In 2015, Upworthy (a media platform) published a two-part series featuring several actors of color who discuss the discrimination they have faced in the TV and film industry. The first part delves into stereotyping that occurs in the casting process. In this second part, interviewees give first-hand experiences about a lack of opportunities for actors of color and a disregard for their extensive skills, as well as the roles they are typically cast in and those they are passed over for.

discussion

What do you notice about the way these actors speak about the problem they face? What emotions or feelings do they seem to have about it?

One actor says that people of color are not called in to play lead roles. Instead, they are treated as a “device.” What does this mean?

What kind of roles does Hollywood think actors of color should play? What does Hollywood think they cannot play? Why? 

The final call-to-action focuses on the commercial gains the film industry could have if they featured diverse casts. What are some other calls-to-action you can think of for the importance of diversity in films or other media?