Everyone is woke today, even video streaming services.
Netflix, instead of just providing us with reruns of “The Office,” “Mad Men” or “Breaking Bad,” now wants to police our language. The company would really appreciate it if people just stopped “chick flick.”
Why? Because chick flick refers to a specific kind of comedy aimed at women and….that’s offensive!
Quick PSA: Can we stop calling films “chick flicks” unless the films are literally about small baby chickens? Here’s why this phrase should absolutely be retired (thread):
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
For starters, “chick flicks” are traditionally synonymous with romantic comedies. This suggests that women are the only people interested in 1. Romance 2. Comedy. Which I can promise from the men I’ve come across in my life – simply isn’t true.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
There aren’t sweeping categories specific to men. You don’t hear people asking to watch “man movies” – instead, pretty much every intersection of genre is on the table and seen as for men, except of course, the aforementioned rom-coms.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
The term also cheapens the work that goes into making these types of films. Romantic comedies and/or films centered around female leads go through just as much editing, consideration, and rewriting as any other film.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
Overall, there’s nothing inherently gendered about liking a light-hearted film with a strong female lead and emotional arc. So next time you call something a "chick flick," you better be referring to Chicken Run.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) April 15, 2019
The things people get offended by today is absurd. I’ve literally never ever heard of anyone having trouble with the term “chick flick.” Seems like someone trying to find a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.
But what else are supposed to call “The Notebook,” “Dirty Dancing” or “Sleepless in Seattle?” I’m open to completely ignoring them altogether, if they’d like.
But this brings up some other problems.
Does Netflix think “black comedy” is racist? Is “buddy comedy” offensive to those who don’t have friends? What about those who are too dumb to understand the plot of a “psychological thriller?” Should we get rid of “mockumentaries” because they are just clearly making fun of documentaries and bullying is just not acceptable today?