Racial separation and segregation has been a relevant topic for discussion as of recently. Due largely and part to movements such as, Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter. Not only is this a political movement but a social revolution as well. Often times these such issues are glamorized in pop culture, as exemplified in the 2016 Oscars. It has been presented to the public eye that the Oscars have become a more diversified event; having non-white actors present awards and host the show. However, there is still a large controversy regarding the lack of academy nominations for non-white actors.
Why is this still an issue?
The Academy’s board has remained prominently white since it began in 1927. The current Academy's president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, is the first African American to hold office. However this should not have taken this long. Through the years as our culture has changed significantly, the board has not overall. It is unfortunate that so much talent has not been recognized as it should have throughout the years especially of recent films. Films of 2015 like Creed, Concussion, Beasts of No Nation's and Straight Outta Compton starring African American actors were sincerely overlooked when nominations were made. This however is not to take away from the talent that has already been recognized. Compared to other award shows like the Grammy’s, the Oscars remains in the past with it’s traditional marginalization of non-white participants. This may be partially due to the fact that Grammy foundation was not established until 1988 at a much different time and post civil rights movement. While this is not an excuse, it is a way to better understand how far our country has progressed and how far it still has to go.
The blame cannot be put entirely on the board of the Academy or even on the event itself, the fingers need to be pointed at the industry as a whole. Hollywood often portrays white America as America. Shows are premised largely around stereotypical and superficial views of White American culture. Thus the actors and actresses are not as well recognized as they should be. It has been noticed that within the last two years of all 40 nominee contenders, there has not been a single non-white actor or actress nominated. As a result, I am personally behind the decision that Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee made to not attend the Oscars ceremony. How can one be supportive of an event in which he or she as a whole are being unrecognized and undervalued. It is unfortunate that the hashtag, #OscarsSoWhite, was even created to express aggravation and frustration, rightfully so, over an issue that should not even exist in today's society.
The Oscars has become a night of much more than glitz and glamour. Movies are created for more than just entertainment. They help shed light on a variety of social, political and international issues as well as share moments and the change that has taken place in our society over time. Hollywood has dismantled a multitude of boundaries as a whole throughout the year. However more change is necessary in order to adapt to today’s ever progressing society.
