Colorism in the 21st Century (Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone)

Nina Simone (1933-2003) is without a doubt a woman who will be remembered as a pioneer. Her music, activism, and "unconventional" look made her stand out amongst many African American women in Hollywood during the pre-and post Civil Rights Movement. Her look, which was not the norm for most women considered beautiful in her era, but she was living proof that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and color! She was an African American woman, with a broader nose, fuller lips, and striking eyes. Most black female stars of that time (Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Josephine Baker) were considered more beautiful black women (even though they too faced discrimination). Simone was a singer and Civil-Rights activist who fought not only to have her voice heard, but also to promote that black IS beautiful, and was all for self-love and empowerment despite the struggle she faced.

In perhaps what comes as a blow to many proud dark-skinned African American women whom Simone was a symbol of self-acceptance and black pride, Zoe Saldana, a light-skinned Afro-Latina has been cast to play Simone in an upcoming biopic. A few months ago, fans and critics were out-raged when photos surfaced of Saldana on the set of the movie in dark make-up and a kinky wig. The outrage was directed mostly at the producers of the film, whom fans felt could have cast a woman who looked more like Simone for the part. Zoe Saldana  is a beautiful black woman, but with her being lighter skinned, it is fair to say that she has not experienced the same issues as Nina Simone, such as fighting to have her full-face on the cover of an album or even ads promoting her work.

So what's the REAL issue amongst fans? Is Saldana not black enough to play Simone? Well in essence, no. As stated before, Saldana is a beautiful woman, but her experience in show-business isn't in the same dynamic. To play such a part in a bio-pic, I feel as though you have to relate to the character in some way. Nina Simone's unconventional beauty was a part of her struggles to make it. I get Hollywood's stand-point though; they want someone with a big name to bring in the bucks. Saldana is a big name in Hollywood, with roles in Avatar and Colombiana, so it only makes sense to cast her because she will bring in the revenue.

 

But aren't there other big name actresses who can bring in the revenue? Who have a more similar look to Simone? Who have a deeper understanding of being a black woman in the industry? (Actress Viola Davis from The Help is the first that comes to mind for the role). Are black women not good enough to play black women anymore?

 

Either way, the criticism can be looked at objectively. Not everyone has to look like or experience what their character first-hand is going through. For example, Angela Bassett did a phenomenal job as Tina Turner in 1992's What's Love Got To Do With It? Zoe Saldana is a great actress, so there is a big chance that she can pull this off. My biggest concern is that fans know what she looks like, and seeing her in dark make-up and kinky wigs will only distract from the acting. Our society is very visual, and sometimes even a great acting job won't take away from that.

 

Your Thoughts?

Gun Control...or Lack Thereof, in School?

The world is a scary place to live.

And even more so today, with the hot debate over gun control taking the fore-front in political, legislative, and moral discussion (notoriety). Now, no matter what side of the fence you stand on with gun control, I'm sure that there is universal agreement that children secretly walking around school with guns will send many a parent in a state of panic!

This is just what happened at  our local Natomas Middle School (proximity). According to local news outlets, on February 7th, a child at the school was caught with the weapon after appearing to secretly conceal it with another student. Scary! And perhaps what's even scarier is that the incident wasn't immediately reported to parents at the school, nor even surrounding schools. It hits even closer to home for me because my co-workers children go to school at the elementary next door!

Sure, the gun wasn't loaded, and maybe the kid was trying to be a show-boat, who knows? But none-the-less, knowing that a child could bring a gun to school that easily- especially given the HUGE surge in gun awareness recently-makes us all question, once again, how safe are we, REALLY?!!

The 13-year-old, who can't be identified because he is a minor, was immediately taken into police custody, and it's believed it was a gun owned by his parents. Not surprising, because according to a study by The Injury Control Research at Harvard University, almost  two million children live in homes with an unlocked and loaded gun.

More insight on the story in the link below.