The Writers Guild of America has just gone on strike, and it kind of seems like the world is gonna burn for a bit before anyone tries to put out this massive fire.

In several regards, this is super disappointing to see—both as an aspiring writer and as a viewer.

I’ve written about the poor work conditions for crew members in the animation industry, but this level of mistreatment bleeds into all aspects of the behind the scenes experience.

Essentially, the WGA going on strike means that most productions are screwed over for the time being, seeing as writers are a major part of any project in the industry. From the first drafts to rewrites or overseeing filming, 

Believe it or not, writers do so, SO much more than turn in the first draft of a script and call it a day. They are the backbone of any project, and they’re essential to our pop culture and entertainment industry; Hollywood is gonna be a mess without them.

Most people are worried about how their favorite shows will be delayed for renewal or if this changes trajectory of air dates for seasons in production, but my main concern is for the writers themselves and a system that exploits them.

Sure, I’m devastated for shows such as Abbott Elementary, but I’m mostly worried for creators, like Quinta Brunson, and their teams. 

It’s crazy to think that a show with such a high success rate and diverse, inclusive representation has underpaid writers when you account for the cost of living in big cities like NYC or Los Angeles, whose big-time producers thrive on the money their work brings in regularly.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has repeatedly ignored writers’ requests for less cramped work spaces and to be accommodated and compensated for the hard work they put into the hits that end up on our TV screens every day, which leads us to the present, the first WGA strike in about fifteen years.

Seeing that even those who get their feet in the door are subjected to experiences like these is deeply discouraging; it’s hard enough to get to a point where you’re accepted, especially if you aren’t the textbook definition of privileged, but maintaining that spot without having to let mistreatment roll off your shoulders is even harder.

It makes me worry for our future, as media consumers and an upcoming generation of creators.

In 2038, will the WGA be forced to fight for what they deserve in the face of rapidly changing times yet again? 

Will I be on someone’s picket line, praying for a clean resolution and a job to go back to?

I can only hope not. But in a capitalistic society like ours, I think it’s safe to say that we’re all gonna exceed te limit of ‘three strikes’ in our lifetimes.