Not too long ago, American Multiplex Cinema (AMC) theaters has decided to roll out a new addition to their Stubs A-List and Premiere memberships. This allows people with these subscriptions early access to the “best seats” for their showings. This decision is a disgusting, disappointing, and inherently classist move to drive people to pay for more than just a ticket and popcorn to enjoy films. Not all film enjoyers can afford a $30/mo subscription, and more casual enjoyers will be discouraged from visiting theaters if there is an added paywall to a pleasurable viewing experience.

As much as it is unfortunate, this practice is far from new. During the era of Jim Crow racism and segregation, Black theatergoers were forced into peanut galleries and nosebleed sections of movie theaters, and even theaters that were unsegregated kept their more desirable seats at a heavy price point, which typically discouraged black patrons anyway. What AMC is planning to implement is just as egregious, but with slightly different language to soften the blow and fit in our evolving capitalist system.

As an AMC moviegoer myself, having had conversations with other film enthusiasts (casual and frequent, AMC loyalists and others alike), we have all agreed that this implementation is unjust and will add unnecessary monetary hurdles to an enjoyable activity. Please join us to fight this decision and keep movie seating fair for all who wish to enjoy them!