Race relations in France...That's all I need to say and I'm pretty sure those of you reading this have let out a big sigh. As if France has not been read the riot enough times for its policies when it comes to race relations and religious freedom, there has been another report, but this time it comes from the film industry. Gerard Depardieu, who many of us know as the Tom Hanks of French Cinema (he has also appeared in American films such as "Last Holliday" with Queen Latifah), is said to be playing Alexander Dumas.
Alexander, Dumas, the revered ecrivain (writer) of the 19th century is known for many works, most notably The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. However, as he is respected for these works it is also known that he was jeered for his ethnic background. As you may know Alexander Dumas, the grandson of a freed Haitian slave, was of African descent and often referred to himself as a "negro." Historian Claude Schopp remarked that Dumas always presented, in caricatures or sketches, "as a sort of monster" with big lips and afro hair.
Why is this important? Well, Gerard Depardieu is not of African descent, nor is he mixed, but he is fully caucasian and his plyaing Alexander Dumas ignores the cultural make up of Alexander Dumas. According to the French film industry race had nothing to do with Depardieu's casting. They claim he was chosen for the part because of his skill as an actor. (riiiiiight......how insulting) So all of the creole, or north African actors I watched when I was in France are incompetent? Well if the industry says they are, then don't they feel that putting Depardieu in every "big film" will water down his skill as an actor? Remember when France was complaining about the decreasing popularity of its films???? Situations like this might be why. When people watch films they are relaxed, they want to be reminded about the beauty of life, it can only be practical if the people LOOK LIKE YOU. How many times will power brokers in the France have to slap us before we realize that we are not welcome there?
.....That's okay, Patrick Lozes, President of the Black Associations has voiced his opinion, hopefully the entertainment industry will listen.
2 comments:
Again!!! They're doing this again!! I totally agree with you how many times do they have to SLAP us before we know we're not welcome. Hopefully, the industry will listen to Patrick Lozes.
Very well put. You always keep things interesting and you continuously shine light on issues that are relevant to the times. You shouldn't be suprised that this is the case because europeans have always had the tendencies to make great people of African decent look like them.
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