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?