In the 2000’s black actors played 15% of roles, in the last couple of years that percentage decreased a 2% and black directors are at a 3%. The entertainment industry talks about racism and inequality but movies and TV are still dominated by white people.

In the early stages of my childhood I was not as pale as most of my friends and was unable to feel beautiful. It was torturous seeing all of my friends with straight hair and Disney Princess appearance. When I looked at the mirror and didn’t see myself as them, it made me feel inferior. It was just recently that new princesses were added to the bunch that I felt represented. But as a little girl, the lack of diversity made me grow a huge insecurity and made me feel that I was not good enough. Little girls should never have to feel this way.

TV shows and movies are a huge influence on people’s lives, but there are still people that feel unrepresented in the media. A very small fraction of the people that participate in the entertainment industry are of color, and it is mostly because the lack of colorblind casting present. This term is used to make reference to casting that is made based completely in talent and not in skin color. This practice is unethical.

The entertainment industry feels the need to hide this racism and make it relatable to get some guilt off of their backs. The African American community is always expected to assume a role. This role is most of the time what the white society believes they should act as. Although some may argue that currently there is more diversity, numbers don’t lie and there are less parts played by actors that are not caucasian. They are being more stereotyped. People like Shonda Rhimes, Will Smith, Viola Davis, and other working people of color in entertainment that shows us that there is hope, but it is miniscule. 

Although the lack of diversity is the biggest issue here, the lack of interest and ignorance of white people are some of the reasons this still happens. The white race is extremely influential in this industry and if there was some effort put on by them then the issue may get better.  There is a lot of talk but not enough action, TV and movies are still too white and the lack of diversity is alarming.