The Reality of Wokeness in Hollywood: Debunking the 'Go Woke Go Broke' Myth

The phrase 'go woke go broke' has become a refrain in discussions about the impact of social and political messaging in the entertainment industry. However, like many things in life, the reality is more nuanced. Hollywood's shift towards incorporating more diverse and socially conscious themes does not necessarily mean it's losing money or fans. Here's a deeper look into the factors that influence success in the film and television industry.

What Does 'Wokeness' Mean in Entertainment?

When people talk about 'wokeness' in entertainment, they are often referring to several aspects:

Politicised socio-political themes in the plot and mood of the story. Alterations to characters, such as gender-swapping or race-swapping, driven by identity politics. Increase in diversity, which can sometimes be perceived as unrealistic or forced. Improvements in inclusive writing, with a focus on diversity, political messaging, and identity politics. Inclusion of LGBTQ characters and themes, particularly in children's entertainment.

While these elements are significant, the impact on a movie or show's success is not always straightforward. Wokeness itself is not a binary that dictates financial failure.

Impact of Wokeness on Box Office Performance

Several movies and shows that include woke elements have performed well at the box office, challenging the notion that being 'woke' leads to financial failure. For example, Black Panther and Captain Marvel both marketed themselves as milestones in representation and succeeded financially, grossing over $1 billion each. These examples suggest that woke elements can coexist with financial success.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these successes, some films and series have faced backlash for perceived woke elements. For instance, Lightyear (2022) faced criticism for a short lesbian kiss scene, leading to some viewers boycotting the film. However, the movie's poor performance at the box office is often attributed to its lackluster plot rather than the woke elements.

The Diverse Audience

Hollywood's audience is diverse and increasingly appreciates films and shows that reflect a broader range of experiences and perspectives. Successful content that embraces diversity and social issues tends to perform well, indicating that woke elements can be well-received by the audience.

Evolution of Audience Preferences

Younger viewers, in particular, value representation and social issues in the media they consume, driving demand for more diverse and inclusive content. However, this does not mean all woke elements are positively received. Sometimes, the backlash is due to poor writing, lack of appeal, or other factors unrelated to the woke elements.

Market Trends and Societal Changes

The entertainment landscape is influenced by broader social and cultural trends. As society evolves, storytelling evolves with it. These changes often resonate with audiences, leading to the success of certain films and series.

Conclusion

The phrase 'go woke go broke' is an oversimplification. While some movies and shows may face challenges due to woke elements, ultimately, the success of content is influenced by a variety of factors, including quality storytelling, marketing, and audience engagement. Wokeness is not a binary that dictates financial failure; instead, it is a part of the rapidly evolving landscape of Hollywood.

Keywords: wokeness in hollywood, go woke go broke, diversity in entertainment