Rakhel
Well-Known Member
In another thread, it was suggested that "white" entertainers should market to "white" audiences. And "black" entertainers should market to "black" audiences.
So, along those lines let's examine white and black and where everyone stands,
It took almost forever for black sports stars to enter most major sports arenas, mostly due to prejudices. Jackie Robinson(baseball), Earl Lloyd(basketball), Charles Follis(football).
In acting, the winning of an award was even harder. Hattie McDaniel was the first black woman to win an award for supporting actress and in 1982 Louis Gossett. Jr for supporting actor. But it wasn't until 1963 that Sidney Poitier that won an award for Leading role and 2001 when Halle Barry won hers.
In 1955, Marian Anderson, broke many stereotypes not only as an Opera singer but by becoming the first black person to perform at the Met in New York city. She was followed by George Shirley in 1961.
Rap is interesting. Of course, you can find it's roots in the African culture. but over the years many white entertainers have made their mark. Beastie boys, Eminem, Cypress Hill, Bubba Sparks and ICP. A unique rapper I just found is Signmark. Can't understand a word the guy says. Many because he's Finnish and happens to be deaf. How that works, I don't know but apparently it does for him.
And we might as well forget dance. That took until 1955 when Arthur Mitchell became the first black male principal in a ballet performance, but it wasn't until 1990 when a beautiful black woman by the name of Lauren Anderson became the principal.
So Elvis Presley sang the blues and now MIley is twerking and Robin Thicke is singing R&B
My question is what is wrong with breaking stereotypes?
I can understand if someone is lacking talent in that area. But this is not about lack of talent or ability. Should we say that since black people can't ballroom dance, then they don't belong on the dance floor? Or that black actors aren't that good at marketing to white audiences because they lack the acting required to get awards they are nominated for?
I mean, what happened to equality and to hell with segregation? or does that door open one way?
So, along those lines let's examine white and black and where everyone stands,
It took almost forever for black sports stars to enter most major sports arenas, mostly due to prejudices. Jackie Robinson(baseball), Earl Lloyd(basketball), Charles Follis(football).
In acting, the winning of an award was even harder. Hattie McDaniel was the first black woman to win an award for supporting actress and in 1982 Louis Gossett. Jr for supporting actor. But it wasn't until 1963 that Sidney Poitier that won an award for Leading role and 2001 when Halle Barry won hers.
In 1955, Marian Anderson, broke many stereotypes not only as an Opera singer but by becoming the first black person to perform at the Met in New York city. She was followed by George Shirley in 1961.
Rap is interesting. Of course, you can find it's roots in the African culture. but over the years many white entertainers have made their mark. Beastie boys, Eminem, Cypress Hill, Bubba Sparks and ICP. A unique rapper I just found is Signmark. Can't understand a word the guy says. Many because he's Finnish and happens to be deaf. How that works, I don't know but apparently it does for him.
And we might as well forget dance. That took until 1955 when Arthur Mitchell became the first black male principal in a ballet performance, but it wasn't until 1990 when a beautiful black woman by the name of Lauren Anderson became the principal.
So Elvis Presley sang the blues and now MIley is twerking and Robin Thicke is singing R&B
My question is what is wrong with breaking stereotypes?
I can understand if someone is lacking talent in that area. But this is not about lack of talent or ability. Should we say that since black people can't ballroom dance, then they don't belong on the dance floor? Or that black actors aren't that good at marketing to white audiences because they lack the acting required to get awards they are nominated for?
I mean, what happened to equality and to hell with segregation? or does that door open one way?