Business Insider: While the discussion over the lack of minorities in this year's Academy Awards nominations is at an all-time high here in the US, across the pond, actor Idris Elba has thoughts about the need to change the landscape of movies and television.
3 comments:
I have a large, and growing, amount of respect for Idris Elba. I haven’t seen too much of his work, but what I have seen is very powerful, he certainly has a sense of finesse when it comes to his portrayal of characters. He certainly seems to have that same sense of finesse when addressing issues of diversity not only at the Academy Awards, but just as a general concept. And he’s most certainly correct about there being a disconnect between the shows that are presented as if they are realistic situations and the actuality of real life. I’m certain there’s an amount of bias that I have, just as every person has, but diversity is a big part of the solution to removing bias from our culture. Not only that, but the best way to learn, from my experience at least, is to have a person just as smart as you in the same room with the same facts and a very different opinion. Particularly us in Purnell should be looking to council with people who have a different outlook on life, a different set of experiences, a different set of beliefs. Surrounding yourself with your own opinions is the easiest way to constrain your understanding of the world.
Also, on a (somewhat) unrelated note, if you haven’t seen ‘Beasts of No Nation’, go do it, it’s an excellent and very moving film. I hope Idris Elba will be as good in the next Star Trek as he is in that movie.
I love what Idris Elba said about diversity in this day and age because the meaning of diversity really has changed over the last couple of decades. I myself don't know much about this problem that the industry has but I think that the movement that is happening now is not only opening up my eyes, but also a lot of others that also had this problem in the back of their minds. I like think the fact the Idris Elba's words were not out of spite and were meticulously prepared makes them even more valid. I think that all of Elba's proposed solutions revolve around the simple idea of changing the perspective from the start and rewarding those who are disregarding the "risks" of a diverse industry. When he mentions that there is a disconnect with the TV world and the real world, I think its interesting that he says the TV hasn't caught up with reality. I Think he makes a great point because if you take a second to think back on the past decades, our world has changed dramatically. overall, I think that Idris Elba and so many others are starting an important conversation that those who make TV and those who watch TV alike need to hear.
This is my first rant against lack of Hollywood/Broadway diversity of the week. Idris Elba, one of my personal favorite performers, and a true legend on many stages, is the perfect candidate for making this speech. At the center of the James Bond casting controversy, Elba has managed to keep a calm and regal face in a maelstrom of controversy. Of course, none of this touches on the truly remarkable content and masterful delivery of the speech in question, which is truly superb, in my humble opinion. (Seriously, just go watch it.)In this speech, Idris Elba calls for an increase in all manner of diversity, not only in the stories that are told, but also who is telling them. To prevent the usual moaning and groaning that usually follows these speeches, Elba also mentions, quite damningly, how he thinks these problems can be solved. even more fittingly, instead of delivering this speech at an awards show, or working it into a talk-show appearance, Elba makes this beautiful speech in front of the audience that can actually effect rapid and concise political change:the British Parliament.
In conclusion: Bravo, Mr. Elba, bravo.
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