‘What are you wearing?’ makes its final appearance on the Academy Awards’ red carpet.

Published: March 12, 2015 | Posted: March 16, 2015 | Written by Leslie Espinoza

Every time an actress walks down the red carpet the most common question asked is, “Who are you wearing?” Many of the questions asked are often beauty related. Reporters seem to ignore the fact that these women are also very talented actresses/singers and they have more to offer than just their looks.

Women in the entertainment industry started to take notice as well and decided to do something
about it. During this year’s Oscars, The Representation Project, which is a campaign that helps communities overcome gender stereotypes, took to Twitter with the hashtag #AskHerMore.

This hashtag was created to try and change the way women are being interviewed at award shows. This hashtag allowed Twitter users to tweet the questions they thought women should be asked on the red carpet instead of only focusing on their appearance.

This hashtag was very successful during the Oscars. Even Reese Witherspoon took to social media to talk about this campaign as well as posting an Instagram picture with the hashtag #AskHerMore on it followed by the caption. “It’s meant to inspire reporters to ask creative questions on the red carpet.

I love the Oscars AND fashion like many of you… But I’d also love to answer some of these Qs…. And hear your
suggestions?!” Many took part in the #AskHerMore trend that not only did the hashtag trend on Twitter but it trended on Facebook as well, which created more than 25 million impressions in a single night.

Reporters were aware of this trend because the questions they were asking women on the red carpet were more intellectual and had more thought rather than the simple “who are you wearing?” Riverside City College students shared their thoughts on this campaign.

The responses were very alike. “Asking those types of questions demeans a woman’s intelligence.” Madalyn Mendez said. “Even though a small aspect wants to know who made the dress, you don’t solely watch the Oscars to see who wore what. It’s to see if my favorite actress won an award because of her role in a film.”

John Terrill, another RCC student described how he would feel if he was asked the questions these women are regularly asked at award shows.“It would be professionally insulting to his career. Especially at the Oscars, where they should be recognized for their work not their clothes.” Terrill said.

Both of these students seemed to agree that this campaign is a positive change for women and the way they should be interviewed. These women have worked hard to be in the profession they are in. It’s unfair for them to answer questions based on their looks.

I’m glad these women are taking action and are demanding to be treated the same as their male colleagues because their craft  matters to them.  Gender quality is now and if you want to help overcome the stereotypes visit the therepresentationproject.org to learn and spread the knowledge.