...and these noisy guitars

The thing about these roundtable discussions with actors and directors is that it’s always the same: one person of color surrounded by white people.  So when the conversation finally lands on a topic regarding identity and Hollywood the same thing happens: a person of color brings up how race plays into the dynamic and while the conversation may - and usually does - come to an awkward halt, the audience rejoices bc that person gave voice their and our everyday reality.

I NEED to see roundtable discussion with multiple actors/actresses/directors/producers of color.  Because otherwise it’s the same cycle over and over again.

Viola Davis shouldn’t be interrupted by Charlize Theron when she’s trying to explain what it’s like to be a dark-skinned black actress in Hollywood.

John Cho shouldn’t be met with awkward smiles when he mentions the obvious whitewashing in Star Trek.

Kerry Washington shouldn’t have to be the one to infuse race into a conversation between white women about the struggles in landing roles.

Steve McQueen shouldn’t be met with deafening silence and ACTUAL REFUSAL to engage from other white directors when he calls out Hollywood for not having more black directors and actors.

It’s a dynamic I’m utterly tired of seeing played out.  It’s hard to be the spokesperson.  It’s hard to be that one.  It’s hard to be surrounded by white people when you need to talk about racial identity and its influence on your life and career (and Hollywood in general).

I wish folks would stop doing this to them. Forcing them in these situations. Because while I get brief validation and joy from seeing them speak up in an undoubtedly uncomfortable setting, I’m more concerned about them having to be in that situation, the toll is takes, and the vicious cycle they (and subsequently, we POC) are inevitably put in terms of never being able to move past this point.

(Source: lesighh)