Have you ever been disappointed with Grammy nominations and winners? You can join the hundreds of fans who have noticed that the Recording Academy regularly snubs artists. The Weeknd even pulled his music from Grammy consideration because he is sick of artists of color being misrepresented and overlooked. But on Oct. 19, the Grammy Awards confirmed a new inclusion rider, a result of their partnership with Color Of Change on an initiative called #ChangeMusic. So, what is an inclusion rider, and how will it change the awards ceremony?
What is an inclusion rider?
During the 2018 Academy Awards, Frances McDorman closed her acceptance speech with the phrase “inclusion rider.” Her statement caused a flood of people to take to Google and search those words. An inclusion rider is typically used in the film industry, which means an actor can request a certain amount of diversity among the cast and crew. These demands aren’t limited to race but can include LGTBQ+ individuals, different genders, and individuals with a disability. By allowing diverse groups of people to have a say in their work environment, people often feel more represented and comfortable.
What does an inclusion rider mean to the Grammys?
The Recording Academy hopes the inclusion rider will facilitate more diversity throughout the production. How will they implement these changes? The Academy is recruiting more people to work on and off-camera and at least one-third of people considered will be from underrepresented communities. It commits to recognize its Native American colleagues, honor the land used in future ceremonies, and bring awareness to the land’s previous owners. Also, the Academy is making an effort to create more gender-neutral workspaces.
How will this update change the industry?
Many Black artists have called out the Grammys for lack of inclusion when it comes to Black and POC winners. But with the inclusion rider, more artists might be willing to enter their works for consideration.
But are industries doing enough to help represent all communities? The standards put into place, especially within acting, seem to favor those who have already made a name for themselves. If a rookie actor requested something like more speaking lines for a costar with disabilities, there might not be anyone who makes sure the request is filled. Ultimately, an inclusion rider might be no different than a diversity quota that corporate employers must fill.
Do you think that an inclusion rider will have a positive or negative impact on the awards industry?
