I had an awesome opportunity this week to attend the Association of Women in Radio and Television's (AWRT) annual Gracie Awards. The Gracies are a beloved tradition among broadcast journalists, a time for the women in the industry to bond and celebrate one another for the good work they're doing. I could do a fairly long analysis of the ways in which the award show was totally de-politicized (other than the content of the shows that were awarded), as to make it a little ridiculous, but it's Friday and I'm feeling frivolous. So... the celebs were in full effect. I kid you not, I got butted away from singing Ruby's song with Amy Poehler (swoon!) and Will Arnett by one of the Real Housewives of New York City (don't worry, they weren't getting an award, just presenting one). Suze Orman was there (just as scary in person as I find her on TV), as was Rachel Ray (way more endearing in person than I find her on TV), and Kathy Griffin dropped the f-bomb about 20 times in 3 minutes. Niecy Nash hosted with tons of humor in a fabulous olive green dress.
The next day the regional Gracies were held. Far less fabulous, but very fun. I gave some quick remarks and got to give a scholarship (from AWRT and Dove) to awesome NYU grad Elly Park, who made an amazing film called Sea Woman. It's about a community of women in South Korea who have made their living for generations by diving (no scuba gear!) for precious metals. The fact that they were the breadwinners in their families gave them societal power, but as this area because more touristy, and the men in the families began working in hotels and cafes, the power dynamic shifted. Fascinating stuff. Here's an eight minute excerpt of Elly's movie:
Congrats Elly!
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I've actually come across these divers while reading a Japanese novel I was doing research on ethnic Koreans in Japan. Also of interest is one of the theme parks that drives the tourist economy in Jejudo - Loveland (a sex-themed park). I think an anthropologist has also written a book after living with the Diving Maidens for a few months.
What an interesting film, thanks for sharing it.
Your post states the women dive for precious metals, but the video clip says they're diving for abalone and some other shellfish?
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