Nominations Destroying Aspirations?...

So The Academy Awards a.k.a The Oscars decided that they were not going to nominate any black people this year... again? 

Alright it is time for everyone to take a seat and have a little history lesson- again. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, W.E.B Du Bois and many other civil rights activists did not risk their lives and freedom in order for us to still be facing these damn problems! Martin Luther King Jr. did not wait for white people to come knocking on his door apologizing for being our oppressors. Rosa Parks did not refuse to sit on the back of the bus to get locked up. Malcolm X did not leave his last name as that an “X” without a reason. I think you can see where I am going here. They did not walk the streets and stand on their two feet without the defense of their own will and dignity. They did not wait for society and the laws to change without a fight. They did not make sacrifices for us to be where we are today, taking ten steps forwards and then twenty steps back. The fact that the people who made these mistakes cannot take accountability for their own actions, especially when pertaining to racial issues in society, that are “supposedly” being handled, is utterly ridiculous and disappointing. Now don’t get me wrong, there has been immense improvement within our nation. We have come a very long way. But that doesn’t mean it makes problems like this okay.

Listen, the Oscars, Grammy’s, and all the other award ceremonies are not about winning. They are not about diminishing others. They are not competitions or at least should not be. They are, at least supposed to be, about acknowledging the hard work, leadership and worth ethic individuals are contributing to their careers and communities. We should not be living in a place where competition between the black community and white community still exists!

In fact in this article, Calls for Oscars 2016 Boycott Grow Over lack of Diversity in Nominations, they referenced Jada Pinkett Smith’s response, “Begging for acknowledgment, or even asking, diminishes dignity and diminishes power. And we are dignified people and we are powerful.” She makes a valid point, why do we need to or should we have to beg in order for you to acknowledge our hard work? Why do we need to or should we have to beg you to acknowledge us as humans and individuals and not just black people? It also raises the question, Who is behind the scenes of this mess? And what gives them the right to do this? The fact that Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee had to advocate for the people who made these mistakes is great yet disappointing. We should not have to rely on the audience, public, and each other to know the differences from right and wrong. That should already be a given.

Okie I don’t want to get bias here at all. I just want to bring up other points pertaining to this madness. It is imperative and impartial that we pay attention to a few controversial issues in a complete and concise manner. Therefore, just please hear me out!

In opposing and trying to deflect the situation of course Donald Trump has something to say, as we all are entitled to. He’s a man with many opinions! He brought up an annoying yet questionably controversial point about how the BET Awards is only held for Black people therefore, this situation should not matter. Now, I have to say that I knew and kind of felt that this was bound to be said. I honestly do see where his perspective lies but that does not mean I agree. I don’t. Did he forget about Hattie McDaniels?- the first African American to receive an Oscar in 1940 for her supporting role in Gone With the Wind. He clearly must have. The BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, Black Girls Rock Awards and many other award shows dedicated to black people were established in order to give black people the recognition that they deserve. They were created in order to send a positive, inspirational, and strong message to the black community, of not giving up, to always strive for success, to always follow your dreams and just because you are black does not mean you cannot have any of that. To know that you matter- your place and worth in this world matters.

Upon further research pertaining to this situation I have stumbled across another opinion/perspective, What if they did not nominate any black people because they did not partake in any degrading and objectifying roles? As well as, What if they did not perform to the best of their ability?- In the sense, that they are not given the chance to prove their potential in "Oscary worthy" movies because the Hollywood Film Industry is essentially corrupt. In my opinion, I really do not know nor understand. I honestly do not see any excuses in the absence of black people within these nominations. The Academy Awards a.k.a The Oscars is supposed to be an honorary for every human being despite their skin color. It is supposed to be a celebration! The fact that there are over what 40 nominations and not a single person within those nominations are black is very upsetting and not okay period.

I also do not like or reason with the board members response... I know all of a sudden NOW they want to do something about this mess, their mess, but it does not sit well with me. First of all, why did you, board members, have to wait for something or someone to step up and speak out about YOUR mess when you, members, are the one who made these decisions?.... Uh you knew what you were doing. You knew exactly what was wrong. Yet, was a bystander/supporter to your own mistakes and now wants to be the hero...?!? Haha, I'm confused. 

Moving forward, I believe we should all acknowledge and take Jada Pinkett's Smith advice into consideration: "Let's let the Academy do them, with all grace and love, and let's do us differently". As a young black women I am going to continue to honor, appreciate and acknowledge those who have fought and sacrificed for us. I am going to speak up. I am going to represent. I am going to continue to strive for success and all the dreams I hope and desire to possess. I will do so, differently. Sophistication is key. No invitation needed. 


I have stated my opinion and would love to hear yours! 
XoXo!