Well, not according to actress/dancer/singer Vanessa L. Williams. In a March 2014 interview, Ms. Williams asserted that Black actresses have it difficult in Hollywood regardless of whether they are light or dark skinned. Ms. Williams vehemently maintained that on a whole, roles for Black actresses are difficult to get. However, Ms. Williams maintained that Lupita Nyong'o was a phenomenal actress and that the latter's Oscar was well deserved for her brilliant interpretation of her role in the movie 12 Years A Slave. Here's a link to the interview:
http://youtu.be/YMWoi_1ZHaA
However, Denzel Washington had a different perspective on this issue. In 2012 interviews in Clutch and Madame Noire magazine, Mr. Washington informed his daughter that because she is a dark skinned Black woman, she had to work extremely hard in order to just get her foot in the door and succeed. He indicated that dark skinned Black actresses have to be phenomenally good in order to be noticed in Hollywood. He further relayed to his daughter that roles that Viola Davis gets in comparison to the roles that Halle Berry and Paula Patton receive. He told his daughter that she had to be a triple/quadruple threat and totally know her craft as an actress as the stakes will be against her as a dark skinned Black woman.
Despite what Ms. Williams stated, light skinned Black actresses have it somewhat easier than their dark skinned counterparts. Light skinned Black actress have a more universal and less ethnocentric appeal than their dark skinned counterparts who have a more ethnic appeal. Light skinned Black actresses look more European hence they are more likely to be hired more. In an Essence magazine article two decades ago, a talented dark skinned Black actress was applying for a movie role and the director informed that although she was talented, the light skinned type was more preferable. Lighter skinned Black actresses have more varieties in roles and oftentimes are up for more glamorous, upscale roles while dark skinned Black actresses are relegated to more ethnocentric and stereotypical roles.
Here's another link in which Black actresses discuss the issue of colorism as related to Black actresses in Hollywood:
http://youtu.be/BZ_MEjAWTP8
Yes, there is STILL light skin privilege regarding Black actresses in Hollywood whether Ms. Williams wishes to acknowlege it or not! Do you believe that light skinned Black actresses have it EASIER than dark skinned Black actresses in the media? Why? Why not?
My honest answer there has always been unfairness in skin color of men and women.
In the field of acting, music, and in the field of employment and education.. There have been great breakthroughs of improvement. I do agree.. But the problem still exist. I do believe it starts from the heart. And the heart is fed on the reason that it must be right because they feel this way! where do they first learn partiality .in the home, and others homes alike, until the majority rules in that persons world. Soon to grow as a full adult with this believe taking on action working in harmony with it.
Very sad outcome. But I give my greatest respect to those who change an intrench believe. like this .and take into count God loves us all that is why we share this planet earth togather. So people should be careful of people they step on they just might be the apple of his eye!
Thanks gmwilliams I am happy to reply on your many subjects. maybe not every post I reply is in agreement to others but I think it is a good thing you do asking questions we get to dig deep into our minds and speak our peace. Thanks for putting up with me gmwilliams.
by Grace Marguerite Williams 12 years ago
An article in Madame Noire dated November 15, 2012, Actor Denzel Washington stated during an interview with THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER that the best advice he give to his aspiring actor daughter, Olivia, was that because she is a dark-skinned Black woman, she had to be a triple/quadruple...
by Grace Marguerite Williams 8 years ago
In American society, darker skinned Black women tend to be viewed and considered to be less attractive than the Europid beauty idea which is propogated. Dark skinned Black women in the society are "the outer" and "the lesser" by both the outer society and within our own...
by Bellz23 7 years ago
Why do some dark skinned men only date light skin women?I'm a young lady and I consider my self brown skinned, but in the winters I get very light. I always find it intriguing when I'm approached by a dark skinned male who only dates lighter skin women, not only does he exclusively date the lighter...
by ngureco 7 years ago
I think everyone has there own preferences, You would think people prefer dark skin that's why they are out in the sun and at the tanning beds Always striving to look better, but not striving to be better people.
by Grace Marguerite Williams 11 years ago
What causes so many dark-skinned Black women to be deemed negatively in both Black andnon-Black American society?Dark-skinned Black women are oftentimes regarded as THE OTHER. She is considered diametrical opposite to the fair, feminine idea. She is considered unattractive and...
by Grace Marguerite Williams 11 years ago
Please, THIS Is Totally Getting- T-I-R-E-D!We Black women, especially those of us on the darker side of the color spectrum, have heard this inane remark repeatedly. In the documentary DARK GIRLS, women discuss how their darker complexions negatively impacted on them. One of...
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