In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the Western movie industry of casting American actors as Africans. While this may seem like a harmless decision on the surface, it is actually quite problematic and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases.
Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde recently spoke out against this practice in an interview with Doreen Avio of Hitz 103.9Mhz. She argued that having Americans play African characters can result in inaccurate portrayals of African culture and language, as they often do not speak in a way that accurately reflects how Africans speak.
Ekeinde’s concerns are not unfounded. The way language is used in the film can have a significant impact on how audiences perceive certain cultures and people. When Americans play African characters and attempt to speak in African accents, it can come across as caricatured and disrespectful. This can reinforce stereotypes about African people being uneducated or unintelligent, which is simply not true.
Furthermore, the use of American actors to play African characters can also have an impact on the way African actors are perceived in the industry. When American actors are consistently chosen over African actors for roles that require an African accent, it sends a message that African actors are not good enough or skilled enough to portray their own culture accurately.
This issue is not just limited to African characters, either. Hollywood has a long history of casting white actors to play characters of color, which can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases. This practice is known as “whitewashing” and has been the subject of much criticism and controversy in recent years.
So, what can be done about this issue? Ekeinde suggests that collaboration is the key. Rather than relying on American actors to play African characters, filmmakers should work with African actors and language coaches to ensure that the portrayals are accurate and respectful. This can help to break down stereotypes and biases and promote a more inclusive and diverse film industry.
Additionally, filmmakers should be mindful of the way they portray different cultures in their films. They should work to avoid caricatured or stereotypical portrayals and instead strive for accuracy and respect. This can help to promote understanding and empathy between different cultures and people.
In conclusion, the practice of casting Americans as Africans in movies is problematic and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases. It is time for the Western movie industry to take a step back and reevaluate the way it portrays different cultures and peoples. By working with African actors and language coaches and striving for accuracy and respect, we can create a more inclusive and diverse film industry that promotes understanding and empathy between different cultures.
Watch the Interview below…
Western movie industry should stop casting Americans as Africans in movies – Omotola Jalade Ekeinde with @DoreenAvio. pic.twitter.com/NeznrLHxap
— Hitz 103.9 FM (@Hitz1039FM) March 9, 2023
