... so there may be some "non-white" nominations by 2050.

Paul1977: However if racism was to be blamed anywhere, it is probably more to do with white actors getting the better roles. But this has nothing to do with the Academy Awards. 

My thoughts are pretty much this. Perhaps the problem is that coloured actors are not getting the good roles where they can really put in a nomination-worth performance? Or that Jada is annoyed Will didn't get a nod for "Concussion" or something.

Well, that's it, I'm boycotting the oscars. Not because I give a damn about any perceived racism, but because it's a complete sham and just shallow entertainment. Much like most of the product that hollywood serves up.

DarthKermit:

 

Well, that's it, I'm boycotting the oscars. Not because I give a damn about any perceived racism, but because it's a complete sham and just shallow entertainment. Much like most of the product that hollywood serves up.

 

/me sighs.

under-represented at the Oscars? no...the film industry in general yes

There is overt racism and unconscious racism. It is possible that some overt racism is responsible for this situation, but I doubt in this day and age that it would play a major role. Unconscious racism is another matter. This is the kind of racism where it simply never occurs to someone that there even might be a black candidate worthy of consideration. Or where the value of black performances is discounted because of an inability to identify with the actors. Unconscious racism is much more prevalent and insidious than the overt variety, because many of those affected by it genuinely believe they are not racist.

Whether or not the Smiths' boycott should be seen as a form of reverse racism, I think there is a bigger point to it in that they are trying to call attention to a situation that they believe is wrong. I don't see a problem with this.

However, I do agree that it is all fairly moot.The Oscars are about as relevant as green politics in the National Party. The ceremony doesn't interest me in the least, and neither do the awards. I think a better platform could be chosen to protest racist bias.

Rikkitic:

 

It is possible that some overt racism is responsible for this situation, but I doubt in this day and age that it would play a major role.  

 

I dunno... I play an online game where I talk or end up in teamspeak with a fair number of americans and there still seem to be quite a lot of very overtly racist yanks around...

Racism is a perfectly natural response in the world and has been since man A hated man B because he was from another cave.

The modern idea that it can somehow be erased is doomed to failure.

Rikkitic:

 

Whether or not the Smiths' boycott should be seen as a form of reverse racism...

 

Huh, racism is racism, it doesn't magically become something else when it's black on white, vs white on black. Sadly there's more of this being reported these days in the US and South Africa, feels like everyone has taken a huge step backwards over the last few years.

Rikkitic:

 

However, I do agree that it is all fairly moot.The Oscars are about as relevant as green politics in the National Party. The ceremony doesn't interest me in the least, and neither do the awards. I think a better platform could be chosen to protest racist bias.

 

Totally agree, if anything I suspect the Smiths would have lost support over this. Who wants to win a prize when you know you've been given it because of your colour.. That would be one hollow victory.

I think the best response I heard was from Ice Cube:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/22/straight-outta-compton-s-ice-cube-oscar-boycott-talk-is-getting-ridiculous.html

“We don’t do movies for the industry,” he continued, gesturing at Hart beside him. “We do movies for the fans, for the people. And the industry, if they give you a trophy or not or pat you on the back or not, it’s nice but it’s not something you should dwell on.”

I personally am looking forward to watching Chi-Raq - something that you'll never see an award nor do I think Spike Lee gives a toss either.

kawaii:

 

I think the best response I heard was from Ice Cube:

 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/22/straight-outta-compton-s-ice-cube-oscar-boycott-talk-is-getting-ridiculous.html

 

“We don’t do movies for the industry,” he continued, gesturing at Hart beside him. “We do movies for the fans, for the people. And the industry, if they give you a trophy or not or pat you on the back or not, it’s nice but it’s not something you should dwell on.”

 

I personally am looking forward to watching Chi-Raq - something that you'll never see an award nor do I think Spike Lee gives a toss either.

 

I don't think racism is defined by how many Oscars you are nominated for.

Things like that are trivial.

I am sure most victims of racism are more worried about not getting shot (by police) on their way to and from work, worried about their kids education and prospects and many other things.

insane:

Rikkitic:

Whether or not the Smiths' boycott should be seen as a form of reverse racism...

Huh, racism is racism, it doesn't magically become something else when it's black on white, vs white on black. Sadly there's more of this being reported these days in the US and South Africa, feels like everyone has taken a huge step backwards over the last few years.

Rikkitic:

However, I do agree that it is all fairly moot.The Oscars are about as relevant as green politics in the National Party. The ceremony doesn't interest me in the least, and neither do the awards. I think a better platform could be chosen to protest racist bias.

Totally agree, if anything I suspect the Smiths would have lost support over this. Who wants to win a prize when you know you've been given it because of your colour.. That would be one hollow victory.

Geektastic:

 

Racism is a perfectly natural response in the world and has been since man A hated man B because he was from another cave.

 

 

 

The modern idea that it can somehow be erased is doomed to failure.

 

That is a cartoon version of history. We aren't the Flintstones.

There is nothing 'perfectly natural' about hating other people.

What happened in the past doesn't have to control us now.