African-Americans in Hollywood

The majority non-Hispanic white population is growing slowly, while Hispanics, Asians and other minorities are increasing steadily in numbers, according to a 2010 U.S. Census Bureau report. There is no doubt that America is a melting pot of races and cultures; yet, most television shows and movies feature an overwhelming domination of whites both on and off the camera.

A recent study by the Directors Guild of America further proves the trend. Out of 2,600 episodes from major television production companies in 2010-2011, white males directed 77 percent of the episodes and white females directed 11 percent, while minority males directed 11 percent and minority females directed one percent. White males directed a stifling eighty percent of one-hour series.

"We're still at a point where placing a Black person in front of the camera provokes controversy and discussion that Hollywood producers and directors prefer to avoid."

Jeffrey McCune, assistant professor of American Studies and Women's studies on campus believes the statistic can be taken as a reflection of the Hollywood tradition and a lack of incentive to produce change.

"Hollywood as an institution is a troubled space," McCune said. "Producers tend to go to white, big name directors like Steven Spielberg because he will generate attraction more than a minority director will."

This tradition of white males dominating the film industry is as old as film itself, and because of Hollywood's continued success, it seems unlikely that producers will choose to change casting and directing decisions. McCune argues that Hollywood producers exercise diversity in other aspects of filmmaking, avoiding diversity among actors and directors.

"Hollywood is willing to imagine other possibilities for scripts in terms of playing with history and geographic location," said McCune. "However, producers are less willing to imagine bodies of different race where it is more traditional to have white bodies."

The disparity of minorities in the industry can also be tied in with the protests through the Occupy Wall Street campaign. Social inequality and corporate greed especially impacts minorities, who have high unemployment rates in our current economy.

"Our nation's economic state causes Hollywood to be focused on revenue rather than representation," said McCune.

Shout "Fire!" Film Society President, Michael Casiano said he is "not surprised that the statistics are so staggering." However, the senior English and American Studies major argued that minorities shouldn't strive to be in an industry that has repeatedly mistreated their image and capabilities as actors and directors.

"Instead of succumbing to Hollywood standards and stereotypes, some minority directors look to private funding to allow themselves to take more artistic liberties," said Casiano. "Even though they are not the most successful films monetarily, they promote certain aspects of social change."

McCune also believes that art should be used to promote social change, stating that art should be used to depict the imaginary as a vision for a potential future reality.

"The film industry should be producing a new imagining of America by representing the ideals of our country in movies," said McCune.

Hollywood producers tend to blur the lines between reality and the fictitious world of movies. Racial stereotypes are practically the only characters available for minorities, who are forced to play flat, degrading roles. Even movies that spotlight the negative effects of racial inequality cast certain Caucasian-looking minorities for audience appeal.

"Precious (Lee Daniels) is based on a book that describes the teacher character as a dark-skinned female with dreadlocks, yet the woman who played the teacher role was lighter skinned and had more white features" said Casiano,

Is type casting an attempt to appeal to the movie going audience? Sophomore percussion major Logan Seith said demography among actors and directors doesn't greatly affect his overall movie experience as an audience member.

"I personally do not pay attention to whether or not there is racial diversity in films," said Seith, "Casting directors should focus on the talent of actors rather than having the goal of increasing diversity."

Regardless of the perspective, the lack of minority representation in Hollywood is apparent in films and in the overall culture of the film industry. Either way, some authority is deciding what moviegoers do and don't see

"Hopefully Hollywood can promote social change and show that the ideals of our culture are more diverse than how they are traditionally portrayed," says McCune.