Racism within the industry

thats a good point where is blake?

Ok so summarizing this as to me I think that we all think along the same lines that it is necessary but not racist for CD's to specify age and look as basically we would be wasting our times and there is.

I think that we all seem to agree that firstly times are changing and some CD's like the one mentioned previously who cast three actresses from three different ethnic backgrounds to play sisters so she is casting based on talent.

I also I think some times it is necessary when it comes to certain genres such as historical documents or those that fall in to similar categories.

• 15 years ago
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Ok let me get a point in. I do agree that some roles need to specify race so in effect that isn't racism.
However I do consider it racist that there are shows/dramas with all white casts. Especially when they are based in London, which is so multicultural caucasian is almost a minority. It is not only unrealistic, but also closes doors for ethnic actors. Don't get me wrong being the "token" black actor is also insulting but at least you are there lol!
In the film "Outlaw" there is one black actor and he is also meant to be muslim. The actor who plays him Lennie James is probably the best actor in the film (Danny is the sexiest!) but is still a token none the less. In fact when the film came out people said that without him it would be a bnp film and thats why they needed him.
I love Nick Love films but you gotta admit they are low on ethnic people. I'm not trying to single his work out just showing an example of what I think is racism in the industry.

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But the TV and film industry still have some way to go, if they wish to portray reality. eg. In Bollywood films the actors are so fair skinned, they all look spanish - where are the Asians!!!? And in Eastenders, the actors and extras certainly don't reflect the true East End. But hey, remember Star Trek ? Quite a few different ethnicities there. Even one with pointy ears!

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I'm pretty sure Star Trek was the first tv series to show an interracial kiss.

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They were I think and they got an awful lot of stick about it - to the extent that Shatner and Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) had to stop their off screen romance - seemingly.

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Carmel I think that you just summed it up!

Also yes star trek was the first tv series to have an interracial kiss but it was also the first series to have a black women in it as a lead role.

• 15 years ago
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Wow this topic has ruffled some feathers, but in all honesty, it's nothing new! We have to accept, as actors, this industry is based on "looks" and any acting skills is an added bonus (and in some cases, no acting required)!!

I have endured many years of auditions, 90% of which because they require an asian male (more recently terrorist auditions... I know, but like it was said earlier...if the work's there!!)

I have to admit, on many occassions, when I read breakdowns, and they require caucasian males, for roles, the thought is always there at the back of my mind, why the character need be race specific, if their isn't a full description. We can't tell unless we know the script.
Recently most breakdowns say non race specific, which is a good thing, but hey guys, we dont know who they cast in the end.. it may be caucasian or non caucasian (unless you're lucky and get the part)

However as an asian actor, I suppose we have a better chance, that the breakdown isnt as selective as some of the caucasian roles (blond, brunette etc). Lets face it if they want an asian male, chances are he has black hair, brown eyes( am I being colourist???).

Yes racism exists, but thats in all industries, and non race specific racism, no matter what colour!

Whilst the US seems to have a fantastic example of cross range race casting (most series have various races as central characters), let's not forget they also have complete race specific shows (namely black comedy shows). Some would say it's a way forward. I think not!
My advice, is to keep auditioning for non race specific roles, and proove you get the job, because of talent and nothing else. Who knows...you might open the CD's eyes!
Oh one thing that really bugs me.... why do people insist on saying "i'm not racist...I know some...hang out with... etc!!

• 15 years ago
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This thread has most certainly pulled in some strong opinions.

I have to say that I think there are more Asian actors than ever right now. If Asian actors feel that racism is present in the industry then I truly don't think they'll ever be satisified.

I have Asian actor friends that are receiving more castings than ever. To reiterate, if one doesn't get cast it is because they weren't right for the part.

I feel the race card can be used too easily these days.

I don't receive castings and I have no way of venting my frustration other than succumbing to the fact that the industry is inundated or the part simply wasn't for me.

We're all frustrated but surely we need to accept that it's not our colour or race or religion etc. It's our 'look' and 'character'.

I'm very suprised and equally shocked that anyone can use racism these days. It's a time of more equality than ever before.

All we can do is push ourselves, strive to get the best help, advice and support we can and keep the faith that eventually we will all reap the rewards.

• 15 years ago
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Oh, one more thing.

Alan, you say about the 'terrorist'castings. I have been classically trained and done a great deal of Shakepeare. That is where my passion truly lies.

However, given that I am blonde and slim I am frequently 'pigeon holed' as the stereotypical blonde. That is so far removed from 'me' it's untrue.

So as bothersome as it may be, I agree with you Alan that if it works...

• 15 years ago
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Way to go Sammy.
I must say, reading this thread...there are alot of 'chips' on shoulders.I agree with the fact that there is alot of mainly white cast on tv.But also, don't forget, that there are alot of ethnic channels i.e Black network and asian network, tv and radio. Where is the white network????( And i don't mean the BBC.) If there was a 'white' network, the complaints would go through the roof!!Which would be totally unjust.We live in a diverse society. Certain castings need certain actors. Lets not get into a race war!!( I.e, I've never seen a black actor play Henry VIII....but who knows!!!)It was mentioned about Bollywood actors looking too white...well isn't that to do with the 'cast' system within the indian culture itself?? Lets all just embrace one another. xxxxx.

• 15 years ago
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i don't think there have been any chips on any shoulders apart from maybe in the original post! i think we're all pretty much in agreement that is necessary to be specific about what is needed for a part and as sammy says, it's a great time to be a middle eastern or asian actor. i doubt i would have got an agent so easily if it wasn't for my background so it's certainly working in my favour! :)

• 15 years ago
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I always find it interesting when the race discussion rears it's ugly head.

There have been many valid points raised in the discussion and at the end of the day that is what it is - it's a discussion, a chance for people to let off steam, have their say and in some case vent their anger.

We live in a democracy which thankfully allows us to say what we want, if I want to stroll up Birdcage Walk shouting the Queen is really a man - I can - just look at some of the loons on a Sunday morning at speakers corner !

Because someone has an opinion does not make them racist or xenophobic it just means they have a point of view.

And here's mine .....

I am a fairly succesful actor who has been in work consisitently for 10 years and in that time I have encountered many things that have raised my eyebrows.

Some shows have to cast certain types of roles and when they do there is always a disclaimer within the casting notice (rule 55 of the race relations act applies!), a classic show that this applies to is Miss Saigon.

Due to the nature of the story and ahow there is no point casting a white person in the role of Kim or a middle eastern actor in the role of Chris - it would'nt work for the story and that is why it is done.

I regularly see breakdowns for actors that must be Somalian, or Greek, Chinese or Scansinavian, these are done for a reason as the producer/client wants that particular part filled by a native - it does not make them racist.

Here's a parting shot across all your bows - can you imagine what would happen if the MTV awards were made white only such as the MOBOS, can you imagine what would happen if the police set up a white section of their force (I only say as I was recently invited to the annual black policeman's ball) and can you imagine what would happen if we had a white televison awards (again I only say as I went to a black televison awards ceremony last year hosted by Moira Stewsrt and Trevor McDonald with contributions from Spike Lee, Freema Agyeman, and Samuel L Jackson.)

All too often people take the moral high ground and play the race card - it's a shame beacause at the end of the day we are all the same inside - who cares about skin colour - I don't.

In future those that shout "racist" should be very careful as they are in danger of looking very stupid and doing their own cause/agenda no favours at all.

Be good, life is too short to fall out !

John

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Exactly John.

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Can I also point out the so called black tv channel is african not black.

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John. Nail. Hit.

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The mobos are not black only, plenty of white people have won. Lmao that you think it is black only. This is England!
Its only called music of black orientation. This is just to acknowledge that the music is of black orientation.
For many years white people have been credited with creating music styles which they did not create eg. rock n roll (elvis presley). You only have to look at the new wave of artists like Amy Winehouse, Duffy etc. to see why it is o named mobos.

• 15 years ago
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woah woah woah!!! Let's stick to the relevant topic. Kelly36, just to inform you, the cast system, within the indian society, it's trying it's best to remove, but yes, still exists, has nothing to do with skin tone, but what surname. The Indian caste system describes the social stratification and social restrictions in the Indian subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by thousands of endogamous hereditary groups, often termed as jātis or castes. Nothing to do with skin tone. Lighter skin tone is more desirable, a belief, I totally disagree with, but hey, how many people, pay thousands of pounds here to get brown!!

As far as bollywood is concerned, many white actors have done well, (Sam Foxx, had a flourishing career). Let's not forget guys, the social ethnic diversity in India is very different, and non comparable to the UK.

We should expect a more diverse cast, if there are no race restrictions.

Can't we just agree that whats makes us similar, is that we have chosen a career, which, bases itself on "Look".

If you can't accept this fact, maybe it's time for a career change!!

• 15 years ago
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Hey Alansuri.
Thanks for clearing that one up. I totally agree....And yes, lets stick to the actaul posting ( Even though i think it has taken its course by now!!!)

I lived with two Indian ladies, so know a little about the cast system in Bollywood..( from what they told me.)but its good to be corrected by someone who knows more about it!!!

Big love to all.xxx.

• 15 years ago
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..just like the Vodaophone casting today...

Everyone is caucasian with the exception of the cleaner...why ?

• 15 years ago
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Itshouldn't all be taken quite so seriously. The Brits might be uptight but we're the first to send ourselves up. Being too PC is just un-funny. Blondes being dumb, Indians being tight, Irish being stupid...just silly yet amusing stereotypes.

Look up Russell Peters on YouTube. An Indian stand up who sends up ever race on the planet including his own. Absolutely hilarious.

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