Being in the "Black Box"

Something’s got my knickers in a bunch. I’ve become very tired of actors, musicians, and personalities who begin their career in the black community and then “move on up” and forget about us. Recently entertainer, Tyrese Gibson made a statement about getting out of the “black box” on Hollywood Uncensored, one of my favorite shows hosted by one of my favorite entertainment journalists, Sam Rubin.
 

To paraphrase, Gibson said he knows black actors who haven’t been able to achieve international fame, and can only get work in black projects. He equated this to being in a “black box”. He referred to his own success, being part of the Transformers franchise in a way that sounded as if he was saying he’d achieved that elusive crossover acclaim that all black actors/entertainers strive for. In other words, he’s been accepted by white folks.

The mere phrase “black box” to me has a negative connotation of confinement. It sounds as if being a black actor who does black projects is limiting because to attain genuine success, you have to achieve crossover fame. The definition of success is different for different people. But though I understand what Gibson was saying in terms of the Hollywood rules of fame, I would hope that as a black actor/entertainer in an industry that still has a lot of work to do regarding diversity, if you are a working (and doing good work), and have the support of your community, you are in fact lucky. Patti LaBelle never achieved major “crossover” fame. (She wasn’t even given so much as a cameo in the video for the “Lady Marmalade” Moulin Rouge remake.) But she’s still regarded as a legend, not just a star.

This whole idea that you haven’t made it until you’ve crossed over into the mainstream continues to disturb me. Though I understand the politics of business I still find it unfortunate that some black personalities feel that the black market isn’t enough. It’s really annoying/insulting when a black entertainer/persona started out in black projects (the same people who couldn’t get mainstream work, auditions, or press), then reaches that ivory pinnacle of success and seems to abandon the black audience.

And the flip side of this is not many black films get made anymore. So if in fact you are a black actor who has reached A-list status, and you chose not to be in a Tyler Perry film, you may take the work you’re offered. There are definitely additional factors to consider in terms of why some black actors are no longer in black movies. (And would we really buy Halle Berry in another version of B.A.PS.?) But obviously the hunt for “crossover” fame is not only about black actors.

Though I still love him, my dear Michael Jackson turned into a white woman before our eyes. And Beyonce isn’t far behind with photos of her featuring her final transformation from a light skinned black woman to an ethnically ambiguously woman with even lighter skin and an even more blonde, straight weave; and frankly less soul in her music if you ask me.

Bey even said on Piers Morgan Tonight that she’s “transcended race”. Whaaaa??? The leader of the free world, President Obama hasn’t even transcended race.  

There’s a difference between people forgetting you’re black, which no one does, (except for Chris Matthews) and people viewing you as a non-threatening black person and are therefore willing to deal with you. Beyonce may have gone from R&B girl group singer to pop star super status, but the public still identifies her as a black woman. (We see you!) And what is so wrong with being identified as black? I feel we are in this Tiger Woods “Cablanasian” realm of foolishness again.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to reach a wider audience, but I have a major issue with behaving as if the community that supported you is no longer good enough for you. Berry may not be in black films anymore, but at least she shows up to get her NAACP awards! Though the Hollywood game is what it is, and a person of color has to play it well, I do believe one can have the best of both worlds.  

One can achieve crossover success and still love coming “home”. Just ask Blair Underwood, who has had an incredible career managing to have worked steadily for over two decades by cultivating that ability to seamlessly transition between mainstream and black projects. I love this about Underwood!

I would appreciate gratitude and recognition from black entertainers/personalities who have benefited from black support, and then broken out of the “black box”. Because when the white audience may not be feeling you anymore, we will typically welcome you back. Just ask Whitney Houston.

How do u feel about black artists achieving crossover status?