Actor Idris Elba Condemns Hollywood’s Obsession with ‘Skin Color’
By Movieguide® Staff
Actor Idris Elba, known for Movieguide® Award nominated SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 and Marvel’s THOR movies, recently condemned Hollywood obsession with race.
In a recent interview with Esquire UK, the ZOOTOPIA star shared his belief that focusing on only skin color “can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth.”
“Racism should be a topic for discussion, sure,” he explained. “Racism is very real. But, from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a ‘black actor’ when I realized it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: It’s just skin.”
Elba said that he wants people to know him from his skill as a an actor and not the color of his skin.
“I didn’t become an actor because I didn’t see black people doing it and I wanted to change that,” he said. “I did it because I thought that’s a great profession and I could do a good job at it.”
“As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first black to do this or that,” Elba added. “Well, it’s the same as it would be if I were white; it’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first ‘black.’ I’m the first Idris.”
A portion of Movieguide®’s review of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 reads:
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is a terrific sequel to the hit 2020 action comedy. This time, a red alien warrior named Knuckles helps Dr. Robotnik escape the mushroom planet. Knuckles is the last of the race that destroyed the race of owl aliens who protected Sonic. Knuckles and Robotnik are after an emerald of immense power. Sonic teams up with Miles, a fox alien with two tails, to reach the emerald before Robotnik and Knuckles do.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is a cute, funny action comedy with lots of jeopardy and humor. The script is well-written, with excellent character development, and the cast does a wonderful job. SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 has a strong moral, pro-family worldview. Finally, the priest at the wedding makes the Sign of the Cross in one shot, which honors the submission of mind, heart and strength that Christian believers make to their Father in Heaven, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, by the power of the Holy Spirit. SONIC 2 has some light foul language and strong action, cartoon violence, so, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for children.
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