Chris Rock’s right, Hollywood’s treatment of black actresses is all kinds of wrong
Chris Rock has been on a truth-telling streak lately, and we’re into it. First, he sat down for a long, interesting interview with Frank Rich and shared his insights on everything from Ferguson to LBGT rights. Next, in a scathing and smart essay about the lack of diversity in the movie industry for The Hollywood Reporter, Rock addressed the one thing that the endless chatter about True Detective never addressed: Why weren’t any black actors or actresses considered for the roles?
Rock writes about how black women in particular get overlooked in the casting process for major television shows and movies:
Rock’s criticism of the industry doesn’t rest at how Hollywood treats black men and women, though. Minorities in general are often excluded for major parts, and even behind-the-scenes jobs. “There’s this acceptance that Mexicans are going to take care of white people in L.A. that doesn’t exist anywhere else,” Rock wrote. “You’re telling me no Mexicans are qualified to do anything at a studio? Really? Nothing but mop up? What are the odds that that’s true? The odds are, because people are people, that there’s probably a Mexican David Geffen mopping up for somebody’s company right now. The odds are that there’s probably a Mexican who’s that smart who’s never going to be given a shot.”
Keep on reading here.
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