SENSITIVITY READING
RISING GAZE advises people from the cultural and media industry on the contemporary representation of women, BiPoC, people with disabilities and LGBTIQIA+ in film and on stage. We often unintentionally pass on sexist, queerphobic, racist, antiziganist [3], anti-Semitic or ableist prejudices without realizing it. Moreover, despite extensive research, we often present experiences that we have not had ourselves in a simplified or clichéd way. The reality is usually much more interesting and less predictable. The exchange with our experts therefore not only leads to less discrimination, but also offers the opportunity for a more authentic portrayal and thus a more original, surprising and modern story.
RISING GAZE helps through Sensitivity Reading and Sensitivity Consulting
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to challenge discriminatory narratives
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to make scripts and plays more gender-equitable and reflect the diversity of society
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to tell about experiences that you do not know from your own life (e.g. racism, trauma, disability etc.)
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preventing imitation suicides due to depictions of suicide
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we are also happy to provide diversity editing services
Another important topic is the depiction of violence against FLINTA* in films and series. Studies [4] show, that young men who repeatedly consume films with sexual violence, tend to be more accepting of this violence and rape myths. The consequences of traumatic experiences for the victim are rarely discussed, and those affected by violence only have their say in 8% of the films.
RISING GAZE helps ​
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to illuminate the context of society as a whole when depicting violence
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to portray violence from the perspective of those affected and address the consequences (dissociation, flashbacks, PTSD)
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to challenge harmful narratives such as false accusations and rape myths
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Just try it out:
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Leonard Grobien
Screenwriter & Director -Sensitivity Consultant for
Ableism & Inclusion
Eva Diamantstein
Writer - Expert for
German-Jewish history
of the 20th century
FAQ >>> Consulting Overview
HOW DOES A SENSITIVITY READING WORK? We advise you on selecting the best consultant for your project. We then analyze your text for potentially discriminatory narratives and stereotypes and make comments directly in your text or screenplay. You will also receive a written assessment of your project regarding diversity, in which we explain our comments in more detail. Upon request, we can develop suggestions on how individual phrases or passages could be rephrased or restructured. We are also happy to provide detailed feedback via video call. - We read according to the four-eyes principle. - We prefer to focus on specific topics while always keeping all forms of discrimination in mind, as it makes no sense for a text or screenplay to reproduce, for example, ableist or sexist narratives while avoiding racist ones. - During a sensitivity reading, we do not read individual scenes or sentences, but only entire texts/screenplays. - For questions about specific topics or short text passages, you are welcome to book a personal consultation.
HOW DOES DIVERSITY PROOFING WORK? Diversity editing is a written assessment of your text regarding diversity and any potentially discriminatory or stereotypical narratives. This type of editing is often used when submitting material to a broadcaster or for funding, as it can significantly increase a project's chances. If you wish, we are also happy to develop suggestions on how you can rephrase or restructure individual phrases or passages as needed. Our approach: - We read according to the four-eyes principle. - We always check for all forms of discrimination, as it makes no sense for a text or screenplay to reproduce ableist or sexist narratives, for example, while not containing racist ones. - Unlike sensitivity reading, we do not make comments directly in the text during diversity editing. - If you wish, you can add verbal feedback via video conference.
IS SENSITIVITY CONSULTING CENSORSHIP? Absolutely not. We don't force anyone to use our services or to address stereotypical representation and discrimination. Every person we advise decides for themselves whether and how they want to incorporate our feedback into their work.
WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION? According to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, "any form of less favorable treatment (...) constitutes discrimination. It is irrelevant whether the discrimination is intentional or malicious. What matters is the adverse effect that the unequal treatment has on those affected." Discrimination is therefore not an opinion or a matter of personal feeling, but something that can be clearly defined and unambiguously established. The General Equal Treatment Act refers to ethnic origin, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and age. Other forms that can lead to discrimination include parenthood/pregnancy, physical appearance/body shape, social background, and socialization in East Germany.
WHAT IS AN AWARENESS CONCEPT? Awareness aims to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and can work effectively. This means fostering respectful and responsible interactions, respecting everyone's boundaries, and taking a united stand against discrimination and violence. Achieving this goal requires preventative measures, an awareness concept with a code of conduct, and reliable and confidential handling of complaints. We would be happy to support you in developing and implementing an awareness concept for your project or company. Addressing abuse of power and discrimination is of paramount importance, as, in addition to the negative impact on those affected and the overall atmosphere within the company, potential production disruptions and reputational damage continue to represent a significant business risk.
WHAT EXPERTISE DO THE CONSULTANTS ARE? We collaborate with the best and most experienced consultants in their respective fields. It is important to us to work intersectionally and to speak with, not about, people from underrepresented communities. Our consultants all meet the following requirements: - They possess extensive specialist knowledge combined with practical experience - They are familiar with the issues from personal experience - They are well-connected within the relevant communities - They come from the cultural and media sector and are familiar with the necessary formats - Our awareness team consists of anti-discrimination experts and certified systemic (de-escalation) coaches who have years of experience in the cultural and media sector and also possess sound basic knowledge of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
[3] The term antigypsyism is controversial. However, since it is recommended by the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, we use it. More information can be found here: https://zentralrat.sintiundroma.de/romani-rose-zum-begriff-antiziganismus/
[4] Here is an overview: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1524838017717745?journalCode=tvaa
REFERENCES
