The latest example of “tokenism” was on display last night at the 61st annual Prime Time Emmy Awards, where only one black person received an award (Chris Rock for the comedy writing on his “Kill the Messenger” comedy special). Now this next comment is in no way meant to disparage Rock’s talent, but his special was no more worthy to be honored on the highest level than “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” deserved an Oscar nod.
Those examples of undeserving award recipients brought me to an introspective crossroads where I was forced to ponder: Is Hollywood really handing out token awards to blacks?
Or has the talent pool in the black community dried up, thereby leaving the decision makers little to choose from?
Just by looking at the nominations for this year’s Emmys, it would be easy to assume that black actors just aren’t as talented as their white counterparts. Of the 36 awards and over 180 nominations handed out, only 8 nominations were given to blacks (double nominations went to Rock and Chandra Wilson of “Grey’s Anatomy”).
So are we inferior on the small screen? Are we only meant to thrive on television in sports and music?
Hardly.
While the streets of Hollywood are filled with black actors just as deserving as the next man or woman, their opportunities to exhibit those talents to mainstream America are few and far between. So until Hollywood decides to widen its casting net, there will continue to be a dearth of the highest acting honors going to blacks. Hate it or love it, that’s just the way things are right now. I personally hate it. –dewayne rogers
