How Actors of Color Cope with Stereotypes

• In Event: 174 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 11. Race and Ethnicity in Popular Culture and Media

Abstract

Stereotypes are endemic to the average professional actor’s repertoire in Hollywood film and television. For actors of color, racial stereotypes are particularly demeaning and carry great stigma for those who play them. Racial stereotypes often cause actors of color emotional trauma as they may confront the same stereotypes in their everyday lives. While actors have no say in how a role is written nor total control over their performances, they are not powerless. When people experience stigma, they often develop ways to preserve a positive sense of self. Hence, actors of color working in Hollywood learn to salvage positive identities in face of Hollywood stereotyping. To shield themselves from the negative consequences of portraying racial/gender stereotypes, actors of color have developed an array of rationales including 1) obligations, 2) distancing, 3) neutralization and 4) embracement. These strategies are employed by actors across different gender, age and experience. Actors may also employ some or all of these strategies throughout their careers.

Author

• Nancy Wang Yuen, Biola University