Buffy, bullying, and the need for change
I am a long-standing Buffy fan. I was exactly the right age with exactly the right interests to be a perfect member of the target audience when Buffy was released. It became an anchor point for me during my rather rocky teenage years, something that connected me to other people and possibilities. As with fans everywhere I feel rather protective of my favourite show.
On 10th February 2021 the actor Charisma Carpenter (aka Cordelia in Buffy and Angel) made this statement on social media in support of Ray Fisher:
After this was posted a number of the other female actors from the show posted support for Carpenter and echoed her sentiments.
This is gutting for any fan of Buffy, a show that we found empowering and hopeful, but I feel particularly raw about it as a trained actor with a focus on mental health in our industry. It is horrible to hear that this was happening and definitely taints something that I hold very dear.
But it doesn’t surprise me.
My own lived experience and the conversations I have had with colleagues have long taught me that our industry is littered with individuals who treat actors and other professionals as disposable people there to be abused. The pressure on the bulk of workers to ‘not be a problem’ to ‘say yes’ to ‘not make a fuss’ are disabling and frequently allow appalling practice to carry on unchallenged. Couple this with closed-door rehearsals and training, it is all too common to find individuals distressed and even traumatised simply by going to work.
Alongside some wonderful activists I am working to change this, to find ways to protect mental and emotional safety without compromising the standard of output. There is no doubt in my mind that it is entirely possible for us to achieve this, but some serious culture changes are needed to make it happen. My concern is that too many of those with the power to make a big difference have a vested interest in keeping things as they are.
Myths around the instability of creative genius or suffering for art have long been used as an excuse for abuse and we cannot allow that to continue. They do not justify these astronomical costs exacted from people in the name of art and entertainment.
Every time a person speaks out like Carpenter it gives us an opportunity to reflect and do better, and we need to do better if we want to maintain a diverse, highly skilled workforce. Brutality feeds elitism because so few people have the resources to truly protect themselves from cruelty or to make space for real recovery.
Sad though this statement makes me it also gives me strength. The things I am working on are important and will make a difference to a lot of people. I hope it encourages more people to speak up, reach out and make changes. I look forward to standing with them in our fight against the vampires and demons sucking at the soul of our industry.
My organisation Playing Sane has a specific focus on mental health for actors, their colleagues, and carers. If you would like to know more please take a look at our website, and please consider donating to the work.