Pasadena, CA, residents may want to know that, according to a WGA (Writers Guild of America) West Study, there is still workplace discrimination against minority writers. Although gains have been made, there is a long way to go for women and people of color.
These advancements have been mostly in employment and screen credits. During the 2019-20 TV season, women accounted for 44 percent of the 2,717 TV writing jobs available. People of color only accounted for 35 percent of the writing jobs last season. However, together, people of color and women witnessed a 5 percent increase in their share of hiring for writing jobs.
Black and Asian-American screenwriters as well as Latinx are still not represented in relation to their percentage of the U.S. population. On the other hand, the report found that Middle Eastern screenwriters and those who are native/indigenous are barely represented at all.
The report also states that writers from underrepresented groups should work to write scripts that are excellent and involve stories that make an impression, opening doors for the writers who come after them. So far, the leader in hiring is Universal Pictures, with 27 percent accounted for those of color.
Most people know that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that it is not legal to discriminate against a person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age. It is not always the case, however, and workplace discrimination is still a factor in the working environment and office in other fields in addition to the entertainment industry. Employees should become aware of the law and if they feel any discrimination, consult with an attorney qualified to handle workplace discrimination to discuss their issue.