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Hollywood
does its best to discredit hard work The Oscars: At last I have writing material that outlines the importance and fragility of life. At last the opportunity presented itself in March to advocate for one of the most deprived and unrecognized populations and professions in the world. Actually, that is the way many of them view themselves. Most people do not feel that these actors deserve such fanfare and recognition for getting paid endless millions. But then again, we can agree a bit of fantasy in our world today is not necessarily such a bad thing. One of my fantasies came true during Oscar night: Seeing people of color being recognized for something other than committing an armed robbery at the local liquor store. Yes, it was a proud moment to see people who look like me get recognized as equals. Not better than everyone else, but good enough to be considered as equals. Nonetheless, we can always count on Hollywood to do its best to water down and discredit the reality of the injustice in their industry by creating such a sideshow out of the night that most people were left wondering if they were watching the Source Awards or a Black Entertainment Television awards show. How many years did it take to recognize Sydney Poitier’s phenomenal work? Was it a coincidence that it happened the same night that Denzel Washington and Halle Berry walked away with their awards? Absolutely not. That is where the shame lies. Shame on Hollywood and the Academy for creating an evening in which the general public can snicker and say things such as, “Yeah, I guess they gave them awards out of pity.” The truth is that Sydney Poitier’s work was long deserving of an award. Ditto for Denzel. The case for black women is not the same however. There are very few good roles available to black women in the movies. Their portrayals have not drifted far beyond the days of Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” Most movies show women of color as loud-mouth sideshows. “Colored actresses in need of work, will take what is available.” Unfortunately the pickings have been slim. Black men are not much better off. When Denzel played indicting, thought-provoking, overachieving and upstanding roles such as Steve Biko, Malcolm X and Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, the Academy turned a blind eye. Yet, he is noticed when he is the thug. When he’s a foul-mouthed rogue who’s sleeping around, using dope, killing and stealing (behind a police badge). It’s sad but true America. You seem to love conformity and shun those who refuse to remain inside the box. And the Academy Awards only further proved how far we are from Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. Nonetheless, congratulations to Sydney Poitier, Denzel and Halle. You have truly opened up the door that cannot now be closed.
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TCU Daily Skiff © 2002 |
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