It’s no secret that casting prioritizes people of color and anyone who can score projects political points. Author James Patterson says it’s gone too far.
Hollywood directors, producers, and companies are making an active attempt to give more jobs to minorities and women. Many mainstream outlets constantly put pressure on directors and producers to hire more people of color for the big screen. UCLA now annually publishes an official measure for diversity in Hollywood.
Author James Patterson laments that these efforts cause Hollywood creators to exercise discrimination in their selection process. He says that creators are less likely to hire white or male writers, directors, or actors. Patterson also says it is even harder to find work if you’re older.
He had this to say in an interview with the Sunday Times:
“Can you get a job? Yes. Is it harder? Yes. It’s even harder for older writers. You don’t meet many 52-year-old white males.”
He also said it’s “just another form of racism.”
What do you think? Does representation on the big screen have to perfectly mirror representation in the population at large? Does a history of oppression and discrimination justify racist hiring practices today? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
wpDiscuz
He’s just figuring this out now?
Blacks should be glad that their ancestors ended here instead of being slaughtered by their own people, get on with your life and quit belly aching.
What happened to hiring because of the correct qualifications rather than race?