News about Lindy West

On March 12th, Brendan Fraser was named best actor for his leading role in "The Whale" at the Academy Awards, and I hated it. Fraser was nominated for a role in which he dons'fat suit and pretends to eat fried chicken and sandwiches and pizza. It's a film in which he literally eats himself to death, and it's portrayed as a sort of metaphor for love and redemption. Fraser and director Darren Aronofsky have stated consistently that they wanted the film to reflect fat people's humanity and inspire empathy in them, but the film does not do anything close. Fraser's win is the cherry on top, indicating Hollywood's recognition that this is a good, worthwhile film and performance. Every time I talk about "The Whale"'s issues, I get the feeling that I'm being pushed to avoid it. "I love Brendan, but I must admit." "He's so great in 'The Mummy!'He's in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' this year, he'll be so great!" Brendan has eloquently discussed his struggle with depression, about the agony he suffered at, and, of course, I'm delighted to see him get through those challenges and return to a career he loves. However, the mental health struggle didn't stop him from participating in a film like "The Whale," but it makes it worse. People with depression are stigmatized and stereotyped in culture, as well as obese people. Fraser's own experience led him to greater empathy for and recognition with those in larger organizations, but he and his awards campaign used it as a justification for why he deserved to win.