Black actors at the Oscars PART 2! WSJ Agrees with ME!

[ThisIsMatt]

<< I just don't get it. Denzel is flat out one of the best actors in Hollywood period. His movies Soldier Story, Hurricane, Crimson Tide, and Pelican Brief are just a few off the top of my head that I believe should have earned him an Oscar. He's that good, plain and simple. Halle Berry has been way under appreciated as an actor. Her beauty over shadows the fact, the girl can act. I thought she would have gotten an Oscar for Losing Isiah. They are black, beautiful, but more important they are great actors. They deserved and earned their Oscars. I am not surprised at the attitude of some, but then these are the same people quick to call blacks racist because of BET, Miss Black America, and etc. They say why don't blacks want to participate with us? This is why. Its amazing, they ain't good enough to get awards on their ability and its charity when they win because they are black. Okay I think some of yall's sheets are clean, pressed, and ready for pickup. >>

I agree, Denzel is a great actor. Whether or not he deserved this oscar this year, I don't know (haven't seen many movies lately). If all the oscars won by black people this year were well deserved, that's great. However, if the oscars this year were a tribute to black people, and a disproportionate amount of them received oscars because of this "tribute", then there's a problem. Give an oscar where & when an oscar is due. If Denzel or another black actor deserved an oscar in a previous year, he/they should have received them - that's hollywood's/the oscar judges' fault for not giving it to them. However, giving oscars for the sake of "making up" for previous injustices leaves one problem. What about those that really deserved the oscar(s) this year? If you did the performance of a lifetime and the oscar went to someone else just because of their skin color, I think you'd be a little upset. It's not their (the other actors') fault. Same thing with affirmative action, etc. All it does is further draw out the age old racial debate. Should black students get into college in place of an equal white student because of past wrong doings to their forefathers?

 

[AaronP]

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/44413.htm

 

[BuckleDownBen]

Whites have their boot on the necks of people of color, then when the people of color complain or take pride in anything, the whites get all bent out of shape. I mean, if you think about it, whites own almost everything there is in this world.

 

[Geekbabe]

<< I just don't get it. Denzel is flat out one of the best actors in Hollywood period. His movies Soldier Story, Hurricane, Crimson Tide, and Pelican Brief are just a few off the top of my head that I believe should have earned him an Oscar. He's that good, plain and simple. Halle Berry has been way under appreciated as an actor. Her beauty over shadows the fact, the girl can act. I thought she would have gotten an Oscar for Losing Isiah. They are black, beautiful, but more important they are great actors. They deserved and earned their Oscars. I am not surprised at the attitude of some, but then these are the same people quick to call blacks racist because of BET, Miss Black America, and etc. They say why don't blacks want to participate with us? This is why. Its amazing, they ain't good enough to get awards on their ability and its charity when they win because they are black. Okay I think some of yall's sheets are clean, pressed, and ready for pickup. >>




Well spoken !!!!!!! Probably the most cogent,plain spoken,rational post in this thread.Both of these actors are damm fine performers and when you get right down to it that is what Oscar is all about, honoring performers for their achievements.
Who cares who they chose to accredit their sucess to or what influences on them that they choose to mention ? Let's just thank our lucky stars that performers of their calibre are with us and pray for more of them !

I've enjoyed many an hour of entertainment from both actors and personally am glad to see their talent recognized!

 

[ScottyB]

<< Whites have their boot on the necks of people of color, then when the people of color complain or take pride in anything, the whites get all bent out of shape. I mean, if you think about it, whites own almost everything there is in this world. >>



What, that makes little to no sence. There is only a small % of blacks in America why wouldn't whites own more?

 

[swayinOtis]

<< It felt like the blacks had to keep reminding us that they're not just actors, they're black actors. The WSJ opinion piece articulates my opinion better than I could. At the end of the night, after 3.5 hours of being beaten over the head with it, I was SICK of hearing all this crap. >>



like i said in the oscar thread of yours that apparently was deleted (how lame is that? free speech is bullsh*t i suppose), it's a tough call.

i know exactly what you mean. we are told to look past skin color, but we all know that ain't going to happen. it's natural to see and identify skin color, and no matter what people say most of us identify with out own skin color first. mixed messages are sent. we are told to look passed skin color, but often times it is used to its advantage like it was at the oscars.

blacks use guilt a lot. many whites resent it. denzel said during an interview after he won that he can no longer use guilt now that he won. he and the black interviewer just laughed and laughed.

hollyweird has been teaching diversity for years, but everyone knows they don't always practice what they preach.

i wonder why the hispanics don't raise more hell about being shut out.

to me it was all setup beforehand. there are too many coincidences. black host, black tribute, black winners. would anyone be surprised if it was predetermined? perhaps the awards were a token to quiet the black politcal activists.

 

[Red Dawn]

He was complaining about a Black saying that if given the opportunity that blacks like her could achieve any goal they set their minds too . Proclaiming equality shouldn't be offensive, just proclaiming superiority. What she said wasn't untrue and I also believe that she was telling others who would identify with her that being a Minority no longer is a valid excuse they can use for not trying to reach for their dreams as the barriers have been taken down as her award proved. She also gave credit to those in the past who were handipped by racist attitudes but never the less worked hard to try and defy those who would hold them back based solely on their race. There wasn't anything she said that could be considered remotely offensive and to those who have a problem with her speaking the truth they might want to ask themselves why!



<< Well, I'm of the opinion that the distinction doesn't need to be made and in fact does a disservice to anyone who feels the need to marginalize themselves into a single dimension >>

Was she actually doing that or proclaiming that need not be the case anymore?

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

Black Actor, White Basketball Player, Gay Priest, Lesbian Lawyer, whatever.

Actor is marginalized b/c of society not his choice of self-descriptor. How many top bill female actors share screen time with a minority leading man? How about $20mil males (excluding Will Smith) and minority leading ladies? Liberal bias . . . yep, supporting evidence that if liberal Hollywood can't see any Benjamin-benefit they will be just as discriminatory as a Denny's waitress (black people do not tip well). You can make a pretty girl look dumpy but ugliness drastically limits your options. It's not enough to have acting skills you have to LOOK the part. Get the picture?

Basketball player is as marginalized as their skills and the observer. One division game of the girls high school bball championship in NC was played between an all-white team and an all-black team. White girls cleaned their clock. Top scorer put up 41 . . . best shooter, dribbler, passer, could not be guarded by three people, and she had hops! The only utility in calling her white is to avoid confusing her with anybody on the losing team. Jason Williams (from Florida) wants to be White Chocolate . . . for what smoking pot, not being able to shoot, or pass to people on his team?! At least Jason Williams (Duke) will leave with his grade-inflated degree. And of course Jayson "needs-to-spend-some-time-in-jail" Williams had more talent than productivity and less brains than either. The simple fact is every level of competition respects skills first; everything else second. You are white if you can't play. If you can you are just a player to your opponents/teammates but you are a white player to every minimal athlete that can do no better than link themselves to you and your accomplishments by race.

Priest . . . loving consensual monogamous relationships with a man or woman are forbidden by edict while some church authorities tried to keep pedophilia on the DL. A gay couple wanting to get married probably has a helluva better chance with the Gay Priest. Why can't being a spiritual leader be the primary criteria; instead some doctine BS.

Most people don't set out to marginalize themselves. Typically, they are just cognizant enough not to ignore some basic inequities and the obvious ramifications it has on their lives.

 

[BDawg]

Heck, I didn't know there was a problem with Halle or Denzel winning until I heard people bitching and whining about it.

I just figured that 2 good actors in 2 good movies won. What's wrong with that?

The only things I'm pissed at are Beautiful Mind winning Best Picture and Ian McKellen losing best supporting. It's probably Oscar's tribute to heterosexuality. Too many gay actors have won in the past.

 

[BDawg]

If there's any truth in this thread, it's the following,



<< At least Jason Williams (Duke) will leave with his grade-inflated degree. >>

 

[jjones]

IMHO much ado about nothing. I hate the Oscar's and I don't understand why people get so involved with it. Watching the Oscar's is like watching a clan of inbreeds giving out cookies to the best looking flipper-baby.

 

[classy]

I just have to laugh. All these years when a white man and woman won best actor and actress, the deabte was always if their performance was that good. Now that a black man and woman win in the same year its charity or some kind of racial whatever. It is so stupid. I could see if Nell Carter and Tommy Davidson won. But for god sakes, two very good and accomplished actors won. They just happened to be black. Big deal. Next year when a two white people win I going to say it was racism. LOL By the way anybody got any buttered popcorn?

 

[swayinOtis]

<< IMHO much ado about nothing. I hate the Oscar's and I don't understand why people get so involved with it. Watching the Oscar's is like watching a clan of inbreeds giving out cookies to the best looking flipper-baby. >>



i don't think the points made in this debate have been about the oscars. it's about politics, society, the way people see each other.

 

[NFS4]

<< I just have to laugh. All these years when a white man and woman won best actor and actress, the deabte was always if their performance was that good. Now that a black man and woman win in the same year its charity or some kind of racial whatever. It is so stupid. I could see if Nell Carter and Tommy Davidson won. But for god sakes, two very good and accomplished actors won. They just happened to be black. Big deal. Next year when a two white people win I going to say it was racism. LOL By the way anybody got any buttered popcorn? >>


Classy, I don't always agree with ya, but damn I must say that statement put a big 'ol smile on my face

 

[IGBT]

The boohoo awards...poor me I work sooooo hard reading those scripts and idiot cards.

 

[classy]

<<

<< I just have to laugh. All these years when a white man and woman won best actor and actress, the deabte was always if their performance was that good. Now that a black man and woman win in the same year its charity or some kind of racial whatever. It is so stupid. I could see if Nell Carter and Tommy Davidson won. But for god sakes, two very good and accomplished actors won. They just happened to be black. Big deal. Next year when a two white people win I going to say it was racism. LOL By the way anybody got any buttered popcorn? >>


Classy, I don't always agree with ya, but damn I must say that statement put a big 'ol smile on my face >>



LOL You know out of all the more serious problems that arise in race relations, you would think the one thing we would get right is what we should be arguing about. This is down right silly.

 

[Linux23]

<< I just have to laugh. All these years when a white man and woman won best actor and actress, the deabte was always if their performance was that good. Now that a black man and woman win in the same year its charity or some kind of racial whatever. It is so stupid. I could see if Nell Carter and Tommy Davidson won. But for god sakes, two very good and accomplished actors won. They just happened to be black. Big deal. Next year when a two white people win I going to say it was racism. LOL By the way anybody got any buttered popcorn? >>





HAHAHA....this is a Classy statement.


I won't even get into this argument with some of these posters.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

<<

<<

<< I just have to laugh. All these years when a white man and woman won best actor and actress, the deabte was always if their performance was that good. Now that a black man and woman win in the same year its charity or some kind of racial whatever. It is so stupid. I could see if Nell Carter and Tommy Davidson won. But for god sakes, two very good and accomplished actors won. They just happened to be black. Big deal. Next year when a two white people win I going to say it was racism. LOL By the way anybody got any buttered popcorn? >>


Classy, I don't always agree with ya, but damn I must say that statement put a big 'ol smile on my face >>



LOL You know out of all the more serious problems that arise in race relations, you would think the one thing we would get right is what we should be arguing about. This is down right silly. >>

So you didn't think my response to your original post made any sense?

Gotta try harder next time

 

[veryape]

<< Mr. Varadarajan is deputy editorial features editor of The Wall Street Journal. His column appears Tuesdays. >>

You can say it was this guys opinion, but don't act as if he is some guy off the street giving his opinion, the guy is an editor at one of, if not the biggest newspaper in America, and yes, he saw what we all saw on Sunday, racism at it's finest, except this racism was black against white so it cannot be brought up without the person bringing it to light being called a racist now can it? Long sentence eh, just like the Oscars was, too long for me to sit through that's for sure. I like shows where the people actually win and are'nt preselected according to race.

 

[Red Dawn]

<< except this racism was black against white >>

Would you mind qualifying your statement? I didn't see it as Racism at all.

 

[docmanhattan]

<< Black Actor, White Basketball Player, Gay Priest, Lesbian Lawyer, whatever.

Actor is marginalized b/c of society not his choice of self-descriptor. How many top bill female actors share screen time with a minority leading man? <snip> Get the picture?

Basketball player is as marginalized as their skills and the observer. <snip>
Priest . . . loving consensual monogamous relationships with a man or woman are forbidden by edict while some church authorities tried to keep pedophilia on the DL. A gay couple wanting to get married probably has a helluva better chance with the Gay Priest. Why can't being a spiritual leader be the primary criteria; instead some doctine BS.

Most people don't set out to marginalize themselves. Typically, they are just cognizant enough not to ignore some basic inequities and the obvious ramifications it has on their lives. >>

I think you're overestimating the meaning of my statement, Bali. I'm certainly not implying that a self-descriptor is the sole reason that a particular group/minority is marginalized, nor would I dispute your comment that society is responsible. However, how you view yourself and where you place your identity, especially in a public forum ( i.e. the Media, Hollywood ), is going to affect the way you are viewed and thus the way you are treated to some extent.

 

[docmanhattan]

<< << Well, I'm of the opinion that the distinction doesn't need to be made and in fact does a disservice to anyone who feels the need to marginalize themselves into a single dimension >>

Was she actually doing that or proclaiming that need not be the case anymore? >>

red dawn - Actually, I wasn't talking about Halle Berry in particular. So my answer is I don't know. I'll tell you once I re-read her speech.

 

[Spoooon]

<< There is only a small % of blacks in America why wouldn't whites own more? >>


There is a disproportionate number of poor blacks to "nonpoor" blacks. These aren't the actual numbers, but say 50% of blacks in America live below the poverty line whereas 10% of whites do. You can see the inequality.

 

[BoberFett]

It's sad that people actually watch industry award broadcasts.

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

However, how you view yourself and where you place your identity, especially in a public forum ( i.e. the Media, Hollywood ), is going to affect the way you are viewed and thus the way you are treated to some extent.

I stand corrected my diatribe was generally directed at the peanut gallery not your statements in particular . . . it just happened to be color-coded. But here's the rub . . . Crimson Tide . . . Denzel HAS to be the Ex-O and Hackman HAS to be the captain. I know it's an odd exercise but reverse the actors and see if you would buy the story. I think you would be hard-pressed to sell any age appropriate black captain and white number two. We ALL have the same bias. Blacks are not inherently inferior leaders but that is the legacy of our country . . . elected office (I'm sure most blacks will forgive George Wallace if whites conveniently discard Marion Barry), quarterbacks, pitchers, doctors, CEOs, I could go on for days. It is folly to pretend that our shared historical experience - black inferiority/white superiority - does not resonate into the present; in some areas moreso than others. You fight injustice wherever it appears. Poitier's award was overdue and clearly two leading actors plus Whoopi was too much for some of the white (and apparently Indian-descent) audience. I didn't intend to watch b/c I did not care I stopped to hear his speech and see the award for animated short. If the proselytizing was too much just say so and move on but it's hard for me to believe the whiners complaint is proportional to the actual slight. But if a white actor didn't win a justly deserved award that's unfortunate but that's life . . . maybe their studio should have provided better PR. But the Oscars by definition are part merit, part Hollywood. The more serious issue is . . . how to resolve our serious problem where we preach color-blindness but it's damn near all we ever talk about.