Diversity + Hollywood

I know what some of you may be thinking. "We've progressed so much!" and that "There isn't a problem with this anymore!". However, while the past few years has seen a general increase of people of color in mainstream media, the problem is still pretty prevalent. Hence, why the hashtag 'Oscars So White' was trending on all forms of social media after this year's nominations. Many celebrities and others called for a boycott of the awards ceremony amid the controversy. Those who contradict this sugguestion, such as actors Michael Caine and Helen Mirren, use the argument that "you can't vote for an actor just because he's black". I agree that this is a fair point, but it's important to look at the bigger picture. The Film industry has a lack of diversity in general, and thus fewer big, quality films are made with a central character that is a person of color. Disproportianately, therefore, there are far less employed actors of color. But interestingly enough, the TV industry has figured out that not only is diversity "cool" right now (which is kinda weird to think that it's some new trend), but it also can cause economic growth.

Shocking amirite? 

For example, ABC in particular has definitely figured this out. Their "Shondaland" (Shonda Rimes) shows have an incredible amount of diversity and continue to bring in high ratings after high ratings each season. Take How to Get Away with Murder, a gutzy and twisted drama series that stars Viola Davis. 

SLAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

This show, like any Shonda show, is dramatic to a point of ridiculousness, but has proved to be force to be reckoned with ratings wise. All three Shondaland shows typically rake in about 8 or 9 million viewers per week which is insanely great. You could attribute the popularity of Shonda shows to the dramatic and fun plots in each series and each episode. But I honestly believe that the diversity in the shows is what kept many viewers watching and led to economic growth and successes for ABC. 

Now it's just one more week till #TGIT comes back, & I will continue to help economic growth by upping those ratings as much as I can...