The Persistent Cycles of Discrimination in the Hollywood Community

In the early years of the 20th century, the United States was shaped by greed, bigotry, and Puritan values, and these legacies continue to influence our country today. The misguided government and society have resulted in a narrow focus on the Christianity and a lack of liberalism towards human rights and freedoms. For over 100 years, literature, art, and film have reflected these biases, predominantly supported by wealthy, powerful interests.

Since 1910, the Hollywood business has maintained a facade of respect towards puritanical and bigoted values, doing so to protect their profits. Despite the passage of time and social progress, the legacy of the Hays Code and the Production Code continue to influence the industry. Even the Vietnam War did not significantly shift Hollywood’s stance on issues such as sexual freedom and representation of diverse sexual orientations and lifestyles.

The Hays Code and its Impact

The Hays Code, established in the 1930s, was a set of moral guidelines that Hollywood adhered to for decades. These guidelines were designed to prevent the projection of certain social ills believed to be pernicious, such as drug use, premarital sex, and other forms of non-reproductive sex acts. The code served to censor movies, stifling any representation of homosexuality, free love, or other non-conformist lifestyles.

The Hay’s Code was a reflection of the broader societal climate, which was often dominated by the Christian beliefs of the time. Many of the restrictions were rooted in Darwinian ideas about survival of the fittest, where the weak were deemed less deserving of representation.

The Vietnam War and the Shift in Entertainment

The Vietnam War marked a critical turning point for Hollywood. Faced with changing societal norms and the growing presence of an independent film industry, Hollywood began to moderate its portrayal of sex and violence. This led to the establishment of a film rating system in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The success of Paul Morrissey's Blue Movie in 1969 paved the way for a more open exploration of adult themes, but Hollywood ultimately rejected the film due to sexual morality. The sex outside marriage and non-monogamous lifestyles continued to be seen as taboo, despite advancements in the gay rights movement. The fear of backlash from religious and societal groups meant that Hollywood studios preferred to maintain the status quo.

The Legacy of Discrimination

Today, only independent filmmakers outside of the mainstream sex film industry have dared to address sexuality and sexual orientation explicitly. The fear of discrimination and the political climate of the AIDS crisis have further suppressed any real progress in representation.

Hollywood continues to discriminate against actors who come out of the closet, especially if they are single, non-monogamous, or reject traditional family values. Successful actors like Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins faced career setbacks because they did not follow the conventional path of marriage. Even when actors defend their lifestyles, they often face job losses or receive fewer roles.

The industry's resistance to change is rooted in fear of losing potential audiences. However, the continued suppression of LGBTQ representation not only harms the industry but also fails to reflect the diverse and complex nature of human relationships and identities.

Conclusion

The persistence of discrimination in Hollywood is a reflection of broader societal issues. While there have been significant strides in LGBTQ rights, the film industry still struggles to fully embrace and represent these communities. Breaking down these barriers is essential for creating a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape.