NDG’s View
We’ve witnessed the allure of the infamous Red Carpet. The allure which, seemingly, captivates us, then ushers us all in, to the opulent and glamorous world of Hollywood’s elite bestowing homage upon one another for their exceptional gifts of entertainment. This one night of, practiced and perfected, speeches; beautifully, hand-made and specifically designed fashions; elegantly carved and starved bodies, this one night, we are all invited to celebrate them.
The “Academy” goes down its list of predetermined nominees in all categories, chooses those whom the Academy considers worthy to bear the title of the elite, and also capable of upholding its well-established status. Then, finally, the Academy adorns its chosen ones with a coveted golden statue (Oscar), to remind them, and us, that these elite were chosen, selected, into this club of Oscar bearers.
Now understanding the society in which we live; where we still have Americans suffering in poverty, and our children continue to experience disparity in our schools and neighborhoods. Still a place where one too many food deserts exist and our homeless are caste aside and ignored. Still a place where our people are systematically demonized and labeled in order to justify America’s conscience, while being harassed, beaten, and murdered by America’s policemen (militarism based policing instead of peace officers that protect and serve our communities).
Still in understanding the society in which we live and have cohabitated with our fellowman for nearly 400 years since the invitation was extended to us through force to become Africans, made American slaves. Throughout this making of our people, we conformed to second-class citizenry just to survive. Just to survive!
We accepted our said place, and for many years we acted the way we were supposed to, the way we were told to, then how we were made to act in order to please the flesh owners.
It’s saddening to know, also, along the way we have some, of our people, who hang on to the mentality to conform and refuse to stop acting and trying to fit in and be a part of their club. (We can refer to these people as Stephen or Stacey). Stephen and Stacey will never see or understand the suffering of our people because they are too busy trying to fit into a white supremacy society, too busy trying to please Massa, too busy studying their given role to be the menace to their own people, and act up to their elite’s standards. Even if it means, as it often does, hating oneself and understanding one’s inferior status is the only acceptable means of acting.
The Oscars, certain country clubs, political societies and socialites have always had by-invitation-only memberships. Because of these social organizations, Blacks, Latinos, Asians, etc. have had to always create and establish our own ways of honoring one another for our outstanding gifts which we share with the world.
The controversy of fairness in nominations and winners of the Oscars will not change. More likely than not, we will have the same issue next year. So, why should we covet the Oscars as the pinnacle of an actors’ career? What makes our NAACP awards, or any other award honoring any person of color less than an Oscar award? Maybe it’s because of how we see ourselves. Maybe it’s because we truly believe we are inferior. Maybe it’s the infamous Red Carpet which allures us in, to an opulent and glamorous world, only to experience it from a second-class view.
