THE STORY COMES FIRST

The movies we watch and the books we read are far too concerned with political correctness, to the point that they make it a priority over a decent story.

I understand the desire to be inclusive. As a black person I can tell you it means a great deal to audiences of colour not to have the one character that represents us die at the beginning of the movie for once, as well as having films that shine a light on racism. But do we really need to be reminded every few seconds that Johnny is a strong black man struggling due to the effects of systemic oppression even if it in no way contributes to the story?

Is there a need to take white characters and have black actors play them such as Halle Bailey in the new Little Mermaid movie? Why not create a bad-ass character in the likeness of, let’s say, James Bond who happens to be black? Surely that surpasses simply black-washing white characters.

If political correctness doesn’t contribute to the story then I can assure you audiences can do without it. AKAHLULWA RADANA, GQEBERHA