Should Blacks Boycott The Oscars; Or Themselves?

By Sandy Daley
PRIDE Columnist

Alan Rickman, the amazing character actor who passed away on January 14, once said, “Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music or a book, can make a difference. It can change the world.”

As a lover of the entertainment business, I totally agree with the celebrated actor’s words. A man like this certainly knew what he was referring to, as his body of work has proven that he was bold in his choice or roles, and never shied away from challenging characters: even if the audience ultimately hated him by the time the credits ran.

That is the ultimate sacrifice that actors make when they choose said career path. A difficult one for sure, particularly for black and other visible minority actors. Not only are the roles scarce and often times non-existent; at the end of the day, you might not even be recognized for the hard work that you put in. Thus, the call for the boycott of the Oscars by black Hollywood.

There is even a call for Chris Rock,(the chosen host for this year’s event), to give up the coveted and well sought-after position. Would you back out as the host? Dare I ask, “Can we as a black community do more to ensure that our work becomes recognized? Or is it all the ‘white man’s’ fault?

While I agree wholeheartedly that there needs to be more diversity in Hollywood( inclusive of all other races), many are whispering that this move is self-serving on Jada Pinkett Smith’s part: the instigator of such a cry.

Her husband Will Smith was not nominated for his role as Dr. Bennet Omalu in the much-talked-about 2015 film, ‘Concussion’.

More importantly, many have challenged the Smiths and other well known celebrities by saying, “when people of colour have ‘made it’, no one reaches back to help others on their journey.” I agree 100 % with this belief, as we have the ability to make the changes ourselves, as we must realize that the younger generation will need a helping hand.

We need to create screenwriting, producing and directing programs for visible minorities, in order to give them the opportunity to write the stories that matter to us: our stories. You cannot ask others to help your cause if you turn your back; after you have reached that pie in the sky.

We have a duty to help others when we have succeeded by breaking through that invisible glass ceiling. I have had to struggle (as many others I am sure), in order to get anything done in entertainment: and it is only because I am tenacious and have learned to turn the other cheek and keep it moving at the sound of the word “No.” Oh, what a hurtful word!

I am motivated to write my own projects, to create storylines that demonstrate our complex and diverse lives: without the knowledge of where they may end up. Still yet, without doing so, it would be as if I am admitting defeat in a battle that I was not willing to fight: for myself and others.

I challenge those who have ‘made it’, to lend a helping hand to others, as that is a sure-fire way for us to combat the racism that we so distinctly feel.

To the Oprahs, Shonda Rhimes, Jada and Will Smiths, Cameron Baileys, Sudz Sutherlands, and Clement Virgos of this world, I implore you to lend a helping hand to others, as they attempt this difficult journey.

Then and only then can we truly say that we as a people have done all that we can do on our end to combat the lack of diversity issue in Hollywood, at the Oscars, and on television.

It was nice to witness the SAG Awards recently, as not only did we celebrate diversity to its fullest by the record number of black actors winning in their categories, but we also saw Idris Elba receive two awards during the show.

Now there is a tall glass of diversity, in a nicely tailored suit, that needs to be celebrated over and over and over again; for his body of work of course! Wink, wink!

Sandy Daley is a columnist, radio and television personality and actress. She is also the author of “Whose Vagina Is It, Really?” She can be contacted at: Website: www.sandydaley. com, Facebook: womanincontrol@facebook.com, Twitter: https://twitter.com/whosevaginaisit and/or Email: thesinglegirlspot@gmail.com.