We are the world

By finally embracing inclusivity, the universe of films is poised at the precipice of some very exciting changes

The recently released Marvel film, Eternals grossed more than $400 million worldwide and gave muchneeded respite to cinemas around the world. What this film may also have achieved is a highly diverse cast and crew for a quintessentially White American fable. Helmed by Chinese director Chloe Zhao, fresh from her Oscar-winning film Nomadland last year, the film had Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, Kunal Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, all actors of colour, in pivotal roles.

Brian is also shown as happily married to a man and raising a daughter. Gender diversity, race diversity, LGBTQ representation in cinema—it all seems to be heading in the right direction.

But it has taken Hollywood decades to shed stereotypes and embrace inclusivity.

Circa 1939, Hattie Mcdaniel played a maid in the multiple-award-winning film, Gon e With The Wind. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, the first Africanamerican actor to win this. But it was presented to her at a segregated ceremony.

In the 1961 super hit Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Mr Yunisho’s accent was exaggerated to mock Japanese people. The same stereotype was portrayed by Appu in The Simpsons. This enraged Indians all over the world and finally resulted in the network apologising, and Hank Azaria withdrawing from voicing the famous character.

History has been full of such stereotypes: Black men as thugs, Asians as nerds and Latinos as drug dealers. But we seem to be on the cusp of a transformation.

In the year 2000, the first big screen adaptation of the popular TV series Charlie's Angels saw the casting of Lucy Liu as Alex.

Gone With The Wind;

The Personal History of David Copperfield

“GENDER DIVERSITY, RACE DIVERSITY, LGBTQ REPRESENTATION IN CINEMA—IT ALL SEEMS TO BE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION” —SANJEEV KUMAR BIJLI