With the outrage against the recent all-white Oscar nominations, there has been a lot of discussion about the lack of inclusiveness within the Academy. Considering there have only been seven black actors nominated since 2010 (compared the the 113 non-black actors nominated), which is 5.83%, the anger is completely justified. This is obviously an issue we need to address and fix, but I don’t think taking all of our anger out on the Academy will be effective. I believe it is the industry’s fault for the lack of representation.
Although there were a few black actors this year who could have been nominated (example: Will Smith), there simply just weren’t many black actors in highly acclaimed films. The facts is that the industry is not creating opportunities for black actors. The only films that have been popular in the Academy in the most recent years have been EXCLUSIVELY about black oppression; for example, The Help, 12 Years a Slave, and Selma. We have to recognize that this is a problem. The only opportunity black actors have to partake in the highest level of film is to showcase how they have been oppressed while white people are cast in roles about literally anything. That says something about our society: we enjoy viewing black oppression. This is a prime example of institutionalized racism. We take black oppression and profit from it.
There are no other opportunities created for black actors, which is extremely discouraging for aspiring black actors. As we all know, representation is indescribably important, and there is a lack of it right now. Under-representation leads to discouragement which leads to less black actors which leads to no growing opportunity. We are witnessing a vicious cycle of black exclusiveness.
All in all, the Oscar nominations are ridiculous, but who we should truly be upset with is the film industry. Unless they want to stop this cycle of under-representation, there will be no growth of inclusiveness. We, as a society, need to encourage aspiring black actors to pursue their dreams and be relentless in their effort to expand opportunity for the black community. We should also condemn and speak out against the injustice of under-representation in the film industry so we can get on track to where we need to be.
