Regina King Proves My Point

I didn't watch the Emmy's because I don't watch a lot of network TV anymore. But this year, everyone raved about Jimmy Fallon as the host and I did enjoy a few of the clips from the telecast. I even looked at one of those lists of best and worst dressed.

Celebritology means that these award shows and the shows that endlessly deconstruct the meaning of award shows have subject matter for at least three weeks. A week later, actress Regina King penned this open letter that I found on Huffington Post.

Now I've been harping on this very topic for years! Not that the people who commented on her thoughts even remotely get the point, but finally, someone had the balls to call out the industry for its non-existent diversity. And this criticism comes from an insider like Regina King who has been in the industry for a long time, no less.

Of course, no one will get it and very little will change because too many people believe diversity is a cry for lowering standards. Because the nation that just elected a black man as its president has no more problems on the racial front (right Dr.Laura?). And because race is a card game...

Let's get a few things clear so that there is no more confusion about why King's article is so timely. There are many actors of every stripe in Hollywood, and most will never achieve any significant name recognition. Which is fine because that is part of the territory--not everyone can be a star. But must every star be white? And the alternative award shows that folks are fond of citing as examples? These shows were created by blacks and Latinos to offer the recognition that typically does NOT come from Hollywood. If given the choice between receiving a BET Award and an Emmy, I'm sure the Emmy would be much better appreciated because the Emmy has career currency that a BET or ALMA award does not. Please point to the winner of an alternative award whose career prospects improved after its receipt.

So, all we are saying is that this current Hollywood white-out needs to be recognized for what it is. Several new shows in the pipeline will feature people of color more prominently, so that is a start, but there needs to be a lot more opportunity all around. Black folks need to escape the ghetto of CW and TBS, Latinos need a similar get out of jail free card from Univision and Telemundo, and Asians need to get on TV period! Guest roles and buddy parts are nice, but you can do better than token walk-ons. (Yes, it worked for Betty White this year, but so what!)

And maybe next year Regina King will get a nomination.