I happened to peep a few status updates online about the fact that some felt the only roles Blacks are ever allowed to receive Oscars for are plots where someone is being degraded (i.e. - Lupita (Patsey) and Master/Slave sex relations in "12 Years A Slave" or Halle Berry getting banged in "Monster's Ball"), or playing a stereotypical character such as Denzel Washington in Training Day as a crooked cop.
In many ways I can understand the issues that some have with that, but I don't believe that should diminish the rising of a very bright star (Lupita) who you can look at in a number of ways depending on the way you think as a person.
She made the cover of Essence Magazine as a symbol of redefining beauty (which I posted in the previous article) and even received a letter of appreciation from a fan whose own self-image improved because of her in the spotlight.
One thing I wish the Urban community would do is aim for higher in cinema - even if you don't have the budget, NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY QUALITY TALENT. This is an element that is very hit and miss with the low-budget movies we make by the dozens.
Comedy is one thing, but we don't have to be known as one-dimensional in this regard. I can name countless actors of color who all play the same type of role even within the Urban circuit of film production.
I feel like if we aimed higher with the quality of our scripting and the talent among selected cast members, it would create a platform for greater things.
I can't dismiss the fact that awards have been won for questionable roles in the Black community, but I do believe that there is a responsibility on our side as well to present ourselves with a standard to command respect.
Lupita is a growing force in Hollywood who I commend greatly for her acting skills. It's just a shame that when a new actress makes such a great achievement it gets shuffled in with all the politics of the society we live in.
