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Zoe Saldana played a 120lb killing machine in the movie Columbiana. Pure fiction. Good fiction. But can she, should she, be cast as
Nina Simone? Word on the Hollywood street is that Saldana has replaced Mary J. Blige, who had other film commitments.
For the record, I’ve been here before. A month or so ago I questioned why the fair skinned actress Jaqueline Fleming was cast in the role of Harriet Tubman in “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer”, and here we are again. Last time, commenters harped on how, since the Lincoln movie was fiction, casting of an actress who reflected Tubman’s features didn’t matter, but what’s the excuse now? This is a biopic, based on Simone’s actual life. She isn’t chasing zombies or anything, so why is she being portrayed by Saldana? Will Saldana defenders stupidly attribute this casting to creative license as well?
Is it really that hard to find darker skinned actresses to portray darker skinned women? Or is it that people have yet to wrap their heads around the idea that darker skinned women should be portrayed by darker skinned actresses?
And it’s not just the case with these two movies. Remember the Hunger Games fiasco? In the book, Rue was “ most hauntingly, a twelve-year-old girl from District 11. She has dark brown skin and eyes….” But by the time little brown Rue made it to Hollywood, she was, voila! Light skinned! And even that raised the hackles of racist white people, who had a hard time mustering any sympathy for a black protagonist.
But white racists don’t bother me. They’re a product of white supremacy. They were bred that way. They’ll die that way. I am, however, taken aback by the throngs of black people who don’t take any issues with the whitewashing of history, and the methodical process by which darker skinned people, women especially, are being written out of it.
No, I’m not prejudiced against anyone. And yes, black people’s racial make-up is all over the place. But is it too much to ask that the actress who portrays Nina Simone look like Nina Simone? Same for Tubman, and the Hunger Games character Rue?
And if you’re totally A-OK with these depictions, then I have to call into question your self esteem. Why have you made peace with seeing less and less of a reflection of yourselves on the silver screen? How can you claim to love your black self and then largely ignore the beauty of India Arie, Ledisi, Viola Davis and others? ( And by being OK with this sort of casting, that’s exactly what you’re doing.)
Light skin men were “in” back in the 90′s, but then darker skinned brothers, like Idris Elba and Denzel Washington, made a comeback. This question goes out to all of my darker skinned sisters and the people who love them: What are you gonna do? Sit back and let it ride, or re-emerge. Your call.
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CW
September 15, 2012 at 3:14 am
I for one will boycott this movie and ask for others (that care about the way African Americans, both men and women) are portrayed. I’m sick of the Hollywood stereotype.
I’ve cancelled my cable and will only watch Netflix, Hulu, Crackle and others like the aforementioned; because I can pick and choose WHAT I want to watch.
Sick of black men being cast as rappers, sick of black women being cast as loud, ignorant and just plain tacky.
I WILL not watch this movie if they cast Zoe Saldana (not because I don’t like her – I do) but because, yet again, Hollywood is caving in to the same old stereotypical c**p when it comes to my people.
meeeyeah
August 28, 2012 at 4:38 pm
im 4 a boycott unless this turns out corrected.might boycott anyway.hollywood still not fit 4 my mind
Karin White
August 27, 2012 at 12:49 am
What about Macy Gray?
lillian. williams
August 26, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Just another thought,why not Gladys Knight for Nina Simone.
lillian. williams
August 26, 2012 at 8:38 pm
I, commented on this some time ago. I admire our AA actresses and really like ZOE,but I think Whoopi Goldberg, would make a better Nina Simone,or someone else, who can actually play her true charater. Viola Davis,not sure if she sings, Loretta Devine, So many to choose.I would even like to see Queen Latifa,hope that is correct. We have so many wonderful actresses and some of them, are not given fair movie time.
I am sure there are even some new stars in the wing.Nina Simone, not only was an activist for justice, she was a true leader in getting our AA actressess and singers in their rightful places in the movie and entertainment arena. I am just so happy that the movie industry is giving honor to so many WOMEN OF COLOR.I even think Mrs. HoustonWhitneys mother could play this role,if she is ready. Sparkle, was great, a little sad, knowing that Ms.Houston, is not here. Well that is another subject.( On another post, I think Mrs. Katherine Jackson, could play Mrs. Coretta Scott King. in the upcoming movie of Mrs. King and Mrs.Shabbazz;although, I suggested Felicia Rashard for Mrs. King.
CW
September 15, 2012 at 3:15 am
AMEN!!
kuja nicolls
August 26, 2012 at 11:12 am
I’ve been missing the image of a dark black,woman on the silver screen for years, and I do not go to hollywood films precisely because of this. I had my issues with Oprah for casting Tandi Neuton as Beloved, when the book referred to the character several times as almost blue-black, and I will not see Sparkle because I’m sick and tired of us preferring stories where the main characters especially the women are of a fairer hue,Dream girls had to feature Beyonce, and in Precious the teacher was a light actress despite the fact that in the book precious says “she dark like me.” So is it really only Hollywood that suffers from an aversion to dark women?
But we live in a society that constantly is saying that black is black, it doesn’t matter if you’re as fair as Vanessa Williams, African Americans will not accept any discussion or recognition of mixture especially many of the men who consistently prefer lighter women, because should these men deal with the fact that black isn’t always black they would have to face the brain washed demon within them. In a climate where mixture isn’t recognized ( and I understand why it isn’t) then it becomes easier to cast light actresses for everything without acknowledging any exclusion of darker sisters.
hollywood is ran by white men who make stories that suit their taste as everyone does when given the opportunity. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, it does however become more problematic when it decides to interpret something historical like the Harriet Tubman story. I’m much more concerned with what we ourselves do to the psyche of our people. Denzel Washington’s directorial debut Antoine Fisher was a good story, but once more the featured actresses were unequivocally fair skinned.
It does seem to me like Zoe is a miscast for the Nina Simone story on different levels not just physical appearance, but I wonder what is going through her head as the community rallies to have her removed from the film? Latina’s regardless of their having a black appearance do not usually consider themselves black, if Zoe does all of this protest may put some doubt in her mind as well as other Latinos which can lead to further separation within our already fractured community.But that’s another issue.
ultimately my main concern is that dark black actresses should be able to work as such and if they’re too black for everything else well then at least give them the lead in a story about one like them.
Max
August 23, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Poor casting selection, they should have picked some one else.
Maryam Bey
August 17, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Whoppi Goldberg, India Arie,Tracy Chapman and Wiola. Anyone of them could portray Nina. Nina was beautiful and had a great spirit. She was BLACK and BEAUTIFUL. A dark skin woman should play her. Jamie Fox was great as Ray Charles, but, how would we feel if Tom Cruise played Ray Charles? People loved her music. There are many beautiful dark skin singers and actors who could play Nina. Keep them BLACK and BEAUTIFUL This is what we get for not owning our own studios.
tawanda
August 16, 2012 at 6:12 pm
d**n right a REAL black woman should play Nina. but it shouldn’t be MARY J BLIGE in my oppinion. this woman has just produced a song called ‘I love my Mr.Wrong’. it’s a song that encourages women to stay with the mr.wrong in their relationship, no matter what, because the s*x is so good. the first line of the song is ‘bad boys aint no good, good boys aint no fun’ and she continually croons ‘me and mr.wrong get along so right, i love my mr.wrong’ there seems to be a recent consistent theme of music produced by some supposedly powerful black women which advocates staying in abusive relationships regardless of what others say. jill scott just made one, Rhianna has a ton, and remember that song ‘Need a Rough Neck?’ when black women put out songs like this, it sends a cryptic message to our girls that they should accept a bad relationship and it says to our boys that ‘it’s okay to treat her bad as long as you put it on her good’. i was disgusted watching mary j blige in this video. she is supposed to be a powerhouse of a woman and she dare sing that s**t???????
Regina Howard
August 16, 2012 at 4:11 pm
I think Viola Davis would be perfect for this part not Zoe why did they pick ?
Kim
August 16, 2012 at 6:30 am
I don’t like the idea that someone who not only doesn’t look like or even sings is now going to portray Nina Simone. I am tired of this constant disregard of our darker skinned sisters who are constantly being looked over to apparently appeal to the masses. I am not dark skinned but my family is a mixture of all hues
like everyone else and I love it. When it comes to entertainment….we as Black people need to create films that appeal to us!! My mother brought up another name that should be considered…she’s not an actress, but she does sing! India Arie….a great choice! She could get an acting coach and make it happen! Viola Davis was mentioned….great actress, don’t know if she can sing, but she can lip synch. If they had done this movie back in the day, Whoopi Goldberg, Alfre Woodard would have been great choices as well!! We need to be mindful that when portraying anyone Black….that we come in all colors and want to play them as they actually look! I like Zoe…but it is really unfair to have her portray Nina. I think Zoe should be the bigger person and step back as far as this project goes!! When we stick together as a people…we can accomplish so much more!!
SDUB
August 15, 2012 at 7:47 pm
You forget, Black people are a product of white supremacy as well….
THEOLA
August 15, 2012 at 6:49 pm
VIOLA DAVIS SHOULD BE CAST IN THE ROLE, period!
cynthia cookley
August 15, 2012 at 6:27 pm
I am not dark skinned but I object to one of my favorite singers being protrayed in a movie about her life by someone who looks nothing like her. Why was this part not offered to Viola Davis? She would have been perfect for this part. She has the acting chops to play Ms Simone and the same type of looks that would match .What can be done about this I don’t know,sombody please do something.
NP
August 15, 2012 at 5:48 pm
If you don’t like something do something! The best defensive is a great offensive. Hit them in the pocket! Don’t see this movie or any others with these producers!
Morgan Miller
August 15, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Until we control all aspects of our lives and embrace one another we’ll be having this conversation over and over again. Everthing about our so called culture is really the white man’s.)=<
Jim
August 15, 2012 at 1:39 pm
DIVERSITY
What is a world without diversity?
Would Noah build an ark for only one animal at sea?
An Olympic dream could never be had.
If only black and white represented every flag.
If all the babies born into the world.
Were all little boys because we couldn’t have girls.
Yes God shows us how much we’re adored.
By making us different the moment we’re born.
So look around now and see all the colors.
Both yellow and brown all sisters and brothers.
So get used to it that’s how it should be.
A world filled with children, yes with God’s Diversity.
Karen
August 15, 2012 at 1:05 pm
My applauds for writing this article. We seem to make such strides, then fall back several. We need to have sit down discussions about these and other self-identification issues, and future goals for us as a people within a nation and world that continues to reject our God-expressed humanity. Too many apathetic, apologistic people of color…we all would benefit id we treassess our status ….plus….vision for a future ….. I fi d no explanation for casting in this manner…it’s divisive…
Onkei2005
August 15, 2012 at 1:04 pm
I applaud you for this article. This is something that has greatly been down played. I have not seen any darker skinned women in any major motion picture in years except “The Help” (they were maids). I feel this feeds into the self-esteem of darker skin black women. In my opinion this trend goes back to the days when all Barbie dolls were white and little girls of color did not see any toys that emulated them. This is a trend that will unfortunately continue if we do not get more Tyler Perry’s out there that celebrate our darker skinned women in movies and Television. I have a light complexion and I would love to see my darker skinned women on the big screen to be celebrated for their beauty.
Renee
August 15, 2012 at 12:26 pm
This is Hollywood. I don’t expect more from people who basically decide what image they prefer to see of black people on the screen. And you can’t expect more when the decision makers are white. Whites love anything that is in the image of them. Enough said. Unfortunately, you have some black individuals who are in the position of power to hire a darker skin black actress and choose the lighter skin or mix race actress to play the role. So in a sense, some blacks inhibit a subconscious level of self hate to constantly pursue a woman whose features are more Eurocentric. Last, I do want to mention I never viewed Zoe as “light skin.” She’s dark skin to me with the European features. “A white girl dip in chocolate” as mainstream high fashion insiders say. Sighs.
Kisrten
August 15, 2012 at 11:50 am
The only chocolate actress that’ll probably always b able 2 land a role & b considered beautiful is Gabby Union, smh. This is y I don’t watch alot of tv/movies, esp w/a black cast. It’s so predictable. The women r gonna b mixed raced/light skinned bw. I don’t have a problem w/mixed race r light skinned women, but I do have a problem if that’s about the only bw I’m seeing on screen cuz the majority of us r med 2 chocolate n skin tone. Not mixed r light skin. I’m a yt 2 my heart cuz I got sick of tv programs created by nonblack ppl. I don’t support movies just bc it’s a black cast if it still perpetuates the same ignorance whites (women w/euro features r non american blck playing the role of an AAbw).
Morgan Miller
August 15, 2012 at 3:16 pm
I like your choice!!
CW
September 15, 2012 at 3:09 am
Well stated! I absolutely agree with you.
Beloved
August 15, 2012 at 11:29 am
While I like Zoe as an Actress, I don’t see her in the role of Nina Simone. Zoe’s features are too European for her to accurately portray Nina Simone. Nina was striking, not pretty. Of course, Zoe may fool us all, if we can get past her looks. After all, that is what a good Actor does, they convincingly become the role they are playing.
Personally, I would *rather* see an Angela Bassett, Whoopi Goldberg(would be perfect,IMHO), Viola Davis(would be great too), Gabby Union or even that Actress who played the wife in the Denzel Washington movie, “John Q.” and a couple of Rev. J.D. Jakes films–can’t recall her name at the moment,but think she is an excellent Actress.
Regards Mary J: It’s possible that Mary J. realized that doing justice to Ms. Nina Simone was beyond her acting abilities at this time, and she wisely chose to walk away from this project. Better that Mary J. walk away from this project and allow a more “seasoned” Actress to tackle the role of Nina Simone than, chance it flopping because of bad acting. Not everyone will do as well as Whoopi as Celie, Jennifer as Effie or Jamie as Ray.
Miss T
August 15, 2012 at 11:07 am
Maybe she lost her credibility with black people singing about “frieeeed chicken.” Her black ain’t good enough once the masses turn on you! I guess pimpin’ is easy!
Derrick
August 15, 2012 at 2:11 pm
@Miss T:
@Miss T:
I lost respect for her also, when she made that commercial, than apologized, AFTER she got paid to act like a d**n slave!
I guess that ‘chicken grease’ started dripping down her jibs, once she ‘PROSTITUTED’ her Blackness. She acted like a buffoon, to help caucasoids go to the bank, off the back of chicken eatin’ negroids.
By the way…a Black woman was responsible for that ‘secret ingredient’in (kfc), but never got the credit!!!
These negroids should know that crackers learned everythang from Black people…even cooking!!! I guess negroids keep forgetting, that the house enslaved female was the person, who cooked these lazy bastards their breakfast, lunch and dinner EVERYDAY!!!
IT’S AMAZING,THAT BLACKS DON’T HAVE CHICKEN AND RIB FRANCHISES, SINCE WE INTRODUCED GRILLIN’ TO THE WORLD! BUT, CAUCASOIDS ARE MAKING MONEY OFF OF OUR COOKING TECHNIQUES; WHILE NEGROIDS CONTINUE TO FLOCK TO THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS ON A DAILY BASIS…WHILE BEING TREATED LIKE SHYT!
DJ
August 15, 2012 at 11:02 am
I love Zoe Saldana to death and want to see her career continue to grow and flourish. My gut instinct is a preference to see Mary J. Blige in this role, however. Mary is a singer, with a similar smokey style as Ms. Simone. Also, frankly Mary is African American, and I want to see more African American women get roles, particularly when it is a role which features an African American female artist. I just think Mary would have intuitive knowledge passed down generationally, which would allow her to naturally access certain information that I don’t believe that many Latinas, no matter how down they are, can access. Just like they would have the advantage in doing a movie about Celia Cruz, another queen. On the other hand, a good actress the caliber of Zoe can bring layers of nuance and texture that I don’t see Mary bringing. I guess in the end, either will do.
CW
September 15, 2012 at 2:59 am
No, not to be argumentative, NEITHER will do. When they do release a film about Celia Cruz (whom I adored) do you think they will be looking at African American actresses? Zoe Saldana is an OK actress, stunning yes, but talented? The jury is still out on that one. Her roles haven’t been meaty or important enough to merit the description as talented.
I grew up listening to Nina Simone’s music (my mother was an avid fan and would use her music as a teaching tool during the 70s while explaining the struggle of African Americans during 50s and 60s) – I would resent like h**l someone like Zoe Saldana who practices racial ambiguity portray this social and musical icon.
What’s wrong with Kimberly Elise (this woman is a very talented actress and could lip sync Ms. Simone’s music – just like Sissy Spacek did.) or any of the other talented singers/actresses mentioned in earlier posts?
Lenny
August 15, 2012 at 10:51 am
WHAT???? MJB has been bragging and giving her I Have A Dream speeches about playing Nina Simone for how many YEARS??? And suddenly she has other film commitments. She spent all these YEARS hyping up her role as Nina Simone, and now Zoe Saldana is playing the role and Mary J. Blige has better things to do…Mary, sit the whole f**k down.
CW
September 15, 2012 at 2:51 am
I think she may have been ‘pressured’ out of the role. I honestly believe her decision was not voluntary.
M. Dawnavette
August 15, 2012 at 10:51 am
I posted my commentary on the subject as well. Dawnavette.com http://dawnavette.com/zoe-saldana-hollywood-g*****n
M. Dawnavette
August 15, 2012 at 10:51 am
I posted my commentary on the subject as well. Dawnavette.com http://dawnavette.com/zoe-saldana-hollywood-g*****n
Derrick
August 15, 2012 at 10:23 am
Why are negroids too scared to BOYCOTT?
Y’all can cry until your eyes run dry, but it ain’t gonna stop these racist heathens from promoting their white supremacy bullshyt in their movies, on their tv’s and in the school system!!!
The Black Goddess was BLUE BLACK and BEAUTIFUL!!! NOTHING is pure about the caucasoid albino! He is a defect and is using anythang and everythang to TRY and degrade the Black Goddess of the World!
STAY STRONG BLACK PEOPLE; STAY STRONG
GET BACK TO BLACK!!!
Miss T
August 15, 2012 at 10:55 am
@Derrick…REAL TALK…you never fail!
Barbara
August 15, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Definite Beauties: Anika Noni Rose, India.Arie Brandy. My choices of beauty.
Zoe (of my hue) is beautiful too; but she is definitely wrong for this role; wrong ethnicity too–Dominican.
I will definitely BOYCOTT the film if they use Zoe.
AMAZINGGRACE
August 15, 2012 at 2:23 pm
I will boycott too. I am totally with you.
ALICIA RAE
August 15, 2012 at 10:13 am
@David2001
I love your last statement. In an effort to save the dark skinned black people, my mother’s favorite slogan is “Let’s bring black back”. We are celebrating the nappy dark skinned beauties wherever they may be. Hollywood is small in comparison to the rest of the world,yet blacks are being deceived by thinking that we should pattern ourselves after them. We are larger than Hollywood. It’s not what they say that matters,it’s how we feel about ourselves. They can cast all the light skinned individuals they want, but we don’t have to watch the movies. Let’s use this money to produce our own. Calling all black directors! We need dark skinned blacks on the set!
sincerely,
a nappy head black beauty
David2001
August 15, 2012 at 8:22 am
Hollywood and the media in general is a racist industry and it’s always been that way. Of course that doesn’t make it right but it’s time for black people to stop expecting fair opportunities from white RACIST through integration and do for ourselves. From Lena Horn and Dorothy Dandridge to Hallie Berry today. The white media prefers light skinned black women or those with a european look over dark skin black women with more pronounced African features. Even in the Olympics the white media wanted to focus on a mix light skin black woman Lo Lo Jones over darker skin black women who won medals. When you look at TV most of the time when a black couple is shown the black woman is 10 times lighter than the black man. This BS has been going on forever and is not going to stop. If we want to see a difference we as black people are going to have to abandon the racial diversity concept and start defining ourselves without the influence of whites.