On with Kara Swisher

Are You “Dying of Politeness”? Geena Davis Explains.

Jan 9, 2023

Geena Davis, an Oscar-winning actress famed for her roles in "Thelma & Louise" and "A League of Their Own," shares her journey through Hollywood's challenging landscape. She discusses the perils of extreme politeness that often silenced her, as well as the systemic issues women face in the industry. Davis reflects on early sexualization in film and its societal impacts, while also emphasizing the importance of assertiveness and representation in entertainment. The conversation sheds light on personal growth and the strides toward better female representation in media.

48:40

Episode guests

Geena Davis

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Hollywood's Evolution: Representation and Vulnerability

5min

Reflections on Early Sexualization and Societal Norms

2min

The Perils of Extreme Politeness

3min

Reflections on a Film Career

15min

Power Dynamics and Personal Reflections

7min

Breaking Barriers: Female Representation in Entertainment

13min

Geena Davis became a breakout star in Hollywood, with an Oscar under her belt and starring roles in hit films like “A League of Their Own” and “Thelma & Louise.” Yet even all that success didn’t always protect her from feeling small in Hollywood. In this episode, we visit her memoir, “Dying of Politeness,” and Davis opens up about moments in her life and career when she felt too polite to speak up. Decades later, many of these moments remain raw.

Before and after the episode, Kara and Nayeema reflect on their own personal experiences, talk about the tax that women pay and discuss how Hollywood, Silicon Valley and other powerful industries have changed — and how they haven’t.

You can find Kara Swisher and Nayeema Raza on Twitter @karaswisher and @nayeema.

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