The blue state / red state political divide has come the movie box office

[wyldwolf]

Deadline is reporting on the under-performance of DC's Birds of Prey despite solid reviews (currently 85% and Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes,) and is pointing out "Birds of Prey over-indexed in the West & Southwest as expected. Unfortunately, I’m told by distribution sources that these female charged event pics are challenged in the divisive, conservative leaning flyover states were Birds of Prey under-indexed."

The liberal vs conservative mindsets on movies and TV have been on full display on social media and blogs since Comicsgate was born at almost the exact time Donald J. Trump was elected. For those who aren't familiar with comicsgate:

Comicsgate is a campaign in opposition to perceived "forced diversity" and progressivism in the content of North American superhero comic books and the kinds of creators who work in the industry. The name is derived from Gamergate, a similar movement related to video games. Participants argue that "forced diversity" occurs in both hiring and comics content, and that this has led to a decline in sales.

The movement has been described as part of the alt-right movement, and as a harassment campaign which "targets women, people of color, and LGBT folk in the comic book industry". It has faced blame for the vandalism of a store that did not stock comics created by its members, and for threats of violence/rape against others.

[lunasun]

1. kick & rec

[stopdiggin]

2. thanks. interesting.

push back against PC (as I have heard this described) is a real thing. And eventually there will be a push back against the push back.

On the other hand, there were apparently other reasons to consider for "under-performance" with this particular offering as well -

" Slapping the topical theme of female empowerment on a story that trucks in business-as-usual violence does not qualify as a game-changer — or a reason to go to the movies. "
-- review, Peter Travers / Rolling Stone --

[ibegurpard]

3. Any use of the word "woke"

As a criticism when it comes to popular entertainment is a clue that you're dealing with one of these vermin.

[wyldwolf]

4. Some of the vitriol is so horrible...

... I’m honestly afraid of mini-Charlottesvilles in the parking lots of local movie theaters.