PSA: Perpetuating Sexual Abuse – Piers Morgan Edition
While you may first recognize him as a judge from 2006 America’s Got Talent, Piers Morgan is well-known as an aggressive Editor and Journalist. Morgan is notorious for his offensive opinions, colorful statements, and brash judgements. No stranger to sparking controversy, he’s been making headlines since 1996.
It’s no surprise he’s back at it again with the unpopular opinion.
Following the current trend of “cancelling” celebs for similar behavior.. Piers certainly fits the requirements and may be next on your #BLOCKED list. A few reasons why?
- Regarding Beyonce, Piers stated he feels she “played the race card” with her support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
- He’s also allergic to self-love and the body posi movement. In regards to cellulite, Piers has stated “Why would we celebrate it? We put up with it, tolerate it, but not accept it,” He went as far as to say “Flaws should not be celebrated.”
- Model Naomi Campbell has sued (and won) her case against his paper for invasion of privacy.
- He showcased his entitlement and offensive tendencies by dropping the ‘N’ word in a 2017 tweet, relating his opinion: “Don’t get angry at white girls singing ‘Niggas’, blame Kanye West for putting it in his songs.”
Trust me, the list continues – we just don’t have that type of time.
The most recent development in his Series of Derogatory Events, was triggered by – get this – a nice clean shave.
Earlier today, Gillette released a short-film aimed at taking a stand for social injustice. The commercial directly referenced the #MeToo movement and included a clip of Terry Crews’s plea before Congress, instructing men to “hold other men accountable”.
The diverse ethnicities of the families represented provide a welcome balance of authenticity, and allow for a larger audience. This in league with the bold choice to display ‘toxic masculinity’ as a set of deeply rooted, taught characteristics in male development, convey Gillette’s message with ease.
I applaud Gillette for publicly taking a stand for what they believe in.
This discussion is not had often enough, let alone brought to the forefront by a major brand. Psychologically speaking, one of the main roots of sexual harassment and violence against women, is learned disrespect of women. This starts in early development when young boys are socialized to be aggressive and disrespectful. Such behaviors are influenced by and learned from celebrities, parents, shows watched, and early relationships.
Gillette furthered their monologue and spearheaded an age-old conversation by tweeting their short and adding the caption:
“Boys will be boys”? Isn’t it time we stopped excusing bad behavior? Re-think and take action by joining us at http://TheBestMenCanBe.org. #TheBestMenCanBe
This triggered Mr. Morgan quote-tweeted adding his opinion: “I’ve used @Gillette razors my entire adult life but this absurd virtue-signalling PC guff may drive me away to a company less eager to fuel the current pathetic global assault on masculinity.” In response to Gillette’s conversation starter, Piers replies “Let boys be damn boys. Let men be damn men.”
As is common with information and education throughout the ages, it seems Gillette’s forthright message has gone over a few heads, and been lost in the generational trend of sparking social-media controversy with an unpopular opinion. At least in the unfortunate case of Piers Morgan.
Piers posted a response article a few hours ago with the comment “***NEW COLUMN*** Gillette – the worst an ad can get.” .. Okay..
The link to his article invites a monologue one can only describe as.. Pathetic. His title of choice? “I’m so sick of this war on masculinity and I’m not alone – with their pathetic man-hating ad, Gillette have just cut their own throat” Don’t feel bad for Piews yet? He opens with a sigh, and begins “It’s been a very bad week for men.”
Now ladies. Is it at all a surprise that while Gillette’s focus was supporting women and suggesting changes in toxicity on the male end, the message was received as an attack and an assemblance of the “She Woman – Man Haters Club”? Not by a long shot.
However, let’s take this opportunity to refocus our dialogue. I’m seeing strong support of Gillette’s original post, and few comments in the favor of Piers’ remarks. This gives me hope for our ever-shaping society. We can shift the dialogue by circulating Gillette’s positive, honest message and giving their support the attention it deserves.
Piers, in response to your appalling and misfired soliloquy: it IS wrong, and harmful, to be an entitled, uneducated man.
Bibliography
- https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/sep/16/good-morning-britain-piers-morgan-itv
- https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/piers-morgan_uk_596370ebe4b0d5b458ebcb21?guccounter=1&guce_referrer_us=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_cs=aFqfdxRgd3sjGTMROq1Qlg
- https://twitter.com/Gillette/status/1084850521196900352
- https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1084891133757587456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1084891133757587456&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esquire.com%2Fstyle%2Fgrooming%2Fa25905848%2Fgillette-ad-video-toxic-masculinity%2F
