This was excellent. New subscriber. I like how you didnt give up on what you set out to do as an actor. You wanted to be part of the industry, well theres many ways to have an impact. This piece- and im not even finished- will help a lot of people to see the big picture
Keep in mind that redefining the images will disrupt the patterns and models that profit the people currently benefiting from them. If anyone successfully manages to change the momentum of these standards, the backlash will be potentially violent. Thanks to Boeing, we're now back in the age of openly assassinating agents of real change for the first time since the 1970s.
Well, because they're white and they say so. At least that's how it's been ever since THEY arrived. And that in itself is exhausting. I could go on, but...
Sorry to hear you're affected this way, but I can understand why. My brother has said the same thing for years, to the point that it causes him to have an animosity towards black people in real life that he feels like embody any portion of any of those stereotypes. Really affects him socially because he blames anybody that he sees sagging or doing anything that looks like those pictures on the screen that depict black people as ridiculous or only violent or what have you. He talks about how he walks in the room and has to fight through the perception that those people have gained from what has been presented in the media regarding people that look like him. So he really goes out of his way and has for years to make sure that he is not like the black people they see presented, to the point that he at times will talk down our ethnicity or find himself being a champion for particular political stances just because it will make him look different or separate. I'm sure that's a tough space to be in.
Stereotypes are unfair, of course, but sometimes our obsession with stereotypes is more about catering to the White gaze rather than the feeling of being trapped by misrepresentations. In fact, with technological advancements, we do get to control our image more and more, just not within the Hollywood system. Frankly, other than studying the evil beast that is Hollywood, I am uninterested in changing anything there when we can expend that energy to create our own.
@@rachelle_banksI completely commiserate with you and your brother because I’ve experienced it and my brother has been where your brother is. My brother pretty much has gotten to a point where he gives no Fs about fighting stereotypes, trying to stand out and be the Different Black, trying to be the Token Black Friend that proves that all Black folk aren’t a monolith, etc. There’s still an anger in him but it’s because he more clearly sees how much society works to control all of us. His friends, regardless of race, are curated according to having an independent mindset. A lot of it is about having to let go. Let go of performing in front of others. Let go of people who really aren’t friends and don’t offer true support. Let go of trying to fit in, and that’s with both White and Black groups, and communities, and notions about personhood that aren’t authentic. Doing all of that is not easy and it hurts. But it’s worth it all day, everyday! 😊
Tyler Perry has the money and the power to change the game for black creatives. But, due to his greed and ego, he insists on putting out his own sub par scripts and continuously putting out garbage.
@@TiffanyByrdHarrison Tyler Perry has been running the same routine since he was making plays and selling video tapes back in the 90’s. He developed an audience and gained success using his formula. What makes you think he can have success doing anything else…??? It’s always the pocket watching people without trying to tell other people how they should be running their business. How many movie scripts have you wrote?
I find it hilarious how Ice Cube calls Hollywood racist while willing participating, and making music disparaging black women. He also called his fellow rappers racial slurs and joked about Eazy-E being hung/set of fire…….the lack of self-awareness is astounding.
Strange how you need to reach back almost 30 years for your argument, ignoring his all black casting in front of and behind the camera, employing hundreds of our community, the many actors and actresses he has supported and put over, his political and community advocacy. Meanwhile, you have never read Powernomics, or heard of its author.
@@gabrielmeth4844 You have no idea what someone has read or heard of, and making that assumption negates your entire argument. Have you read Economic Facts and Fallacies, or Wealth Poverty and Politics, or Intellectuals and Race? Probably not. But so what?
@@gabrielmeth4844 More importantly, the point is that he speaks about Hollywood (and the entertainment industry, in general), as if he never had a role in its toxicity, and as if that toxicity isn't part of the legacy that lives on today through his music. If he were so appalled, he could seek to have the songs that contributed negatively to the black community--his and others--taken off of radios and other musical sales sites. But no, he wants to continue making money off of them. And by the way, his films had strong color biases in casting, so do with that what you will.
Spike Lee actually made a movie about the struggles of being a Black actor and how some Black producers are willing to pander to White audiences. It’s called Bamboozled.
Hollywood is lacking originality. There are so many reboots and sequels being made that there is really no room for original movies. I applaud you and others who are continuing to move forward in getting their ideas out and opening the door for others to bring fresh, new ideas to the big and small screens.
There are more originals than sequels and reboots. They just don't get that much attention which makes sense. But there's originals that get alot of praise and attention
@@spacebar9733 I used to work in a movie theater and the number of people who came in asking for "the Bruce Willis movie" and didn't know the name or what the film was about baffled me. What the hell did a $60M advertising budget accomplish exactly?!
New artists are now also in the habit of keeping their copyright and licensing it rather than selling it to a corporation. Corporations don't like that; if there's a new STAR WARS or STAR TREK, they want to own every piece of it and will turn down properties and their potential profits if they can't own it outright. Say what you want about JK Rowling but she got her $700M by keeping her Harry Potter copyright. Believe me, Warner Bros. didn't want to pay her a dime of that if they didn't have to (and probably cheated her out of more anyway).
I disagree and this is why. The originality is there, its just people arent willing to give their ideas to the big wigs. They'd rather put the work out themselves!
Lady, have you seen the state of Hollywood financially and property wise? I've seen 4 video tours of Hollywood and Uptown LA where so many famous stores are closed, homeless and addicts on the streets and the atmosphere is grim and sad. The "dream" of Hollywood is over, it's on life support....
One black actor/actress says no to a role that perpetuates a stereotype, another black actor/actress will say yes. It's about money and or exposure. The promise of a better role next time or possible contract.
100% agree, people can talk about an unfair system all day but in the end, those that participate and power that same system are just as responsible and many black people want money at basically any cost, just like other people with same obsessions so this is bigger than Hollywood and bigger than just race, it's also about values, morals, faith and things along those lines.
"The Other Black Girl" on Hulu was a great series. I wish people would talk about the great black shows like "Harlem" instead of focusing on the negative like the new "Good Times". I really enjoyed your video as well. Very Well done.
Marcus Garvey film is being made , Book of Negroes was about founding Countries in Africa, Films on Blacks Turning the Grain Coast into Liberia. films about us dominating in Wall Street is now being made about Reginald Lewis
@@TiffanyByrdHarrison there were several Black Wall Streets including Tulsa Oklahoma which was burned down and bombed causing blacks to flee to the West Coast. Look up Black Wall Street Massacre. Same thing happened in Georgia.
That’s because you haven’t made those films yet. When we aren’t seeing something we want it’s up to US to make it happen and just as I’m telling you I told myself years ago. I said the same about the Oscar’s and now I’m producing a show like it for people of color. All it takes is your action, belief and to stop looking for others to do what you can do.
I'm in agreement, yet I would love to see these movies portrayed as more of a success story rather than a underline anger against the opposition. We already know that it took oppression to prove our greatness so why give the oppressors the power of acknowledgement ...
my thing is why don't these actors choose to become independent and produce their own projects collectively?? if you gonna be broke and struggling ANYWAY, then why not be broke and struggling AND making art that matters? they need to just be real and say they're not really doing this work to express their creativity as artists, they want fame.
Francis Ford Coppola just made a film for $120M that he financed himself. To do that, he had to sell $500M worth of vineyards (which is where he has made most of his money) and he still can't get people to put up $100M in advertising for a film that's already done. Shit is more expensive in Hollywood than anyone really knows and I've even heard of people like George Harrison having to put up their homes as collateral to get a film as low as $2M made. I think the banks don't like to do business with private individuals, even wealthy ones. I heard tell that Daniel Radcliff--Harry Fucking Potter himself--was denied the sale of a painting he wanted because the gallery wanted to sell it for a higher price to richer collectors. So in these circles, wealth is not a universal term.
I agree, they also want assimilation and to be accepted by people who are not black. That is what a seat at the table is. Then they cry wolf when they tell them what they really think of them. I’m all for having allies but realistically you need to have control of your work and creativity in order for that to really exist. Also, it’s the self hate, no one should be able to turn on the news to watch the NFL or men’s basketball draft night and see these black players with majority non black or racially ambiguous girlfriends every single last one. All through Hollywood as well. No one is policing who people date but it’s telling when no other group of people dates out as much as black men do. It’s a beg for validation from other communities who are not willing. it also disrespects black women collectively because it’s sending a clear statement of who they feel is valuable. Most importantly it also shows a weak and divided community. These black actors have a divisive color blind mindset which is why they cry every year about the same thing. Clearly everyone else can see color matters, even when they gaslight and say it doesn’t matter.
LOL you said if you gon be broke and struggling, might as well make something good! Id love to interview some actors and ask them why they don't do their own indies collectively but I imagine the amount of work it requires to put things together is RISKY. Fear of failure, being cancelled, going up agains the heavyweights, losing out on money - celebrities, much like normal people, don't want to look bad. So sometimes I feel like doing small work well is beyond them. Us not famous people have the benefit of developing in the dark without all the pressure and eyes of other people yet. We can fail in private and with less risk involved.
@@TiffanyByrdHarrison i wonder if you could start an 'anonymous' series where they could talk to you with their voice distorted (kinda like deep throat and watergate) and share the real t with you. that would be epic.
Thank you for your video! I am a Japanese national that grew up/lives primarily in the USA. I love love love 90's Black cinema (Set it Off is one of my all-time favorite films). I want to support brilliant Black filmmakers creating today. 🥰
What about Oprah and Tyler Perry that can be considered apart of the hierarchy and could change the way for Black Hollywood, but then again it's their Egos keeping them from doing it.
They are not part of "Black" Hollywood, they are part of Hollywood period. The upper level and gate keepers. They're not trying to make Great or Ambitious projects for Black people! They take the Hollywood dollar especially when it involves degrading Black people and because they enjoy the social and financial "lifestyles"...
@@TiffanyByrdHarrison Oprah became a multi-millionaire in television at a time when you could count wealthy Black TV people on one hand. She made it by pleasing the White moms and wives of Middle America. You'll never see an All Star Epic uplifting African historical movie produced by her...
This is a perspective that I have been arguing with my friends and family about. The industry is a propaganda machine that we help build ourselves. We are building our own mental prison.
Yes! Taraji crying pissed me off so bad. Absolutely no one wanted a remake of the Color Purple yet she was so willing to be a part of that nasty portrayal of us for money. It was only when she realized she was not going to get paid was it an issue. I don’t believe black people should walk the picket fence for sell outs!
Exactly. I never watched Empire because of those typical ah characters man. Taraji is the biggest sell out then cries when they screw her over.....You wanted to play with the Devil.
Tiffany, you are easily becoming one of my favorite channels and voices over here in RU-vidville. So much wisdom, intentionality, and thoughtfulness are put into your videos. Again, as a believer and storyteller, you are a voice we all need to remind us, we are not alone. Thank you again!🙏🏾
Man, Jowaan! You bout to make a thug cry out here 🥹🙏🏾 I am super grateful to be with ya on the interwebs and always thankful for God's people finding me. it's very humbling so thank you.
This is a great conversation! A well-known director blocked me on Twitter when I said that black folks need to get our own and be gatekeepers to our own art. We are always welcoming everyone to the cookout when we know that none of those groups do the same for us. They take what we create and then make billions off our culture that we had to piece together from scraps. ✌🏾💜
That's been the story of black folks since the beginning of time it's very sad but you have to start by having an organized community refuse to be defined by stereotypes refuse to join gangs
The white community knows how to get money and circulate money. They will sell your craft to their community for millions. Yet that same craft in the black community that was created by a black person will only make thousands because the mindset is different. Black people have a fit about giving $20.00. They want everything for little or nothing. Just look at how they give to a Gofundme vs black people. We don't know how to show up for each other.
Tiffany this was a masterpiece. I’ve had my criticism of black media and you pulled back the curtain to give wonderful insight on what we don’t really see.
Miss Daisy could no longer driver herself. That is why Dan Ackroyd hired Morgan Freeman. I don’t even care for Morgan Freeman that much (except Lean On Me) but the role was not downgrading. I mean it was his living and he played it with reducing himself or Black peoples. It was the way it was-often.
Because we've been let down by our own. Many of us have supported black owned enterprises only for those enterprises to be short sighted and rip off it's base to gain short term profits
@@Lonelyeco it takes us building strong trust and relationships with one another that are mutually beneficial. Only after doing this back to back can we see growth. It's tough. A lack of unity and strength between one another
@@Thed538dhsk it’s not lack of unity it’s lack of good Ideas, leadership on those ideas and the ability to execute. I’m in Hollywood of color and just got 30 people to join my project to help raise money and make happen without giving them a dollar down and most of them are black on the team. It’s our lack of belief in what we are doing and lack in believe others would help or join us. Also look into sponsors and not donations.
I have NEVER had any interest in watching "Driving Miss Daisy". Enough with the slave/servant roles. In contrast, I recently re- watched the 1984 movie "Brother From Another Planet" with the fantastic Joe Morton in the title role. I remember when it was first released, I thought it marked a significant change in the kind of roles black actors would be offered. It's a gem of a film and a sample of the kind of movies we could be doing.
That is such a simplistic way of looking at Driving Miss Daisy. As someone who has worked with the elderly for years, you have no idea the special bond that develops between an elderly person and the person intially hired to just help them. It's extraordinary. Often they are left to their own devices because their family is too busy. They struggle with their declining independence and this can cause conflict with the person helping them but if/when it is resolved, the trust relationship that develops is really special. The Morgan Freeman character was in no way obliged to remain working for the Miss Daisy character. Some people actually do care about other people of other races. By getting so caught up in what you knee jerk assume to be a terrible trope, you miss out on a real human story that is true to life for many elderly people and the people who care for them. Be a little more open minded.
@@vanessac1721 there is no point in convincing someone to watch a movie they don’t want to. They didn’t miss out on anything. There’s plenty of ways to get a feel good story without having to compromise our morals. It’s OK that they didn’t wanna watch “driving Miss Daisy”. I remember when the movie came out and forgot that it came out at the same time as “do the right thing. “It’s a much less memorable movie than “do the right thing” in my opinion.
As an aspiring Native American actor and writer, videos like these are exactly what I need to open my eyes. I was raised in a predominantly white town by my protestant Caucasian grandmother and have recently discovered how limited my own worldview was as a result of it, as I used to think "The Help" and "Green Book" were top tier Black Cinema, mainly because I hated anything that wasn't "feel-good" and couldn't stomach more honest depictions that challenged my status quo. I have made sure to add every film you listed to my Letterboxd watchlist and will seek them out right away, as yes, "Coming to America" is the only one of those titles I've seen. And if you have even more to recommend, I'll watch enthusiastically. Hollywood and mainstream media feels like it's imploding, and if it does crumble, hopefully it paves the way for more independent and minority-made cinema that will shape our overall culture for the better. As the biggest reason we still have "Media Critics" who mostly complain about "Wokeness" is because of these stereotypes and practices still being seen as the norm, and anything challenging it is easy to dump on for views. I hope you find roles that are more fulfilling, authentic, and respectful, and in a safe and healthy work environment that values you the way you deserve.
What a lovely and thoughtful comment, thank you Isaiah for sharing your experience! I can only imagine how frustrating it must feel to be Native American and multi racial, and not see full pictures of your own experience on screen. Are there any movies that you feel clearly represent a picture of your upbringing? If so, I’d love to check it out. You’re absolutely right about those movies, but don’t be so hard on yourself. Both the help and Greenbook were supposed to make you feel that way - that’s why the light colors, and uplifting music. It was all a tactic to make everything feel Rosy colored, which is often how Hollywood does struggle pieces. Almost to say, It’s bad but it’s not that bad…I also fell for the Okie doke when I went to see Green book because it was super well done and Mahershala Ali is always delightful to watch on screen. But once I left the theater, I had to sit with the fact that the movie didn’t seem to give him much agency on his own, but rather his relationship with his driver, which to find out, the depiction wasn’t even based in reality.
Truth be told, I cannot. We also have our sappy white-friendly films in the form of "Dances with Wolves" and Disney's "Pocahontas." But it's clear that the Savages of classic Western Cinema is still at the Cultural forefront, even if it is slowly dissolving. My best recommendation would probably be 1998's "Smoke Signals." A great film that is probably the most authentic in terms of capturing modern reservation life, although I still think more can be done if we were given more chances. I found it interesting to see how Native communities reacted to "Killers of the Flower Moon," while I stand by that the film is a modern masterpiece, I can understand why some members of the community felt dissatisfaction with it, given how little mainstream attention we do get, and hopefully this film will get the ball rolling on more productions. And I hope Lily Gladstones future is still bright, but given the examples of struggling black starlets you've listed, it's still definitely a steep climb for her if so. I can remember when me and my friends saw Green Book in theaters, we all enjoyed it and talked positively about it for the rest of the day. Then later, we watched the Oscars together, and we felt so disappointed with its win. We couldn't explain why at the time, but that was likely what led to my own wake-up call.
@@isaiahwilliams2642 I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how do you feel about projects such as Marvel’s echo, spirit stallion of the Cimarron, black panther wakanda forever, the road to el dorado, Or the episode about Kahhori from Marvels what if? You don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to, but I’d really like to get to know your feelings on those pieces of media. And please do not hesitate to let me know if these pieces of media are offensive to Native Americans.
Canada is very supportive of First Nations (as natives are referred to there) and are an integral part of Canada’s culture. There is a lot of govt funding available in the arts, sports and education for First Nations people. Maybe you could look into connecting with native Canadians involved in filmmaking. Many native tribes were artificially separated when the border was implemented in colonial times. Therefore, there might be funding for American natives who are part of such a shared culture as well as for their Canadian cousins. Wishing you all the best!
I really study history, I am addicted to it. I read books 100-300 years old and this argument/complaint is as old as the Emancipation Proclamation. Imagine that.
@@TiffanyByrdHarrison tell me about it. We go through so many emotions coming into awareness of self. In conclusion, we are who we have always been. Some understand but most do not and there is a constant struggle within our struggle.
Shows me how, stuck we are, focused on the wrong things. As one of Zora Neal Hurston’s characters in Their Eyes Were Watching God said, “…We hold our own selves back”.
Godzilla -1 was exhibit "A" that a quality movie can be made without being in Hollywood but the X Factor is that black people want to stay victims and not make a collective product WITHOUT MASSA'S approval??? I guess that's cognitive dissonance.
Even great stories with black characters and mc and not stereotypes or reboot or race swapped rarely ever get talked about got to follow the stereotype
I think we do want to stay in a box, but I don't know if "victim" is the box. An excellent little indie film called "Tangerine" was made a few years back. Black protagonists, good story. But the protagonists were transgender women living by their wits on the margin of society. Too far outside the box of conventionality ("normal") that the black public likes to put itself in? I'd guess so. We go to the movies to see ourselves, rather than to see art. Our narrow tastes are just as limiting to our creators as any studio executive's concept of what a "black" movie is or should be.
Your analysis is excellent. As a creative, I've encountered many of these discussions before, but your perspective offers a fresh angle. I particularly value the notion of being humble enough to engage in more collaboration. Ultimately, it's through collaboration that dynasties are built and quality, consistent, and creative success is sustained. If you're ever doing production in the LA area, I would love to connect. Blessings.
hey Billy, I really appreciate that! I was in LA a few weeks ago working on a gig, so I will definitely let the community know that I’m in the area again, maybe we can do a meet up.
We spend too much money,we are so, creative we can start our own production companies and distribution companies, but first we have to treat each other the way we treat others, we treat others very kindly and lovingly, if we could do that then we are already there.
We immigrated to US from India and The Cosby Show was required viewing. For my parents, they wanted us to be like the Cosbys. They wanted us to go to med school like Dr Cosby :) Two movies you missed are, Mississippi Masala starting Denzel and Basquiat. My friend and I went to little indie theater in NYC and we knew Jeffery Wright was going to be huge.
I’m an actor…. That financial break down was a little off. 10k per episode for 6 episodes on a streaming service varies wildly. More like 5k for a recurring guest star. The waiting between gigs is the real kicker. Even as a working black actor there is no seniority or advancement. You can star in a show and never get a call to audition again. If you ever want to talk to a working actor on a show right now… I’m glad to help.
understood and thanks for the correction. the $10k was just an example for the sake of non industry folks, but i appreciate the offer for insight from a working actor! i’ll reach out for potential future videos
I had the notification on for this and still missed the live smh But your right about holding ourselves responsible because I have been having talks with myself latley about some of the things I have been watching and asking myself "Why am I even looking at this"😂 This video was 🔥🔥like always
Appreciate your video it was well delivered, well edited and insightful. I actually stopped using Netflix because I was sick of seeing content that felt rehashed and wasn’t giving me the stories or representation I was hoping for. I felt that mainstream tv wasn’t an educational space for me so I started coming to RU-vid to look for opinions of everyone who is less well represented in film and I actually love it. I don’t have that brain rot feeling anymore and if I watch a movie it’s usually now from a recommendation or a nostalgic point, rather than just landing on what I’m being handed. Knowledge is power and I find this video empowering in my search for learning about structural oppression and how I can stop being part of it and start counteracting it. Thank you
I also find, films, with largely black Actors, they are boxed into black films. And sometimes don’t get seen. And it’s called good black film. You don’t see that with films , that have largely, or all white characters (Actors). It gets called a Great movie.
the phrase "a good Black film" in industry speak has always bothered me. Like, we can say that but...you as in corporations, can't say that while simultaneously marketing to us.
Watched entire video. Great job! You really took me back…I took a “minorities in media” course back in college many years ago. It was taught by a professor from Africa. All the media he chose to show focused specifically on Blacks in Film. My eyes were opened to the topics you discussed. It was my first time watching Birth of a Nation, Native Son, Mandingo and learning about Oscar Michaeux. I also think now how my bestie (yep, still BFFs) has spent decades since college climbing the ladder, from PA and craft services to now having a fancy title on a network program. No matter her jobs, she was always writing new stuff, whether in New York or eventually LA. (I actually got to see a writer’s room on a real lot in action! Yes, I am the nerdy and goofy friend trying to be cool lol.) It is through her professional ascent that I learned a decent amount as an outsider about the industry. I still remember her first student film. It was fantastic! Thinking back on it, there was no trauma bonding, slavery, maids, etc. involved. It was an endearing and poignant film about family. Wow, your video made me think what I’d give to be able to see her short expanded and on the big screen. It was an accurate depiction of Blackness, yet universally relatable. I’m reminded of all the Black films she’d drag me to in college - a Robert Townsend superhero film and others. By the time Spike came along I was ready! After college, I remember a couple years later attending a film festival in which a new film she co- wrote and directed was showcased. I was just as proud then as I am now. Every crappy job (she has always held multiple jobs her entire career outside of film/TV demonstrated to me how committed she was to her craft. Whenever she reached a new level professionally I always sign my congratulations with “I always believed.” Thank you for bringing back precious memories and motivating me to be more supportive (as able) to all of my sisters and brothers committed to succeeding in this art form. Your video reminded me just from the little bit I’ve learned from her journey watching and listening with a compassionate ear, asking questions about representation behind the camera and being surprised and sometimes ruffled by the reality she was living. I came to see early on it is TRULY a labor of love. ❤️🩹 Thank you for sharing your insight. 🙏🏾
Great work! It’s been so nice to see the names of some of these films breathing and alive again, especially Daughters of the Dust and Eve’s Bayou 💙 A lot of these I saw in the summers after graduation, so I never had a community to discuss them, and then it all just evaporated. I was just at a super fortunate and specific place in time, like a weird cinematic hailstorm that I am never fully sure anyone else witnessed 🤷♀️ I was really happy to see Fiq bring Bamboozled into The Conversation, as it made me aware of the Criterion release. Those are some beautiful performances that I’m grateful to see again. There really was a moment it felt like Spike was gonna be able to move it forward all on his lonesome, then a bunch of South Park family guy happened and it’s been post post post ironic fart jokes since. But if I had thought it would be that easy, I guess I wouldn’t really have been paying much attention to the Message, I suppose. Thank you! 🙏
Love all of this Jen, and love the way you wrote your comment! I definitely think you were in a cinematic hailstorm that I would LOVE to return...And Bamboozled is so underrated albeit a risk for Spike during that time.
Appreciate this. Also appreciate Jordan Peele using the little power he had to help with getting Monkey Man out. There’s way too many stories Hollywood will not take risks on that deserve the opportunity of an audience. I also do wish there were more opportunities for other forms of distribution other than digital. So much of the “golden era of cinema” came from home sales. With the erosion of independent distribution of media, it makes it challenging to find creative ways of getting art out (and it feels like that’s on purpose too).
that’s confirmation for me, because monkeyman is on my list to review!! I believe you’re on to something when it comes to diversifying distribution- i definitely think the way to get it out is to realize that it’s diluted so we have to really concentrate the message in our approach.
I really enjoyed this video cus it reminded me of something extremely important. Not just as black people but as people, whenever we come across way more large scale problems and issues such as the self sabotage of black Hollywood. Because we all already know the dangers of horrible media representation and the more stereotypical roles were put into, the question we should always be asking is "what are you going to do about it?" This video gives a good starting point, advice and almost a blueprint on what to do and how we'd fix the black Hollywood problem. I'd like to see what we could do for music aswell
Thank you so much for this content. Grateful to have finished this video which was informative. As a 53 year old AA man I have been going through my own personal journey. I have the power to control what I consume. It’s a personal choice. But what gave me the most joy about your video you being openly expressive about your faith. I do think as African-Americans, we need to be intentional about the choices we make and what we consume.
An option to consider is making independent short films or even skits on social media where you have absolute control of the narrative. Hollywood is becoming less influential thanks to the Internet
Tiffany Byrd Harrison Great video sister. I find it difficult to support Black Hollyweird because I want nothing to do with Rap, Guns, or Drugs in Black films / TV. I'm now having issues with 'Abbott Elementary', as now that they've got their feet under them, they've introduced three gay characters, and TWO of them are Black, and both of them are fat, and one of them is that overreacting, exceedingly flamboyant ones. Gonna tap out over this at some point.
Thank you. This is probably the best video I've seen on this topic and this is such an important discussion. Hollywood has shaped the image of Black America for far too long and it's truly up to us to change it. As an artist interested in animation and video games, this is an area I dream of seeing more of black creatives in. So tired of the repetitive hostility set toward us when we try to better represent ourselves, but it's especially egregious in regards to the geeky/imaginative genres found in animation and video games.
Love this! I been saying this for years and everyone always wanna tell me, I'm focused too much on race and Hollywood gives you roles based on ticket movie sales. But I call b/s. A new trope I've noticed is that Hollywood will hire a black man in the leading role but always pairing him with a white girl or mixed race. They never want to give black women big roles.
I have seen this as well! I have no issue with interracial relationships but I can definitely see that media is skipping right over to Black couples and going to interracial ones to appear progressive. Another form of tokenism or modern day passing, where if you're attached to a privileged person a la Get Out, it should shield you from scrutiny.
That'd probably be true if Zendaya didn't exist. There are all these tensions at play in this stuff. It raises anthropological issues that go to very hurtful places, so maybe better to go very slowly? The problem with talking about "race" is, we're not the only ones talking about it, and there are some perspectives you really don't want to stir up. Very hard to get back in the bottle once they're out. One way to look at it, maybe, is that interracial pairings are in their own way a small but prudent step toward minimizing the tension and discomfort of these anthropological encounters. Like it or not, this is going to take time.
New Love and Peace Family Always! Great commentary and breakdown Goddess! You deserve a million views and all opportunities to assist in causing the tides to shift. Thank you😁💯👍🏾
This was so nuanced and very clear. Like a breath of fresh air. I can only imagine how intense the big blackfish in the little white pond syndrome is in Hollywood. I work in a predominantly white industry in the Pacific Northwest and watch what other Black people do to try to Stay relevant. In an industry like Hollywood that’s already cutthroat I can imagine that would intensify.
Thanks for your video!Morgan Freeman should have got Academy Award/Oscar for Principal Joe Clarke in Lean On Me! Beverly & Robert were a Best Supporting Cast for their roles also. 1 of my favorite movies about a deteriorating school transmogrified into an Institution of Peace, Love, Discipline, Creativity, Unity & Successful Outcomes…big smile! PS-The 5 Heartbeats was excellent too!
Dang Queen. You nailed it. One of the members of the Rock Wit' Me Nation shared your video with me and I did likewise on Twitter. I'll be doing a video soon giving you your flowers and hopefully as Creators we'll have the opportunity to collaborate one day. 🙏🏾
As an actor in this industry, I too took a step back for a very long time because of burnout from constantly getting asked to do the same roles. And then being pigeonholed into a certain look or type when I actually wanted to play the rules that were typically given to thicker dark-skinned women. Meaning that to go even further, there is a also a deeper colorism within the stereotypes given to Black actors when it comes to the types of black women that are casted for certain characteristics on film. I totally love this documentary or video essay, it is very thoughtful and sightful and accurate keep going
A God-ward focus is essential. I don't know how else we can deal with systematic, pervasive oppression without dissolving into nothing (what they want) or into pure rage (what they also want so they can justify destroying us.) Only by love strengthened through faith can we bear up and keep putting out what's in our hearts, trusting those efforts will, inevitably, see their true value honored.
"Hollywood" is only trying to make money and hopefully spending as little money, time and effort in that endeavor as possible. One problem is humans have a hard time determining what the difference between fact and fiction is. Most of our stereotypes I feel come from the entertainment we consume, especially if a movie has "some" historical basis to it. So then it becomes the historical truth rather than just a movie that moved us.
Is it me, or are there a lot of shows on streaming channels about black people being drug dealers? Of course, they are smart and tough business people. Women are capable of being just as ruthless as men. I can't watch shows that glorify drug dealers.
Excellent synopsis on the history and current challenges of Black Hollywood! I'll definitely share. 8:21 - paused - Charlton Heston??? 🤔 He's a bad guy. 8:44 Superfly was directed by Gordon Parks, a renound Black artist. It's the story of a Black man *trying to escape a life of crime* and the forces, both Black and white, that conspired *to keep him in the crime life* . I hate that Superfly is always lumped in with the negative connotations of *blaxspolitation* , it's actually an uplifting story.
8:21 - They were involved in a political movement in this photo so I imagine Charles was there for the photo op, not as apart of the "good or bad." Ahh, love the reframe of Superfly! I'd love to do more reserach into the blaxploitation movement as a whole but I do maintain, nothing is all bad or all good. Sometimes its just a part of the zeitgist and I wanted to include it since it was popular during the time.
For the Black Movie Starter Pack - 8 out of 8!! Every single one I've watched too many times to count, and I recently decided that I want all of them on physical media. I only have Soul Food right now, but i will be adding the others this year!
There was a wonderful exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts on Black film. I learned a great deal about the history of black directors, actors & producers. I wish there were ways to use our money & clout toward producing good & valuable entertainment.
Who runs Hollywood? You don't address the issue, if you don't identify the one who runs the system and profiting of black people. Same cans be said for the music industry
Just subscribed! Thank you for this video. Right on time. I'm exhausted, angry, and confused with all the negativity surrounding Taraji's calling out this industries practices. What's even more confusing is that a lot (NOT ALL) black men are so set against her narrative. "She signed a contract - don't complain about after the fact " I could be wrong but I haven't seen a whole lot of her white colleagues stepping up for her either. Maybe you could do a video someday about the inequalities. I plan to share this video. You thoughtfully break down the root causes of the problem.
thank you so much for subscribing! I wonder about this black men versus black women divide that has played our community for sometime. I know the roots of it go further back than even now, but it is disheartening to see if there there is a war based on genders and based on the actual argument. Thanks for the suggestion on that! I would love to break down the inequalities that are seen with artists based on their place in the “hierarchy”
Most Black Americans are middle class. Not poverty gang members. I'm glad multi race cast members. So important to share the reality of the majority for authentic identification in film
Saw the title of this video, and I instantly knew the content would be for me! Thankfully, I wasn't wrong 🥰 I'm an aspiring actor, writer, producer and director currently in film school and this is a topic that's been heavily weighing my chest for SO LONG now. You hit the nail on the wall with EVERY point you raised dude, ugh it's so refreshing to get a young, black and publicized voice in the media (who actually works in the industry) speak on things outside of drunk weekends and 'shaking ass on yacht'. Personally, I'm also beginning to see this problem in my home country of South Africa where a lot of the films and tv shows greenlit here are centred on crime stories where our protagonist is constantly someone wielding a gun. That is a reality that most of us DO NOT find ourselves in, and the most frustrating part about it is that there is SOOO MUCH to the South African identity and politics for us to greedily and unfairly invest ourselves in this tired trope. Thankfully, there are platforms like yours that are speaking out against this facade. It makes me really happy that this dialogue is happening and that I don't only have to only look to established, intelligent and progressive filmmakers like Spike Lee, Viola Davis, Barry Jenkins, etc. but that there are even RU-vidrs preaching on this gospel! You've definitely gained a subscriber with me 🔥🔥 this is the content I signed up for man!!! 😁❤🎬🙏
