Someone messaged me asking about why I take issue with Zs stance on not wanting to take roles that could go to someone darker skinned.
This is a very nuanced discussion, but here's my take.
To me, when Z says that, it comes off as very elitist. I understand what she's trying to say, but I think it begs the question why does she feel the white role is the one more worthy of her talent? What barrier is she really trying to break down by playing a black women surrounded by an all white cast?. How is that supporting the cause?
Why can't a light skinned, biracial women be in a relationship with a black brother, or have grown up in predominately black spaces, or have predominately black friends. Why are those stories not worth Zendaya's energy to tell and make her own?
Is it only realistic if a light skinned black women is married to a white, English museum curator, but not if a dark-skinned woman is?
I think Zs take plays into the colorism argument that she's trying to fight against.
It also relegates black creators who are trying to elevate their movies to commercial success to B or C list status.
Because, let's be honest, Zs name as number one on the call sheet gets butts in seats, it gets studios motivated, it elevates a film beyond just being nothing more than a black story, but a story with mass appeal.
Additionally, while Z says that she wants to ensure darker skinned women are given opportunities, Z has yet to work with all black creatives even behind the scenes. She plays roles where she is one of the only black characters and all the supporting cast is white. She hasn't worked with a black director yet or a black writers room.
So, while I can appreciate that Z is trying to be cognizant of her privilage. I take issue with the way she goes about rectifying it.
