Pick a movie and think about it. Think about who the star is and think about the main characters. Think about movie franchises: Harry Potter, Hunger Games and the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe are a few. Whatever movie was thought of, they probably have a very big similarity, that the cast is a majority of white actors. It’s definitely not a problem to have white characters. The problem starts when those are the only characters we see.

There are gems out there with diversity all through their movie, whether it be the cast or the crew. For the most part however, variety is slim to none. For example, a movie about The Great Wall of China, while starring many fantastic Asian actors, highlights Matt Damon as the most important feature. Matt Damon is an amazing actor but there’s no doubt that there’s something wrong in casting him. The history of a wall built to protect Chinese people is being told by a white man.

There are amazing actors out there who aren’t white but we don’t see them. They aren’t nominated for Oscars. In the past two years, no person of color has been nominated at all in the acting division. However, this year all the awards for acting at the Tony’s were given to black actors. Also, of course, the Golden Globes have also always been gracious.

I remember seeing Gina Rodriguez winning the Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Jane the Virgin” and feeling an overwhelming sense of hope. There was a chance that someone like me could win those awards and she was the proof.

Seeing representation in a positive light in films just won’t matter to some people. It may not be a big deal to people who continually see themselves in characters on the big screen.  It may seem trivial and stupid but, to young people of color, it may mean the world.

18agonzalez@usd489.com