Mindy Kaling has always been an advocate for diversity in Hollywood. Her role on The Office is often seen as pivotal not only for Indian-American actresses but also for women of all body types. Unfortunately for many actors like Kaling (who aren’t straight white men, as The New York Times puts it), Hollywood gatekeepers prove a constant struggle.
The debate about diversity in Hollywood has long been a hot topic but, since this year’s Oscar nominations were revealed, the issue has gotten a lot more attention. So many of our favorite actors and actresses are now speaking up about their experiences in fascinating and enlightening interviews with the publication. For instance, Ken Jeong of The Hangover tells The New York Times that a professor told him to “stay the hell out of L.A.” because he was a good actor. What?!
Former Disney star, America Ferrera, reveals that she altered her appearance to look white after being told that the movie she was auditioning for had already cast a Latino and wasn’t looking to add another, much less a Latina. Eva Longoria and Aziz Ansari open up about pressures to do an accent to be considered—on screen, at least—part of the ethnic groups they already belong to. And Kimberly Pierce, director of Boys Don’t Cry (an independent film that documented the real-life story of transgender teen, Brandon Teena), has commented time and time again about the discrimination that she and her movies have faced—subjected to unjustifiable editing and Pierce receiving just half of her pay in some bizarre instances.
So, what happens now? Thanks to the brave many who are standing up against the norm, awareness about diversity in Hollywood—or the lack thereof—is at an all-time high. Kaling says, “My role is not just artist. It’s also activist…”
And that’s just the kind of attitude Hollywood needs.