Recently we talked about Nigerian parents trying to censor recommended academic literature because they were convinced it fostered rape culture and homosexuality and kidnapping (who does that?); and tried to explain why it makes no sense. But not all censoring is bad, in fact, advisory censoring that seeks to educate instead of enforcing is great. Advisory censoring works because it leaves the ultimate decision in the hands of the viewers but seeks to educate them instead of force-feeding them one group’s ideologies however noble. The Common Sense Media, an American non-profit organisation founded in 2003 has been doing just that, providing alternative ratings for movies that consider more than the big four (Sex, Nudity, Language and Violence).

Common Sense is adding a new criterion to its ratings and taking the Bechdel Test a step further; it is checking to see if movies combat gender stereotypes.

Films, in Nigeria and abroad are rife with gender stereotypes, especially when its storylines revolve around women. Not every stereotype is bad, and sometimes they can even be true, but they become a problem when they are substituted for intelligent writing or the opportunity to portray women as three-dimensional characters. Even big budget movies written and executed by women and starring women (a good example is the Kristin Wiig helmed Bridesmaids) can often end up hamming up gender stereotypes instead of dismantling them. To bring it home, a good example of how damaging stereotypes is is actress Patience Ozorkwor, she has spoken at length about how being typecast in a wicked stepmother role, a common stereotype in Nigerian films, resulted in several instances where people would refuse her service in real life, and some even going as far as throwing stones at her and calling her names.

This is why Common Sense Media is taking this issue very seriously. On their website, they will have rating tags that separate films based on whether they pass the gender representation qualifications or not. And since these are advisory ratings, it is ultimately up to the viewer to decide if it is worth the watch or not.

We desperately need something like this in Nigeria. After Dare Olaitan’s Olojukokoro barely even passed the Bechdel Test, let alone showing women in empowered roles, we need watchdogs who point out these failings without bias or fear. Our film industry certainly needs the wake-up call.

Editor