Serving the Film and Television Industry in New England
Black Actors and Skin Color
I don’t know if it’s PC (political correctness) to post this here. But I thought I’d share this with my fellow actors.
Recently, I had a discussion with another black actor about skin color and the movies. We agreed that lighter skinned black actors are favored over darker actors. Take a look at mixed race actors like Halle Berry and Terrence Howard. They get more work and better roles.
I remember the first time I saw the late Bernie Mac on a sitcom. He had a small role in which he was ridiculed by another black person because of his dark complexion.
It’s like this, when you say ‘black’ we black actors tend to get lumped into one group. But in reality, we have been broken down into several based on our skin tones. So for instance, in most commercials and magazine ads you will see lighter blacks used. But in ghetto scenes they go for darker skinned actors. Black villains are also darker.
I have heard some film folks justify using light skinned black actors or not using blacks at all. The excuse, “It’s difficult to light black people especially if they are in the same scene with whites”. So, what’s the real problem? Is it that people don’t want to take time to work on lighting? Or is it really something subtly engrained into people’s minds?
Now, why are blacks different shades? It’s mostly because of the legacy of slavery. African slaves being forced to bear their white masters children and then being brought up believing that lighter is better. People opted to have light skinned babies believing that they would have a better life. In most black families you will find people of different shades with different hair textures as well (and hair texture is another issue). If you want proof, just look at photos of real African slaves and what their descendants look like. The slaves were much darker while their descendants are lighter. The lighter you are the more mixing there was. I know people don’t like talking about slavery, but it is part of our history and should not and cannot be ignored or forgotten
But it’s not just the way that whites see us. Even we black people have issues with skin tone. Again, it’s because of the legacy of slavery. The ‘high yellow’ lighter skinned blacks were treated much better than the darker blacks. This is highlighted in Spike Lee’s film School Daze.
Well, I’m just grazing the issue today. I’d love to hear your views.
Recently, I had a discussion with another black actor about skin color and the movies. We agreed that lighter skinned black actors are favored over darker actors. Take a look at mixed race actors like Halle Berry and Terrence Howard. They get more work and better roles.
I remember the first time I saw the late Bernie Mac on a sitcom. He had a small role in which he was ridiculed by another black person because of his dark complexion.
It’s like this, when you say ‘black’ we black actors tend to get lumped into one group. But in reality, we have been broken down into several based on our skin tones. So for instance, in most commercials and magazine ads you will see lighter blacks used. But in ghetto scenes they go for darker skinned actors. Black villains are also darker.
I have heard some film folks justify using light skinned black actors or not using blacks at all. The excuse, “It’s difficult to light black people especially if they are in the same scene with whites”. So, what’s the real problem? Is it that people don’t want to take time to work on lighting? Or is it really something subtly engrained into people’s minds?
Now, why are blacks different shades? It’s mostly because of the legacy of slavery. African slaves being forced to bear their white masters children and then being brought up believing that lighter is better. People opted to have light skinned babies believing that they would have a better life. In most black families you will find people of different shades with different hair textures as well (and hair texture is another issue). If you want proof, just look at photos of real African slaves and what their descendants look like. The slaves were much darker while their descendants are lighter. The lighter you are the more mixing there was. I know people don’t like talking about slavery, but it is part of our history and should not and cannot be ignored or forgotten
But it’s not just the way that whites see us. Even we black people have issues with skin tone. Again, it’s because of the legacy of slavery. The ‘high yellow’ lighter skinned blacks were treated much better than the darker blacks. This is highlighted in Spike Lee’s film School Daze.
Well, I’m just grazing the issue today. I’d love to hear your views.
Tags: black, skin, slavery, tone
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on -
AS part of New Hampshire's hidden history now being made public, it is important to note that the first African-American to hope an elected position in the U.S. was a man named Wentworth Chewsell from the little town of Newmarket.
A local historian has recently restored the Chewsell family graveyard near his home on S.Main St and a state historical marker was placed there last October.
The story of Chewsell and of Newmarket itself should hopefully be raising more of an eyebrow with the coming fall election.
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Permalink Reply by Chemi on -
Christopher, thanks for the info. There are so many forgotten stories like that of Wentworth Chewsell that need to be told.
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on
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A quick update on Newmarket, we are hoping to have Senator Obama come to town and make an appearance at the Cheswell Graveyard.
Thus adding to the history in the making of our first African-American president to be at the buriel place of the first African-American to be elected to public office in the US.
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Permalink Reply by Elena Rozzi Pellegrino on -
After reading you post - it makes sense - I can see very few darker black actors than lighter black actors portrayed. I think you raise a good point and I would hope casting directors would look more at skill than skin - thank you for bringing this to our attention - knowledge/awareness is power!
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Permalink Reply by peter ciani on -
You bring up an interesting point. I'll have to watch that more closely. you have to wonder if its intentional or are directors perpectuating the stereotypes of other films.
but you have to wonder if its solely based on skin color or a certain look. hollywood has its stereotypes that they love. for instance bikers are always white, bald, fat guys that have beards and a heart of gold. FBI agents are always stiff young white guys and during the 90's every indian was played by Graham Greene.
Do you think this issue goes beyond films, I mean if you look at Obama he's very light skinned because of his parents. If he was Dark skinned do you think he would have gotten so far?
I'm not asking to be a jerk or anything i'm just curious of your opinion.
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Williams on
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Interesting point and Graham Greene was a great name to pull out of the hat.
Maybe we should bring this up on an addition of Cinematic Radio and invite Chemi on to talk about it??
I recall Shantel mentioning some issues about being lighter than the rest of her family.
Remember white folks have different skin tones as well depending on geographic and family ties.
I would definately consider myself in the same catagory as Barrack's Grandmother that of being a TWP (typical white person.)
As for the kids they look to be as dark as Michelle (as seen on the cover of this month's issue of Essence.) It was interesting to note that one of his daughters resembles her and the other one him which is kinda similar to your kids Pete.
Another interesting point is notice how light Hallie Berry looks in most of her films, but when shes need to "black" for a role she'll tan or something so that she'll look darker.
It's also interesting to note that most Klingons on the newer Star Trek series and films from TNG onward tend to be portrayed by black actors with few exceptions like say Christopher Lloyd (ST III), Chris Plummer (ST VI), Brian Bonsall (ST TNG), Mark Lenard (ST TMP), and Kurtwood Smith (ST VI).
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Permalink Reply by Bill McLean; Freight Train Films on -
You have some interesting thoughts on this issue, I agree with some of them. I noticed that you didn't mention Danny Glover, Wesley Snipes, Bill Duke (Predator), Morgan Freeman. These are all mega stars and are darker-complected right? They all pull top dollar at the box office as well. True talent does not discriminate for color in Hollywood if you look at these amazing actors.
My best friend in the world is extremely dark skinned (He prefers to be called black) and all the women that see him take a second and third look, white or black. What really bugs me is every time I fill out an audition sheet I have to write "caucasian". Read that word again, "caucasian". That;s just a weird sounding word isn't it?
Why can't we just be called "actors" and not "white or black" actors?
Good luck with your acting career bud, maybe we'll get to work together someday.
Bill
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Permalink Reply by Bill Hamell on -
As a cinematographer, I light all the talent the same way, I set my lights and look at the scene.
If they need more light, Bill giveth if they need less light Bill taketh away.
I have all these wonderful tools to work with lights, scrims, flags, nets and a whole array of other fun things. I have no excuse not to get proper exposure on anyone.
Bill
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Permalink Reply by KirkpatrickLaw on -
Hi Chemi - you raise excellent issues - bravo! And I am sure these biases are deeply ingrained in our culture. We all have to be vigilant and make a continued commitment to raise these issues, bringng them to the surface, and make sure that we reflect diversity in our choices and our media and messaging. Life is full of all religions, nationalities, flavors, colors, types, sizes, shapes and kinds, straight and gay - and our messaging and media should reflect the deep and rich diversity of our culture! It is the essence of the world in which we live!
Thanks very much!
Many Blessings!
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Permalink Reply by Chemi on
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Thanks everyone for commenting. There are some interesting thoughts here, thanks.
Peter, you ask if Obama were darker would he have made it so far. That's a good question, and I would say probably not. His heritage has certainly helped him in regards to the Presidential election. So, I don't think he is deemed to be as threatening as someone who had ancestors who endured American slavery.
Christopher, you mention blacks being cast as Klingons. Well, remember in the original Star Trek Next Generation. Gordy LaForge was blind, and I remember folks asking why can't there be an ordinary black person in the show? Remember Worf the Klinglon was played by a black actor. Of course later they did have a spin off with a Black Commander.
Bill, I agree that Hollywood has opened its doors for many black actors and some are mega stars including Will Smith. And a lot of time you will hear that the roles they got cast in and made them famous were originally written for a white actor, example, Morgan Freeman's role Red in The Shawshank Redemption. He was supposed to be a red headed white Irish guy. So, Hollywood has also made some bold moves that have paid off. But none of the actors you mention are dark dark. And then again men have an easier time, how many real dark women are making their mark in Hollywood right now? Cicely Tyson has done well. Janet Hubert who played Vivian Banks on The Fresh Prince show is also an excellent actress but we don't see her in much.
Sean, I agree with you on the talent issue. Of course you need talent to be successful. Yet, how many black actors won't even get a chance to show their talent simply because of their skin color? I was at a SAG meeting once where the issue of blacks not getting decent roles and auditions was mentioned. Someone said, blacks should write their own stuff. Well, we can write but will we get funding and backing. That was mentioned as a major drawback. It was pointed out that sponsors are more likely to back a film that portrays blacks stererotypically than in a positive light.
Shelly, I have read and heard about Bruce Lee, and Kung Fu and The Green Hornet. Asian actors had also had their share of discrimination in the industry. Two months ago Turner Classsic showed a detailed documentary about it that left me flabbergasted. White actors portrayed Asians and even had make up done to give them 'slant' eyes. The same as white actors being painted black to portray black people in the old days.
KirkpatrickLaw, thanks for your comments. America is the most diverse country in the world and one of the most accepting. It will be time though before this is truly reflected in Hollywood.
Overall the, truth of the matter is the bulk of dark actors still find themselves stererotyped into roles of prisoners, gangsters, pimps, hooligans, homeless etc.
This issue can be discussed in pages and pages because there are so many parts to it. And again it all boils down to the legacty still affecting us in 2008.
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Permalink Reply by peter ciani on
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I have to point out one Star Trek observation. When they gave Sisko DS9 It was the ghetto of Star Fleet and he didn't have the rank of Captain he was a commander.
Archer, Kirk, Janeway, and Picard all got ships that were top of the line.
Actually Star Trek: DS9 did a great episode about race and racism called "far beyond the stars". It was set in the 50's, where Sisko (in a vision) is a science fiction writer that has to write under the public assumption that he's white. He writes a story about black space station captain but the editor refuses to publish it unless he changes the captain. its probably one the the best episodes in the series.
man i feel like geek....
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Permalink Reply by Chemi on
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I'll have to look for that Deep Space Nine episode. Interesting. Well at least he was a commander who looked human, no horns, scales, fins, tusks, extra body parts or some other alien stuff on him. It was the 'ghetto' of the Star Fleet now that I think about it. The original Star Trek was pioneering with Uhura, & Sulu an Asian in lead roles. And I have read about the racisim behind the scenes and the revoluntionary spirit of Gene Roddenberry.
You'd be amazed at the influence that TV has on people.
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