Idris Elba gave up James Bond due to everyone being gross
www.avclub.com
While the actor was at first complimented to be considered for the role, that feeling was quickly overtaken by the racist discussion that followed

Article by AV Club: Actor Idris Elba has opened up about him pursuing the role of James Bond because of racism

  • @vanderZwanEnglish
    4•1 year ago

    Earlier this year, Elba told Esquire U.K. that he was no longer “describing myself as a Black actor” because “it put me in a box.”

    “As humans, we are obsessed with race, and that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth,” he said. “Racism should be a topic for discussion, sure. Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be.”

    Ooh, that’s a tricky one. I mean, hard disagree on the latter if he means that in general, you can’t exactly choose your oppressors. But if he means “in my position” then I can get where he’s coming from, and he might actually be doing good by actively trying to normalize black actors as just actors.