We all remember hearing the phrase, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” growing up. For those of who don’t, it was a basic principle used to get people in the habit of recycling products (i.e. paper, plastic & glass) not just for repeated use, but for a healthier environment. Obvious explanation right!? Over the years of my ever so young life, this phrase has come to reflect not just the Pepsi bottles, but so many other things; things like “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Music or Lyrics”, and for some people, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Men & Women.” More recently, I’ve noticed what seems like Hollywood’s role to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle minority actors and actresses.

You ask what stemmed this reflection? The recent March cover issue of “Vanity Fair” magazine titled, “A New Decade a New Hollywood: Starring the Fresh Faces of 2010.”

Really? They are all white women! Don’t get me wrong, they are all talented actresses, but where is the diversity? Where is Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), Zoe Saldona (Star Trek, Avatar), Frieda Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), just to name a few! The bigger question is, if this is considered up and coming for young Hollywood, where are the roles for minorities?

Where are minorities represented in Hollywood? Where do they fit? And when will the door open for new talent? I am tired of seeing movies with the same actors, especially in African-American films. Don’t get me wrong, these people are great at their craft, some better than others. And some, well, yeah you get the idea. We are reducing opportunities, by reusing and recycling talent. Unveil some new faces and while we are at it, let us construct some new roles.

Not only are minorities lacking in movies, but also primetime TV. There are a select shows that have their “token” Asian, Latino, Indian or African American receiving typical roles as drug dealers, killers, terrorist, martial artists, etc. In actuality, the only time I see minorities in key positions on mainstream television are in news programs. However, in that same sentence, I have to then narrow that category to local news. How about I narrow the scope even more and just say local urban dominated cities. I will give CNN some slack, though. There is a substantial presence of diversity on their news team, on- and off-air! Not just contributors! So Kudos!

I am not one to sit and complain about who I see and where I’m seeing them. I am just tired of the unjust material that is suppose to represent me. Will minorities ever be considered equal? Will we continue to search for our place in America? This is supposed to be the land of opportunity. It is about time those opportunities begin knocking on our doors!

Nicci