Belafonte: Hollywood won't yield to those of color

I guess you're talking about this:

"It seems to me that long ago we could have put together black studios, put together a black distribution center," Belafonte said. "Maybe we couldn't reach 100 million, but we could reach 100,000, and have 100,000 exposed to a great truth. I'd rather have that than 100 million exposed to something vacuous and inaccurate."

Right? Why do you have a problem with it?

It seems to me that long ago we could have put together black studios, put together a black distribution center," Belafonte said

Then why didn't they?

They didn't think they would have to. They were overly trusting and optimistic.

And they still are, unfortunately.

Then why didn't they?

Simple, it's always easier to bitch and complain about the White Man. I hear nothing but mostly excuses from a segment of our society.

Do you think they should?

Plantsmantx,

If you're talking to me; sure, why not?

I agree, why not? Actually, I don't think it's an either/or situation. They should "get their own" and continue to agitate for better representation in the wider industry.

I agree, it's not an "either/or situation". I do not know this to be fact, but I'd dare say there's Hispanic studios, maybe Asian distribution centers, so why not black (or whoever)? There is no one stopping anyone from having the best of both worlds.

Mr. Belafonte is correct. Hollywood has not embraced the black actor on the silver screen or on the television screen. It's past time for Blacks to create their own outlet because, as I see it, Hollywood will never do. I'd like to see more historical documentaries showing the truth about history not written in history books. There are enough wealthy entertainers in the field of entertainment (movies and music) to fund to enterprise.

Hetep and Respect PowerisKnowledge. Your handle is most appropriate here.
Native Americans are on the case regarding raising Cultural Literacy about their ethnic group and its contributions.

Oneida Indian Nation Announces Major Motion Picture 'First Allies''

I will be going to see it to raise my Cultural Literacy. We need to support this and take a lesson from our fellow Americans' initiative.

Will Smith is suppose to be doing a major epic based in Classical African Civilization for the big screen. Anyone have a progress report on his project?

Thank you Aunk. I too will support the Oneida's efforts. I only know of two black studios, Tim and Daphanie Reid. and Tyler Perry. I've been on a tour of the Reid's studio as it is here in Virgina. I was impressed. Thanks for letting us know about Will Smith's upcoming project. I'm afraid that Will Smith has sold out so I won't hold my breath expecting his movie based on Classical African Civilization to be factual.

H&R PisK, Thanks for the links very informative. I learned about Mr. Perry's contributions to the community. Giving back is the type of Culturally Healthy thing I would like to see more in the entertainment business do. I generally am not big on men who dress up as women and his subject matter is not my focus but has a place it seems. I just recently saw - I can do better all by myself - and it was humerus and hopeful, pushed a lot of emotional content not much reasoning and knowledge content but was generally entertaining. (first thing I saw from him beginning to end)

It improved my opinion of Perry and I now carry him as a Cultural Citizen in my entertainment Cultural Health List.

I did not know of the Tim and Daphanie Reid studios, tnx for bringing them to my attention. There work seems like Western stories with Black people in them. I have not seen their work to have a cultural opinion but I will now be on the look out for an opportunity to sample their work.

So it seems like the community has the facilities to resurrect Classical African Civilization, Kemet (Ancient Egypt) in the minds of men. The question is are the people who control these organization Culturally Literate enough to get the job done. If not how do Cultural Soldiers upgrade their Cultural Health from simple citizenship to soldier-hood.

I'm afraid that Will Smith has sold out so I won't hold my breath expecting his movie based on Classical African Civilization to be factual.

Interesting statement. I don't know much about him I saw him in that Prince of someplace junk comedy TV series and an invasion movie way back when. I know he married an AA woman and has made some money but that is about it.

I have little information on his cultural orientation. I have no idea where he would fit CultureGraphically, When you say he sold out, do you have an example and does it rise to the level of Cultural Treason?

Unfortunately, I don't. I didn't save the article and I can't find it on line.

H&R PisK, tnx for checking. I will keep a sharp eye, now that you have mention it.

Will's Project if memory serves me is the Last Pharaoh. What he does with this opportunity will tell us a lot about his Cultural Literacy and his general state of Cultural Health.

There is a last Pharaoh link at the end of this article from earlier in the year..

I think the point is that the entertainment industry has discriminated against many black people who have done things like taken communications classes. I have no reason to believe that most black people who are intent on being successful in the entertainment industry haven't prepared themselves to do so any less than whites. Do you have reason to believe that that's not the case?