We Need More Latinos! And Asians! And DIVERSITY!
Filed under: TV News > Latinolicious > Film Flickers
The Screen Actors Guild has released some startlingly sad facts about diversity in film and TV.
Unfortunately, minorities, seniors and female actors haven't been making much progress recently when it comes to roles in film and television.
In 2007, minority actors were at a higher number, receiving 29.3 percent of total roles. In 2008, that went down to 27.5 percent.
The percentage breakdown of film and television roles from 2008 was 72.5 percent Caucasian, 13.3 percent African American, 6.4 percent Latino, 3.8 percent Asian-Pacific Islander, 0.3 percent Native American and 3.8 percent other or unknown.
That's pretty pathetic!
Also, not surprisingly, male actors continue to snag the roles over female actors two to one.
The only gain for minority groups was from Asian-Pacific Islanders growing from 3.4 percent to 3.8 percent. Which still isn't that much when you think about it!
Come on, Hollywood! Step up the diversity and get it together!
[Image via Getty Images.]
Well are Latino's still a minority in America? I think they're slowly actually becoming the majority.
Minorities are called minorities for a reason. How much screen time do you expect them to get?
Get the goverment involved mario!Have the goverment buy all the studios and then mandate what we watch and when we watch it!
While I'm not against there being more minorities on TV or in movies, those figures are pretty similar to the actual demographics in the US. As for the male/female thing…that is unfair.
jeez. so little asians. i'll save the day.
How does this reflect the nation's makeup?
It's obvious as soon as you turn on the TV and see a sea of white faces.
Why are whites all being grouped together when that percentage is really just for caucasian AMERICANS. Its alot harder for white Irish,Australians,welsh etc to become famous actors than it is for latino americans, etc.
surely it should be a case of acting ability over "omg we dont have enough coloured pplz!" what is the world coming to these days.
You just don't get that you're a major part of the problem, do you?
you sometimes a show is just a show and not a social commentary. Something tells me that BET and UPN (before it got cancelled) wasnt worried too much about diversity
I agree with other comments-those stats are similar to actual demographic breakdowns…so why do they need to be over-represented?
Um, ultimately unless there's a huge secret thing going down that's somehow making sure that the minorities are just that in television and movies, and I'm 99% sure that that's not what's going on, this is…whatever.
It shouldn't matter if the person is black, white, hispanic, whatever. If they have an excellent acting ability, it shouldn't matter at all. If they're good enough, they'll get the part.
That's pretty much spot on in terms of percentage of racial representation in this country… calm down.
Diversity is WAAAAAYYYYYY overrated
Eva looks GORGEOUS in that photo!
"Secure the borders" and deport these welfare freeloaders! Eva should go back to her home in Mexico and maybe find some Spanish speaking soap work! Nobody wants to watch whining foreign freeloaders that shouldnt be in this country in the first place!
Again, those men sitting in a circle, playing with themselves.
The only time I see Indians are in derogatory roles.
Actually, if you go by US population statistics, the percentages are right on with percentage in population, please see below.
White alone
(Not including the 23.2 million
White Hispanic and Latino Americans: 66% or 198.1 million) 74% 221.3 million
Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, of any race 14.8% about 44.3 million
Black or African American alone 13.4% 40.9 million
Some other race alone 6.5% 19 million
Asian alone 4.4% 13.1 million
Over 95% of the media being liberal doesn't bring diversity
Pretty good for the population.
So should we be bitching that there are too many asians in japanese films?????????? Or should we bitch that there are not enough americans in british films!!!???????? I guess we should have cast a girl for the lead in Predator , or a guy for the lead in Steel Magnolias. Give me a fucking break. FTW
Race Percentage Number
White alone
(Not including the 23.2 million
White Hispanic and Latino Americans: 66% or 198.1 million) 74% 221.3 million
Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, of any race 14.8% about 44.3 million
Black or African American alone 13.4% 40.9 million
Some other race alone 6.5% 19 million
Asian alone 4.4% 13.1 million
Two or more races 2.0% 6.1 million
American Indian or Alaska Native alone 0.68% 2.0 million
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander alone 0.14% 0.43 million
Yes Perez, get with it. Actually, wait a minute. Let's compare these numbers to US demographics (2006). Hmmm… whites make up 74% of the population, but only 72.5% of the roles… under-represented. Blacks make up 13.4% of the population and get 13.3% of the roles - right on target. Asians make up 4.4% of the population and get 3.8% of the roles - that's a rounding error - on target.
.
So tell me, what is the story here? The only story is that there seems to be an equitable distribution of roles to races. Maybe Perez should dig a little deeper before he works his magic copy and paste button and steps up on his soap box.
Let the free market decide for goodness sake. Why is anyone looking at this?! First, if we are identifying "minority groups" then it only stands to reason, their presence would be a minority. But, regardless of that, if there is an interest in seeing more minorities in movies, then make them interesting. Robert Rodrigues cast latino and family members in his films and while some of those ended up being crap, he has the freedom to chose. Some of his more commercial work has white folks and that fits the story or script. But, lets not change the industry to pander to minorities at the expense of the movies themself. You don't see white people complain about the lack of white players in basketball or other sports nor should anyone care. The market just wants to see the best do, what they do. End of story.
SEE PEREZ! This is such a big turn on, especially for all the hippie homos like me. Blogging about something serious and noteworthy like diversity in television is an awesome way to spread awareness and use the outlet in a way that TV can't express. You knew that already though
Do more of this! Less bullshit, more real shit! I don't care about aubrey oday and jodie sweetin or who the fuck ever is paying you to make them relevant again, i swear lol, at least you still like madonna and kylie
That sounds pretty much how the range is in our country for the most part. Do you expect it to be even throughout? Like somebody said, they are called minorities for a reason, otherwise they wouldn't be called minorities.
Good call on the guy that pulled the percents to population.
AHMEN! thank god someone is saying it!
def need more asians on screen!
These statistics are a disgrace! There is no excuse with all the latino and Africian American and Asian talent out there for this nonsense. Hollywood as a whole should have a Diversity Council put in place to keep this from continuing headed by the Screen Actors Guild since that is where the discrimination starts. The latinos and African Americans can't get a SAG card so then they are kept out of the industry.
Maybe they're hiring actors because they are talented and not because of the color of their skin???
Re: zach swan – hey bro you forgot to name the Latinos' statistics. Although they are almost the majority in many states, they are STILL not getting roles.
That's the issue.
Watch reruns of Friends. See how many non-white people you see. Even extras. Didn't realize it was that bad, did you? And that coffee bar is supposed to be in Greenwich Village???
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how about rewarding people for merit and skill and not just because they are one colour or the other?
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affirmative action has become utterly perverted in the U.S. - it's gotten to the point where many minorities expect SPECIAL treatment, not EQUAL treatment
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try going to school (and actually studying), try getting a job, try contributing to your community - it's funny how when I did these things I was rewarded with a good career and a good life
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Re: Chris J – They aren't the majority though, they are 14.8% of the population.
What are the actual enthic statistics in the USA? White Americans make up 74% of the total population per the 2006 American Community Survey. Black Americans compose 13.5% of the population. Asian Americans are concentrated in the Western states; 47% of them reside there, mostly in California and Hawaii, but nationwaide prevalence is around 4.4%.
to the racist redneck uncle eldon. why don't you get off your fat ass and get a job. little know fact loser majority of people on welfare are white. DOUCHE!!!
Uhm, maybe that's because they suck? Or don't fit into the roll that is being cast? Idiot.
Re: jaybulls – the whole point was to provide an outlet for minorities, i think.
As everyone has said, these percentages reflect the demographics of this nation. Of course, if a more talented black woman is turned down for a role BECAUSE she's black, then it's wrong, unless, you know, the script is about a white suburban family.
And I'm sure a lot of talented whites or asians might've auditioned for roles in Tyler Perry movies, but his scripts call for black people. And there's nothing wrong with that! I don't know what you think should be done about it…you probably want 50% of roles to be about gay characters, too. The problem is, they are also a minority, and overrepresenting them would be unrealistic.
um…why. i'm not racist and i'm not against seeing diversity. but seriously…why?
How latinos is minority in America? I know that almost countries in America speak spanish, then how is minority?!
The latino statistic is the one that sticks out to me. Not even close to their percentage in the population, especially considering in the coming decades Latinos will be the majority ethnic group in America (which is justice since we stole a good portion of it from them) and Caucasians will be in 2nd place.
Just so long as this does not mean George Lopez gets a new show.
Re: uncle eldon – Ok Uncle Eldon if you hate Latinos so much what are you doing in a Latinos website….apparently you are always on this website bitching about Latinos….You do realize that Perez is half Cuban….
-I actually think you have a crush on Eva you always seem to comment on her……
Re: Maio – in the US film industry, latinos are a minority, because its the US, not North and South America. The film industry doesn't represent the world here. Just as in Mexico, they don't represent an appropriate amount of white, asian, black ect. Why should they? They are reaching for a demographic to entertain. 74% of americans are white. 74% of americans are the target audience for tv and movie producers. It makes sense! The man woman ratio is awful though, I won't defend that.
Disagree! We don't need any more latinos/latinas. Enough already. As it is, our country has to do everything in 2 languages. This country was founded as an English speaking nation. LEARN IT.
i'm happy with the way things are.
and yet you constantly bash one of the more famous actresses who has a mixed heritage vanessa hudgens? maybe if you didnt try to ruin the diverse actresses careers then there would also be more!!!!!!! i think THATS what is pathetic perez
Cry me a river and DO NOT believe poll numbers or percentage surveys in their entirety. Pure politics. I can understand TRUE minority numbers, but listen….WHITE WOMAN you have the ability to jump into both camps whenever you want. White males have been considerably marginalized and also have had their balls cut off in the process. Let's focus on this, shall we? Why don't all of you actors be the artists you set out to be and TRY to come close in any capacity to the bar that has been set in the 60s-70s film noir, and make some GOOD WORK. Hollywood right now is SO open for anyone to take the title. DO IT. Stop whining.
Re: uncle eldon –
Really??? free loaders? I bet you have a free loader working for you right now, while your lazy "american" ass sits and BLOGS all day long….
Do you think undocumented immigrants come here to free load? they come here to work, to give their families a better life, while you do the easy work….
AND did we forget that this country was built upon immigrants????
And on top of all of that, if any of these "illegal" immigrants were to get sick cleaning your house, or building your houses, they cannot get health care, isn't that messed up???
Lets just remember what this country stands for and which values it was built upon…
My husband, an Iraq Marine vet, fought for those values, while protecting me, an immigrant and Hispanic!
I would also like to point that I nor should anyone else place blame on any female or actor considered 'minority'. This is another example of the press room who write the script for the DNC for all DNC voters to repeat on the fly. Its silly, and the powers that be on the left who have big money and more concerned about keeping their base to keep themselves empowered, than they are about caring about YOU the MINORITY getting a job. Use youre head on the this one and stop being a heathen to either political party.
I saw the Vampire's Assistant recently and it is seriously the whitest movie I ever saw.
Ok , fine , Selma Hayek is in it, but 99.9% of the movie was just white-washed hard-core.
Every single extra, every kid in the classroom , every person in the background–white!
It was distracting and looked really unnatural.
I'm thinking to myself , what the fuck town is this supposed to be?
And I'm white myself!
It was an all-white high school lol
latinos are terrible actors… hence why mario lopez and eva mendes haven't ever been in a blockbuster. get over it or take some acting classes
Those sound like the demos for the US.
Re: uncle eldon – Too bad the native americans didn't feel that way when they saw the europeans coming. LOL. Some of you people are always crying for others to get out of the country, when it wasn't yours to begin with. Dumb shit.
Re: ba-buttons – If you really think Affirmative Action is that prevalent, you're fucking dumb! It only applies to very few agencies.
you dont need diversity, you cant hire someone just cos their a minority, but are shit at acting..
WE NEED MORE OUT LESBIAN ACTRESSES TOO! STAND UP AND BE PROUD LADIES!
Re: annajane1 – Exactly!!!
and
Re: jaybulls – good effin point.
Re: BlackGaySocialite –
really how could you say that….we minorites will always be just that minority…..wow grow up
Re: cookereh – Re: BlackGaySocialite –
wow!!! you are a rude person…I am sick of looking at movies that don't relate to me…..I hate people like you
Re: Keonli –
thank you…yes it is…and we do need more color on tv…white people are not the only people who watch tv or pay for movies.
Re: annajane1 –
I don't know ms. blonde girl……why don't you tell us
I'd pay good money to keep Philipinos off of T.V. So far, so good…
Advocates of "diversity" claim it will teach people to tolerate and celebrate their differences. But the "differences" they have in mind are (mostly) racial differences, which means we're being urged to glorify race, which means we're being asked to institutionalize separatism. "Racial identity" erects an unbridgeable gulf between people, as though they were different species, with nothing fundamental in common. If that were true—if "racial identity" determined one's values and thinking methods—there would be no possibility for understanding or cooperation among people of different races. Please, Mr. Hilton, stop advocating for this kind of "diversity" and open a book so you can understand better how to unite people as opposed to all the PC crap I see on this site and many others.
Re: Johnsonbrewster – APPLAUSE!
I am Asian and an actress. MAKE ME FAMOUS PEREZ!
Re: lilacfunk – Actually, Adam Beach played a detective on SVU. It was in no way derogatory.
That's because the jews control Hollywood.
My God, Perez. Are you serious. Can't you see that it's what is selling today. It has nothing to do with minority. its about what the market wants. Don't force what people don't want to see. It is not that whites are segregating the minorities, its just not what is selling right now. Can't we just all live on a level playing field and not be concerned about whites, blacks, Muslims, angelic, Jewish, etc? Come on, let it go.
Re: ap076 – Thanks for the info provided here, it really brought some things to light for me. My default is sometimes to not do my research and go with my liberal side (I also have some conservative views). I did learn that Hispanics are the fastest growing race/demographic but way off from whites. Boy I was really drinking the liberal Kool aid thinking we would mostly be latino in a few decades.
Interesting thing I did find out is that I live in the 10th densest by area size/population. That is Beacon Hill/Back Bay Boston. 7 of the 10 are in NY/NJ.
I don;t even care about the lack of minority thing but im sooooo annoyed that minorities are always complete sterotypes, like african americans are ghetto with shitloads of ghetto problems, like in tyler perry movies. Latinos talk like they are ALWAYS from the hood, like rosie perez. Asian and Indian have the most ridiculous accident and are always every joke. What about casting minorities as somthing successful, like they do with caucasian actors? House does it perfectly…
step up the diversity? how about, work hard and earn your own success. why should you be handed something because you are a minority? stop fucking expecting hand outs you lazy bastards.
I don't get your races concept, it's stupid, we only have 3 basic races, African, Caucasian (Mediterranean, Northern European, Slavic, middle East, Hindu) and Asian (Mongoloid, which includes the Amerindian), divide like that, 'Latinos' that have Amerindian roots should be called Mestizo not Latino, you are using a word and a concept that comes from Italy and that by the time of the empires was an ethnicity in Europe, not people that are from South.A. and have mix the blood with natives. And this t.v. things is so marketing made, if people didn't like to watch 'white Americans' they wouldn't cast them.
And yes, if they cannot act for sh!t why bother talking racism. Is like the perfect excuse for everything!!! annoys me, Is unfair to the ones that are doing well.
Alright, these figures to reflect that of the U.S. population, but remember, that shouldn't be the end of it - minorities are not getting a fair proportional amount of LEAD roles as whites - that's still a big difference. It really isn't progress right if blacks and latinos are still playing gang-bangers and asians as store clerks? One other thing, a lot of people put up a color-blind argument, stating as long as they are talented enough they should get roles, not just because they are a racial minority. In a perfect world, that would be true. But in a still racist country and an institutionalize discriminatory industry like hollywood against people of color, we do indeed need to make an effort of getting minorities fairer roles. You know what I'm saying? Whites weren't the most talented starting off either, but they had a hundred years to perfect their craft. It's going to take a little while too for everyone else to catch up. Last thing, sure a minority isn't going to get the role of a white family, but i mean, thats only an issue if we keep making shows just about white families… lets change it up - just think about it when you're watching TV, how many of these even secondary characters could have been played by a person of color and it wouldn't effect the storyline? SO MANY! okay, im done.
Ok, ok, lets clear some things up: In the US, Latinos represent the highest MINORITY group in the US, around 14% - in 40 years from now, they will STILL be the highest MINORITY group. They will NOT outnumber whites, what will outnumber whites is ALL minorities put together. As in 49% = whites, 51% = everyone else. Okay? Get it? There will still be more white people, so calm down.
but…. in asia they make asian movies? in india they make indian movies? in america, asians watch asian movies as well as american movies? so…. what's the issue? that we need to see asians, indians, and americans all in the one film? but…. that might water down all the unique cultural aspects of the films from their different regions that makes them so special? isn't "diversity" just a way of diluting and destroying culture by intermingling it and overcooking it like two day old stew? and isn't it more important from an evolutionary perspective to nurture and encourage true diversity? isn't that why we have a 'foreign" section at the video store? so that we can appreciate and enjoy other cultures for what they are without needing to interfere in their business - let people make whatever movies they want! perez, this article is too p.c even for me!
My God, please! DO NOT start with this. Begging for favors. That is so pathetic. If a person has talent, so be it. Don't push yourselves on others. Pathetic.
movies are a purely commerical activity - they're not propaganda - or at least they shouldn't be!
When I first read this post my initial reaction was similar to many other posters. I thought that the numbers seemed reasonable because of the demographical break up of race in the U.S. I gave it a little more thought and changed my mind. Basically saying that these numbers are appropriate because of the the demographics of the country is saying that because these people are the minorities then they only deserve a minority share. We need to stop looking at race the way we have. Many of the commenters seem to have this 'we have given them enough why don't they shut up' attitude about minorities. What would be wrong with having more black or latino actors on t.v than white actors? What would the harm be? I think it is all about fear. White males have the power, they have always had the power, and they are terrified of losing it. So any little advancement in equality or even simple discussions about race causes anger and resistance. In a perfect world everyone would get what they deserve based on merit alone, but we do not live in that world. We live in a world where sex, class, and race, play a part in the legacy you leave.
Re: Lovely_Earth –
I don't know what TV shows you've been watching, Lovely Earth. But every time I see a character who is a judge or a teacher or a guidance counselor or a school principal or a college dean—or anyone who represents wisdom and authority and imparts sensible advice to a bunch of dopey (usually white) school kids—he or she is inevitably played by a black actor or actress. It's the same with doctor and lawyer characters—and it always looks incredibly contrived. Networks seem to have gone ridiculously out of their way to reverse those old stereotypical portrayals, and don't stop even when it starts to look silly.
In the meantime, every time I see an ad for one of those home-security services, the burglar breaking into the screaming woman's house is always a handsome, clean-cut, 35-year-old white yuppie guy!
not sad at all
perez ur so right, there really should be more roles for ppl of color, when I go outside I see all types of races but when i turn on the tv the screen is full of white ppl, its not realistic, no wonder why the worlds standard of beauty is so fcked up, blonde hair and blue eyes isnt the only thing considered beautiful!
@Uncle Eldon — You're the dumbest white trash idiot I've ever met! It's because of people like you that racism even exists! Get off your old fat-ass and stop looking at little kiddies on the internet!
I am as brown as they come and my understanding is a bit broader now.
It's Part economics, Part racism and Part lack of vision from the Latinos who do have outlets.
1. Economics films are made to sell to the majority so as to maximize the profits simple..
You want to be in a movie? Make your own dam movies. What's that? You don't know how and you are not a director?
2. Racism yes it is still out there folks, I know first hand of people who were turned down because of their race. In an ideal world the talent and skills would prevail and it is gratifying to see that some people do thing that way.
Things however work differently, why would someone in power want to give their power away?
3. Latinos that have already succeeded should just as Robert Rodriguez did, become leaders in their fields. All the crying is bull in my opinion. Same goes for other races no mote baby shhhh
Well then effin learn or shut the hell up haha…Compared to other times in history this is cake, information is free for all, the tools are powerful and the outlets are abundant.
This is what I preach in real life… some of my best friends are white and they get the same earful because they have to compete just the same with other whites. Granted they will have better odds if they walk in a room full of whites but that is the reality.
continued…I love Asian people too
We need more of them and Native Americans without the Bow and Arrow. Twilight New Moon!
Eva is a good example of doing positive things with her success. Those of you saying she should go back to her country, she is in her country, She was born in Texas
Yeah, pretty fing pathetic that most likely THEM/OR their forefathers never fought in any of AMERICAS wars for independance too!
Re: A Noun – YES! tHANK YOU!!
Re: Chris J – tHEN THEY NEED TO GO TO THEIR HOMELAND AND SEE HOW MANY ROLES GO TO LOW TALENT CRONES.
I am sure that if you actually go to Latin America or an Asian Pacific Island you will find no shortage of native actors and actresses…why is the USA the only country that feels it has to be so damn accomidating? I'm not saying I'm against diversity…this is a country of immigrants…but I don't feel let down if if there is an uneven percentage. They are called minorities for a reason. If they don't want to be minorities…then go back to where you a majority…duh.
Re: Will you Marry me David Muir? – "Yeah, pretty fing pathetic that most likely THEM/OR their forefathers never fought in any of AMERICAS wars for independance too! "
Well, neither did you and right now there are plenty of Latinos in the Armed forces fighting for you and I.
Re: nealyfish – I understand what you are saying but you are forgetting that we are speaking about Americans.
Now since everyone is so mathematically correct, wouldn't it be more appropriate if every single movie had the proper percentage of race according to your statistics?…
These shows are being made in the US, where the population is nearly identical to those figures. The US is 74% Caucasian, 14% Latino or Hispanic, 13% African American, 4% Asian, 0.6% Native American. The only figure that doesn't match up is the Latino and Hispanic population, by around 7%.
Re: uncle eldon – You're disgusting. Eva Longoria was born in the US, not Mexico.
Re: buck – Because the conservatives are full of diversity? You're a moron if you think this is due to the "liberal media". Re: miss chloe – You're right.
A lot of BNP members in the UK are on benefits that claim immigrants are "stealing" their jobs, when in fact these BNP members would never get off their lazy asses and actually get jobs.
Re: Isabella – No, it really wasn't.
Re: ylanaty – That's exactly right. The immigrants I've met are all very hard working and not free loaders. It's the free loaders that bitch about immigrants, because they think more immigrants means their welfare and benefits will diminish. They also don't realise that legal immigrants must prove they can afford to live in the country before they're allowed and aren't entitled to welfare, and illegal immigrants definitely aren't entitled to welfare. I'm an immigrant in the UK and I couldn't get benefits even if I wanted them.
America was founded by immigrants, and if anyone is entitled to bitch, it's the Native Americans.
Re: uncle eldon – "Secure the borders" and deport these welfare freeloaders! Eva should go back to her home in Mexico and maybe find some Spanish speaking soap work! Nobody wants to watch whining foreign freeloaders that shouldnt be in this country in the first place! "
Are you for reals? You know I just read a report that about 70% of white Americans believe most Latinos are Illegals. Maybe it was less..either way it was a very high number.
It seems as you are one of those people, now let me explain something to you.
Even if the US was 100% white you would still need to compete for a job and anything else you want in life. If you are not happy in your life, it would not change. Happiness come from within stop blaming everyone else.
go to any small ag town in california and you will get all the diversity you want,you'll also catch something from the public bathrooms because those dirty diverse pigs dont flush their soiled tp or wash their hands after using the facilities…and dont even eat the mobile cooked food..ugh,thats just asking for salmonella poisoning…..racist? no…realist? yes.
There is a solution to this problem. There needs to be more minority screenwriters, directors, producers, and many more needs to start owning their own production companies. Tyler Perry's films are always blockbuster hits. He always cast minorites in his films. Diablo Cody decided to cast mostly women in her movie, "Jennifer's Body." Remember this America, "The best way to predict the future is to create it!"
wat about middle eastern people!! this is bullshit
Re: uncle eldon –
Eva Longoria was born in the US. Get your facts straight. Are you jealous that this beautiful Hispanic actress is way more successful than a hillbilly like you who hasn't left his trailer park?????