History doesnt repeat itself, it rhymes.
Mistakes made in the past arrive again in the present, slightly re-dressed but always familiar.
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This cyclical roll back of gains made is currently happening in politics.
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Its happening in the business world.
Its happening across entertainment.
Through the 90s into the early 2000s TV became a desert that lacked real representation.
In 2002 I remember real distinctly the historic night Halle Berry and Denzel Washington took home well-deserved Oscars.
The first time that both lead acting awards had gone to Black performers.
It was on a night made all the more poignant when Denzel presented Sidney Poitier with an honorary statue.
I dont think I was alone in believing Hollywood had arrived to a watershed moment.
Then, #OscarSoWhite.
So, what happened?
According to the20222023UCLA Hollywood Diversity Reports, Hollywood remains a hostile environment for traditionally underrepresented groups.
Only 3.8 out of 10 lead actors in digital scripted TV are people of color.
Only 3.3 out of 10 credited writers in digital scripted TV are people of color.
About 2.2 out of 10 lead actors in theatrical films are people of color.
And stunningly:
Only 1.7 out of 10 theatrical film directors are people of color.
Only 1.5 out of 10 theatrical film directors are women.
Only 1.2 out of 10 theatrical film writers are people of color.
So much for go woke, go broke.
And the support that is in present is eroding at the same speed it was hastily put into place.
Having BIPOC execs in place doesnt guarantee smooth sailing for creators of color (ooooh, trust me.
This is not meant to be an us vs. them indictment.
While these guys are not unicorns, the stats show that no pun intended they are in the minority.
This current work stoppage Hollywoods going through has revealed legit grievances surrounding pay, contracts and transparency.
At the same time theres a demand to mandate a formula for the size of writers rooms.
And I dont want to hear you cant mandate diversity.
A mandate, is a mandate, is amandate.
If all that is being mandated is the status quo, that doesnt cut it.
Ill be straight: I dont believe inanyroom mandates.
Affirmative Action without the Affirmation.
For the dollars spent by our communities, we deserve better.
