Entertainment | January 31st, 2024
Were Race Cards Pulled at the Oscars?
By: Autumn Haddox
What Award Shows Mean To Young People
Growing up, kids worldwide tuned in to award shows like the BET Awards, Disney Awards, Kid Pop Awards, MTV Awards, etc. These showed the initial entertainment for young people and seeing their idol recognized.
Award shows’ purpose to young people is to instill a dream and persuade individuals to chase after it. Beyond entertainment, award shows played a crucial role in shaping the dreams of the youth. Acknowledging talent and achievement on such grand stages instilled a sense of possibility and ambition in young minds.
The idea that one’s passion and dedication could lead to recognition on a global scale became a driving force for many aspiring individuals. Award shows, through their celebration of talent, not only provided entertainment but also served as a source of motivation.
The dreams ignited by these televised events were diverse, ranging from music and acting to sports and beyond. Young people found inspiration in the success stories of their favorite stars, reinforcing the belief that with hard work and talent, they too could carve a path to success. This is a reminder that these are all the beliefs of young people.
Angela Bassett’s Career
Angela Bassett is a highly respected actress known for her powerful and versatile performances. She has made a significant impact in both television and film.
Bassett portrayed the role of Athena Grant in the TV show “9-1-1,” where her compelling acting skills contributed to the show’s success. Additionally, her portrayal of Tina Turner in the film “What’s Love Got to Do With It” earned her widespread recognition.
Bassett made a memorable appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in the film “Black Panther” and its sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Her dignified performance in the movie further solidified her status as a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Angela Bassett’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including awards for her outstanding contributions to acting. Her recent accolade is the honorary Oscar award. The reigning question of the public is, “Why did it take so long?”
History of Black Artists Being Snubbed at Award Shows
This recurring pattern of overlooking Black artists and their contributions extends beyond racial biases and encompasses other forms of discrimination, such as misogyny.
Notable instances include Will Smith’s performance in “Concussion” and Viola Davis’s role in “Woman King,” both of which were snubbed by the Academy. The issue goes beyond race, highlighting systemic problems within the industry that perpetuate disparities and hinder the recognition of talent, particularly that of Black artists.
Public Opinion: Given by students of FAMU
The question that is posed is, “Why did Angela Bassett receive an Oscar award for the first time this year in the 2024 Oscar Award Ceremony despite her excellent acting career of over 40 years?”
As young children of color, we are constantly told we have to work twice as hard for half the recognition that our white counterparts receive. Something clearly displayed in the withholding of Bassett’s Oscar Awards over the years.
Criminal justice student Damya Ollivierre continues her journey with the belief that recognition from others isn’t the only determining factor of one’s success. One’s success could be measured by the impact on others, the personal development one has experienced, and the willingness to push forward instead of being complacent.
On the topic of perseverance,
“For decades, systems have been implemented to keep people of color down, especially in the entertainment industry,” Ollivierre said. “While it is no secret that Black artists are overlooked, another example of this is the crowning of Miss Universe, Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA; All black women.”
With the systems implemented to keep people of color down, the common belief of young people is that we, people of color, can never “make it out” or be able to compete.
Public relations student Paris Halliburton prides herself on living life as a trailblazer by instilling in herself that no matter the curveballs life throws, it’s how you handle the curveballs and swing back.
“It is disappointing, but it is not surprising,” Halliburton said. “To have made her mark, receiving the award plays not only a recognition but also a role in confidence and willingness to persevere.”
While this award was overdue, it reminds the Black community that the systems implemented can be broken with perseverance. With that, congratulations to Angela Bassett. Many people tuned in to the entertainment realm and hope to see Black artists receiving the positive recognition they deserve.
