Diversity in the Nomination of Awards

[SeeKer.mm]

I am wondering what everyone thinks about the recent racism accusations made by some actors in the media due to the "Lack of Diversity" in the Academy nominations? I personally haven't seen any of the movies nominated as I am not much of a movie buff, but when people continue to light the racism torch I tend to pay some attention as all too often we hear racism this and racism that in the media for one reason or another.

My thought is that there are so many things going on this world as a whole and this is what the actors and Western entertainment community are taking a stand on? I don't hear many "Unpaid" actors talking up agricultural issues, the lack of sustainability across many of our resources, or encouraging diversity in how we treat each other as fellow human beings. How about using their talent and resources to help programs that would discourage those who would spread hatred in the name of God, feeding the hungry, empowering the abused. We have school shootings, starvation, terrorism, domestic/ child abuse and a lack of "willingness to co-exist" all across the world and I find myself having to turn the channel on many a radio and TV station because all I hear is noise about who is boycotting a Hollywood award show? I'd much rather hear those with power and ability take on the real problems of the world. Is there something terribly wrong with this big picture or am I off in what I am feeling? I am hoping to listen to the opinion of others on the issue, especially those with whom I share the working tools of our profession.

Thanks

 

[NY.Light.II]

Is it not more racist and infantilizing to nominate people solely because they typify a racial demographic?

 

[dfreybur]

Every industry that goes from being policed by outsiders to policing itself, I'm for that transition.

 

[AndreAshlar]

Is it not more racist and infantilizing to nominate people solely because they typify a racial demographic?

Maybe I missed something. My understanding is there's disappointment because equal consideration to non-whites isn't given for the awards. And it's based on race. If actors/actresses from diverse backgrounds produce outstanding work, thespians from diverse backgrounds should receive nominations. Demanding equal opportunity to combat racist policies isn't racist. To think so is preposterous. To verbalize that stance is double talk. No one wants nominations for non whites based on race. I'd like to see them based on superb acting. 2 years in a row, there hasn't been a single non white actor or actress nominated for an Oscar. Have only whites been worthy of nominations?

 

[Bill Lins]

Maybe I missed something. My understanding is there's disappointment because equal consideration to non-whites isn't given for the awards. And it's based on race.

That is the accusation, based MERELY upon the fact that no persons of color have been nominated for the past 2 years. Look a little further back, not only at the nominees but the winners.

Have only whites been worthy of nominations?

According to those who made that decision, yes. Remember that those are the same folks who made the decisions in earlier years, as referenced above. Can't have things both ways.

 

[AndreAshlar]

That is the accusation, based MERELY upon the fact that no persons of color have been nominated for the past 2 years. Look a little further back, not only at the nominees but the winners.

It's sad that you can't see the problem with this...

 

[AndreAshlar]

Can't have things both ways.

Why not?

 

[Bill Lins]

It's sad that you can't see the problem with this...

So you think that every year, persons of color should receive nominations just because of their color?

 

[AndreAshlar]

So you think that every year, persons of color should receive nominations just because of their color?

No. I KNOW that they should receive nominations AND win awards for excellence in their craft. That does not happen with the frequency that it should. It's not even close...

 

[AndreAshlar]

2015 - 20 acting nominations. 20 white nominees.
2016 - 20 acting nominations. 20 white nominees.

Part of the problem is that The Academy is an honor society, in which industry experience is the primary consideration to join. The Academy is 94% white, 77% male and overwhelmingly old school. Chronologically and in their thinking. Middle age to elderly white males with longevity in Hollywood make the decisions. Study the history of racism in Hollywood to gain further insight into the mind of the typical Academy voter. It's not tough to see unless your eyes are wide shut.

 

[Bloke]

Out of interest Andre, what actor missed out on a nomination this year ?

 

[AndreAshlar]

Out of interest Andre, what actor missed out on a nomination this year ?

You just want one? That's easy. Idris Elba. Beasts of No Nation.

 

[Dontrell Stroman]

Denzel Washington is my favorite actor. That brother need a nomination for any movie he plays in. I haven't seen him act in a movie that wasn't good yet.

 

[AndreAshlar]

Denzel Washington is my favorite actor. That brother need a nomination for any movie he plays in. I haven't seen him act in a movie that wasn't good yet.

Apparently, he's never been good enough. Ever.

 

[Dontrell Stroman]

Name a movie he hasn't been good in. Don't worry I'll wait......... Ha ha

 

[SeeKer.mm]

I have a question and please no one take this the wrong way but have any Native Americans, Hispanics, Whites, Asians or otherwise ever been nominated for a BET award? If so pray tell. If not... Then why not and what's the difference? I am not interested in Hollywood but I am concerned about the unity of our Brotherhood and our Nation for that matter as it relates to racial issues. For perspective's sake I'll put it out there that I am neither black nor am I white, nor do I believe color of skin matters. From a completely neutral point of view on the whole Awards B.S going on in the news, I ask.. What is the difference? If persons of color have not been the only ones nominated for BET awards then I would find that refreshing and call that progress. Which is it?

 

[Dontrell Stroman]

I have a question and please no one take this the wrong way but have any Native Americans, Hispanics, Whites, Asians or otherwise ever been nominated for a BET award? If so pray tell. If not... Then why not and what's the difference? I am not interested in Hollywood but I am concerned about the unity of our Brotherhood and our Nation for that matter as it relates to racial issues. For perspective's sake I'll put it out there that I am neither black nor am I white, nor do I believe color of skin matters. From a completely neutral point of view on the whole Awards B.S going on in the news, I ask.. What is the difference? If persons of color have not been the only ones nominated for BET awards then I would find that refreshing and call that progress. Which is it?

I agree with you brother, but you are aware that there has been controversy over BET for some time right, over the same matter.

 

[SeeKer.mm]

Hi Traveling man91 and thank you for your response. I have not seen or heard much controversy about BET to be honest with you. Definitely not to the extent of media coverage the Academy is getting. It's like a waste of airwaves and information with all that's going on in the world right now. This is what we worry about in America today? It saddens me that the people of our great Nation have their priorities so Damn twisted, no matter what color or heritage they claim. Pardon the rant, Brothers, I just want to see us do better than this.

 

[Dontrell Stroman]

Hi Traveling man91 and thank you for your response. I have not seen or heard much controversy about BET to be honest with you. Definitely not to the extent of media coverage the Academy is getting. It's like a waste of airwaves and information with all that's going on in the world right now. This is what we worry about in America today? It saddens me that the people of our great Nation have their priorities so Damn twisted, no matter what color or heritage they claim. Pardon the rant, Brothers, I just want to see us do better than this.

No, not to this extent, but the matter has been brought up on multiple occasions. When people feel oppressed/ inferior they become passionate about what they want to see changed. I feel the same way about racism in freemasonry. I don't like it, I think we are all brothers working toward the same common goals. Again, I agree with you but until people stop allowing skin color to affect their judgment on other people, race will always be on the front line of debates and division. One of my favorite quotes "we are all one race, the human race"

 

[Dontrell Stroman]

It is sad that we blows up issues such as this as if there is nothing else to talk about. I once heard a man say " the way to end racism is stop talking about it" I believe that quote has some truth to it.