Ep 3. Entertainment Still So White

In season 1 episode 3 of American Race, titled "Entertainment Still So White," award-winning journalist and author Charles M. Blow explores the lack of diversity in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

Blow begins the episode by discussing the 2016 Oscars, which was widely criticized for having no nominees of color in the major acting categories for the second year in a row. He interviews Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., who notes that the issue of diversity in Hollywood has been a problem for decades.

Blow also speaks with a group of black actresses who discuss the challenges they face in the industry, including being typecast into stereotypical roles and dealing with microaggressions on set. One actress notes that when she spoke out about the lack of black hair stylists on set, she was seen as "difficult" and her career suffered as a result.

The episode also explores the role of white privilege in Hollywood, with Blow interviewing filmmaker Paul Haggis, who admits that his success in the industry is partially due to his race. He also speaks with actor Matt Damon, who was criticized for comments he made about diversity in Hollywood, and asks him to reflect on his words and their impact.

Blow delves into the economic side of the entertainment industry as well, discussing how studios often rely on international markets to make up for the potential losses in the domestic box office if they were to cast more diverse actors in leading roles. He speaks with film producer Will Packer, who has had success with movies featuring predominantly black casts, and who reminds viewers that films with diverse casts can still make money.

Throughout the episode, Blow also discusses potential solutions to the lack of diversity in Hollywood, including the importance of having people of color in decision-making positions, and the need for more diverse stories to be told. He speaks with writer and director Ryan Coogler, whose critically acclaimed film "Black Panther" broke numerous box office records and featured a predominantly black cast.

The episode concludes with Blow reflecting on his own experiences in the entertainment industry, and how he hopes that by continuing to have conversations about diversity and inclusion, progress can be made. "Entertainment Still So White" is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the lack of diversity in Hollywood, and the obstacles that people of color often face in the industry.