Stereotyping roles

Cafe Society
1

I was watching the Axis of Evil
http://www.axisofevilcomedy.com/
comedy special the other night and one of the comics talked about getting a call from his agent offering him a role as a terrorist. He said he refused and that it was insulting to only think of Arabic or Muslim people as terrorists. Then his agent told him how much he would get paid so he changed his mind and took the role.

This got me wondering about actors taking roles that are stereotyped. The afore mentioned terrorist, African-American or Hispanic gang-bangers, drunken Irishmen, etc. How do the actors feel about taking parts that demean their community? Does a woman who takes the part of a submissive, abused woman feel uncomfortable? Would an African-American be bothered if he played an “Uncle Tom” type role?

I realize that while they are in character the actor is able to separate himself from the part. But what about afterwards? Sure the part might be an incredible acting opportunity that can lead to awards and other great roles, but do they ever think to themselves, “I just played the part of an illegal alien migrant farm worker. Why couldn’t I get a role as a successful business executive?”

Maybe I’m oversimplifying it as someone outside the entertainment industry. I’d like to hear from the insiders.

2

I’m not an insider, but if you’d like an insider’s perspective, rent Robert Townsend’s Hollywood Shuffle . It gives a great view into this very topic from both sides.

Best line: “Yeah, well, there’s work at the Post Office!”

Check it out.

3

successful business executive

there’s a rare role
mostly, it’s just serious people in suits

4

Cool, I’ll look for it. Thanks.

5

I was going to mention Hollywood Shuffle, too. Great film.

Movies have always been about typecasting, and not just racial/ethic typecasting: actors, once they establish themselves, are usually expected to play similar roles from then on.

6

Yeah, what a great film Hollywood Shuffle is. Decry racist stereotypes and then in the same film squeeze laughs out of homophobic ones.

Back in the day, Hattie McDaniel was asked whether she felt demeaned by the sort of roles she always played. She replied to the effect of she could make seven dollars a week being a maid or $700 a week playing them. Of course that was several decades ago.