1ºSo does that mean he thinks that black actors can play white characters if they use white face? to each their own, I guess. I know it seems like everybody gets offended so easily these days, but I think there are appropriate reasons for not using blackface, one of which is its roots in racism. Being of native American extraction, even as a kid I was offended by westerns that used white people with brown make-up to represent “Indians”. I wanted to see real native Americans in those acting parts. It wasn’t like there weren’t any native Americans that could’ve played these characters, it’s just that Hollywood was lazy and chose a bunch of Italian guys from the looks of it.
In the end, perhaps we should choose authenticity over fakery to portray certain characters.
2ºWhen a black person does something to stereotype another person it doesn’t offend me. Or any other nationality, religion, race or similar stereotyping of another.
It’s rarely based in racism and hate. The intent is typically not mean spirited.
Now, displaying the Confederate flag on the other hand IS based on race and hate. It’s intended to be offensive and racist.
It’s all about the intent. When a friend mocks me about being 50 lbs overweight I don’t take offense because they don’t intend on it being mean spirited and hateful.
I am one that can laugh at myself. A skill that seems to becoming extinct more and more.
3ºOh man… well… first of all, I disagree and think it is blurs the line for bigots and racists to use for offensive purposes… but…
I think there is a point… and a difference between “black face” and character make-up. Black face was inherently racist, not intended to actually represent in any accurate way a person of color’s skin tone.
I do not think Billy Dee Williams is suggesting the black face of the minstrel shows should be allowed.
I think he may be suggesting that we use make-up for all kinds of costumes in theater and movies and done tastefully and respectfully could be ok.
Personally, I’m not there… it’s a line I’d rather not cross. My bigger point would be to look at what Lin Manuel Miranda proved with Hamilton… actors don’t need to be the same race as the person they are portraying for the show to be a success.
4ºBilly Dee confuses the issue. People are not trying to be victims and run around being pissed off. No one expects things to be handed to them. The frustration comes from following the guidebook on how to do things, putting forth a great and credible effort, and continually be denied an opportunity to participate only because of color. Black people are some of the most competitive on the planet. We don't shy from competing. I know I don't because I destroy folks I compete with in my industry. So the frustration in black people is being benched. Not getting minutes on the field. Held back from greatness.
Acting and pretending to be something else because of acting is one thing. But historical blackface was never meant as a way for an actor to stretch his craft and show his/her versatility. It was meant to ridicule and exclude. And I don't think Billy Dee is fully genuine in his opinion, because had they yanked Diana Ross and rubbed Joan Collins in blackface and put an afro wig on her to play beside him, he would have been outraged. I bet money on that.
5ºJoshua Lontine, screw you, clown, because if you truly believe that, you would have found your voice long ago with shows totally devoid of black actors. Also, you never heard me advocate for all black shows to the total exclusion of white folks. As a Gen Xer, I've grown up on nothing but white shows (Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, Father Knows Best, My Three Sons, The Andy Griffith Show). And we enjoyed the shows despite our total exclusion. So black people have never had a problem with the inclusion of white folks in media, because it's all we've known. Only white folks started crying when asked to depict images more true to life. Now there's your universal truth.
6ºMichael Walker I have noticed you are ignoring Billy D Williams point . You can't keep on looking for Racism in everything you see especially in the arts. Should the Wayans apologize for White Chicks, Tyler Perry to old Black women, Eddie Murphy to old New York Hebrews? Before you get on your high horse and talk down to us Africans and tell us Black face was used mock Black people in movies, Yes! We know. However Context matters , Stereotypes have been a great ingredient of Comedy and Drama for artistic expression purposes. If you can't handle it doesn't mean we have to coddle you.
7ºLiswaniso Kenneth Liswaniso, you're being ignorant. Yes context is everything. Black face was used to try and tell a story about blacks while not hiring them. And yes, while stereotypes are frequently used in comedy, the historical use of blackface was to perpetuate the more negative and derogatory stereotypes of black people, further cementing them as an underclass. You cite the Wayan Bros in White Chicks, and yet their movie had white actors in it. So I'm going to sit right up here on this horse while you get yourself educated on African American history, so that you can truly understand what CONTEXT means in this case.
8ºHe should just stay retired and not sully his reputation like Dr.Carson and many others. Sure you have your right to your opinion, but when people will amplify your opinion, maybe it should stay around the dinner table. Lets move backward and see what happens. Maybe someone should have worn black face and taken your roles, can you imagine Lady Sings the Blues? Or other actors like Sidney Poitier being replaced in Lillies of the Field or In the Heat of the Night? You forget about the broader consequences of these kinds of statements. Its not like you can do white face, even in your heyday, and get an acting job as a white man.
9ºI’ve said it all along… parts of stories being portrayed are just that- parts. If people want reality tv/movies - by all means pursue it. The portrayal of a character is up to direction, actors experience-ideas-talent, and writing. Introducing/bringing race as divisive construct is counter to what the arts are all about. There are those that say a part may or may not be done by a certain race/color of actor. No one is making/forcing anyone to go see that character’s portrayal or the choice of the casting directors.
Again, if ‘authenticity’ is what is being pursued, call it what it is. When it comes to acting… just let the best person to portray a character be chosen. If it’s based on culture (as Denzel Washington says) just let it be that and if it starts being decisive - don’t add fuel to the hate/discrimination. I’ve always liked Morgan Freeman’s approach. I know I don’t need a day or celebratory month for my race and it’s not anyone’s to give to me in the first place.
10ºWhy did Humans play Klingons? Why does a Jewish actor play a Vulcan? Why does a rich actor play a poor addict? For that matter, why not get an addict to play an addict? Why did an actor who was not disabled play one in Forest Gump? Was the actor who played Clarence really an angel? Was the actor who has five children, a happy marriage, and a mansion with a pool really a man who grew up in foster homes and lives a Spartan life alone chasing international bad guys and reports to a very small woman whom he considers a mother figure? Chakotay in Star Trek was supposedly a member of a tribe, but was played by a Latino from Bakersfield. Actors act.