Tobias Sylvester
Hollywood actor, Idris Elba has opened up about racism in the movie industry, revealing why he no longer describes himself as a Black actor.
Speaking in an interview with Esquire UK, the 50-year-old actor said he no longer refers to himself as a “Black actor” because it puts him in a “box” and an “obsession” with race can hinder aspirations and growth.
Elba said that while he is a prominent member of the Black community, such separatism in Hollywood can hold entertainers back which is why he now focuses on just being an actor.
“If we spent half the time not talking about the differences but the similarities between us, the entire planet would have a shift in the way we deal with each other.
“As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth,” Elba told the publication.
The movie star shared that basing his career on his skin colour ‘put me in a box’, as he attempts to take the power away from racism.
Elba said, “Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it?s only as powerful as you allow it to be.
“I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: it’s just skin. Rant over.’
Elsewhere in the interview, Elba discussed his reasons for pursuing a career in entertainment, saying it was never to break barriers as a Black man.
“I did it because I thought that’s a great profession and I could do a good job at it,” he explained. “
As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first Black to do this or that. Well, it’s the same as it would be if I were white. It’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first Black. I’m the first Idris.”
Elba can next be seen in the Netflix film, “Luther: The Fallen Sun,” the big screen follow-up to his beloved crime series “Luther”, when it hits theaters on February 24.
KanyiDaily had also reported how Idris Elba landed the role of a Nigerian DJ in Netflix’s Original Comedy Series, ‘Turn Up Charlie.’
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