I was boycotting the Academy Awards before it was cool.
I mean why would I devote any amount
of time to watching a show where I have no chance of winning, nor personally
know anyone that’s being recognized?
I look at it as such; Is Matt Damon
attending my graduation? Is Christian Bale sitting in for my slam poetry spot?
Really
are they? Because I’m beginning to think they’re ignoring my calls…
But
seriously folks all this hubbub about whether Black stars should boycott, or
not boycott, attend or not attend has at least got me thinking. And to those
that would already dismiss this piece as having no societal value due to
larger, more important issues hear me out. Indulge me by continuing to read
until I’ve made my point please, because you’ll find that I agree with you. However,
this is actually a social issue in and of itself, even if on the surface it may
seem like “just an awards show”.
Having read
a lot of celebrity responses on how the African-American acting community
should handle the Academy’s lack of nominees of people of color, and the supposed
overt racism that brings into question, I have seen several reactions. These
range from whether or not stars should even show up to the awards ceremony this
year, to a full and extended boycott of the Academy Awards for years to come.
However, the one that surprised me
the most was the suggestion that Blacks form their own separate and distinct awards
ceremony for the film industry. The reason why I was surprised is that I believe
this thinking is ultimately backwards. What we should be striving towards is an
all-inclusive show that is able to celebrate achievement and contributions from
everyone in a way that doesn’t exclude, nor award the mere act of being racially
diverse, but is open to recognizing the successes of those that are deserving, regardless
of race.
If the current Academy and its
members cannot do that, then we are clearly called to replace them. If they are too stymied by their antiquated
views on the color of people’s skin, then it is our duty to make the 88th
Academy Awards the last, and move on, leaving them in the past where they
belong.
In doing this however, we should
not move away from the current establishment only to segregate ourselves with
whatever institutions take its place. This is ultimately regressive, and a step
backwards, even if only in the industry of entertainment.
My two cents…
Respectfully,
David
