls everywhere can use the answers given as examples and motivation in their own lives. Actresses will feel honored to talk about their work and feel as if their triumphs have worth.
To many, these may be first world problems. But they are problems that are effecting any girl with two eyes and a television set. A tremendous push for this campaign occurred last night during the 2016 Emmy Awards this year. A foundation created by actress Amy Poehler called “Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls” tweeted out videos of actors and actresses on the red carpet answering questions directly from their fans. These questions purposely deflected the “what are you wearing “ syndrome and promoted the #AskHerMore campaign. To get more involved with this campaign, visit TheRepresentationProject.org and let these actresses be the examples they can be for young women everywhere.
