Will smith not black enough

While Smith and Williams are both black men, critics say the role should go to an actor with darker skin, citing Idris Elba and Mahershala Ali as examples of more appropriate choices. Colorism matters. But not everyone agrees.

The stunning physical altercation between actor Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday has sparked debate about the appropriate ways for Black men to publicly defend Black women against humiliation and abuse. The incident on Sunday has sparked debate about the appropriate ways for Black men to publicly defend Black women against humiliation and abuse. FILE - Sen. Cory Booker, D-N. Supreme Court. But to many Black people, it was about more than a slap or an insult.

Will smith not black enough

Hollywood and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences have been trying to do better since then. As they see it, the casting is colorism in action. Those who are lighter head to the top rung, while the darker ones languish at the bottom. Colorism is a significant problem in Hollywood, especially with black performers. Directors, producers and casting agents often seem to favor biracial and light-skinned blacks, presumably because they are closer to the idealized white beauty standard and therefore more acceptable to white audiences. Not only does it have two black actors in central roles, but both are dark-skinned. One character is gay and the other is straight. So is Smith snagging the Richard Williams role a step back? It feels more like a sideways move. Some have suggested that Mahershala Ali or Idris Elba would have been more suitable choices.

I like Will Smith but him as Richard Williams is not ok. For failing to stand up to my father. Williams must have been up against seemingly insurmountable racism while trying to break his daughters into the predominantly white world of tennis, but if any of the Williamses suffered the distinct disadvantages of colorism, it would have been the far more visible Venus and Serena, will smith not black enough.

With the film industry already grappling with a diversity crisis and people calling for more opportunities for minorities and women, the colorism debate appears to have taken this one step further. Critics of the casting announcement felt that the decision to choose Will Smith over other actors including Don Cheadle or Idris Elba was a mistake and that his skin tone was not dark enough to portray Williams:. Skin color matters in how folk were treated and navigated spaces. Is Alexandra Shipp playing Venus? I like Will Smith but him as Richard Williams is not ok.

Hollywood and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences have been trying to do better since then. As they see it, the casting is colorism in action. Those who are lighter head to the top rung, while the darker ones languish at the bottom. Colorism is a significant problem in Hollywood, especially with black performers. Directors, producers and casting agents often seem to favor biracial and light-skinned blacks, presumably because they are closer to the idealized white beauty standard and therefore more acceptable to white audiences.

Will smith not black enough

The influence of family can never be understated, especially when it comes to art. Not only has he experienced this through the lessons taught to him by his family, but the award-winning entertainer has used them to help raise children that have also become more conscious artists in their own right. Back in November , Smith was on tour with his autobiography Will , which saw him making select stops to promote his life story. That was until his grandmother Gigi caught a hold of his lyrics, which led to the following story which CinemaBlend was present to hear first hand:.

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Earlier this week, it was reported that Will Smith could be starring in a new project called King Richard, telling the story of Richard Williams, the father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. Read full article. Smith has described looking out for his loved ones as a kind of lifelong mission. Rather than punitively discipline Will Smith for his violence, the Academy and the Hollywood machine should take this opportunity to reflect and recognize their part in fomenting it. It was about Black manhood, about what is expected of Black men in the 21st century — and about attitudes toward Black women. Colourism debate over Will Smith 'role'. Robinson wrote to Dr. Filmarket Hub launches a new pitch event for US projects. While Smith and Williams are both black men, critics say the role should go to an actor with darker skin, citing Idris Elba and Mahershala Ali as examples of more appropriate choices. Advertise on Film Industry Network. For many, it was the first time fans had seen dark-skinned men and women portrayed in such a positive and heroic light, proving to be a landmark moment of dark-skinned representation in film. Explore more on these topics Will Smith Opinion Oscars comment. What will FOX News say? Team Jada always.

Will Smith said that his socioeconomic status played a part in the criticism he faced when he entered the hip-hop world as a teen. He added: "I grew up on a nice street in a two-parent household. I went to a Catholic school with mostly white kids until I was

Just say no to whitecentrism. Before Black Panther's triumph, Marvel didn't have the best record for representing its few black characters accurately. Phillip Agnew, an activist and co-founder of Black Men Build, a national group focused on the empowerment and political education of Black men, said he rejects the racist and media-perpetuated idea that Black men are any less protective of or loving to their spouses, families and communities than others. This is really pathetic and sad. Read full article. Reuse this content. Jeremy Helligar. Walmart is conducting a stock split for the first time in nearly 25 years. You, sister, who are beautifully Black, stunningly bold and, because of alopecia, unashamedly bald. For many, it was the first time fans had seen dark-skinned men and women portrayed in such a positive and heroic light, proving to be a landmark moment of dark-skinned representation in film. And so I see you, Jada. Cory Booker, D-N.