Why there's So Much Forced Diversity in Period Dramas

The debate around diversity in period dramas continues to evolve, often highlighting the intense scrutiny placed on casting decisions. Why, one may ask, are there so many forced diversity initiatives, especially in settings like the Regency Era or the French Revolution, where all characters should naturally be white? The question becomes even more perplexing when one considers the predominantly white composition of the top studios, directors, and actors. This article delves into the nature of racial perceptions, their impact on casting choices, and the underlying hypocrisy within American society.

The Hypocrisy of Racial Perceptions

The inconsistency and absurdity of racial categorization have long been the subject of scrutiny, and American society is no stranger to this critique. The concept of 'race' is subtly manipulated and often contradictory. A good example is the confusion and outright disbelief that racists, throughout history, have never categorized the Jewish people as 'white.' Yet, a significant portion of the US government, corporate leadership, and Hollywood elite is of Jewish descent. In the same breath, it is argued that Hollywood predominantly features white actors and directors, yet the truth is that most top studios and directors, as well as many actors, are indeed of Jewish heritage. This dichotomy creates a complex and confusing narrative about 'whiteness' in the United States.

For a non-American, such as the author, who has dual US and German citizenship, the confusion is compounded. The emphasis on race and ethnicity in the US is something that is observed but not entirely understood. Non-Americans generally use nationality to describe people, which is in stark contrast to the American tendency to use color or ethnicity as a primary descriptor, such as 'my Asian friend' or 'my black wife.' This highlights the uniqueness of how the US perceives and categorizes people's identities.

The Invention of Terms and their Misuse

One of the key points of debate revolves around the terms 'minority,' 'POC (People of Color),' and 'color,' which are terms invented in the United States. The logic behind these terms is rooted in the inversion of racial hierarchies where Caucasians are considered minorities themselves. This is misleading, as Caucasians represent just 7.5% of the global population of 8 billion individuals. Asian populations are overwhelmingly larger, with Indians and Arabs coming in as the second largest, followed by Africans. The term 'People of Color' is outdated and problematic, serving to further divide and categorize rather than unite.

Moreover, the racial categorization in the United States extends to health data collection, where race is used to track health statistics. This practice is unnecessary and extremely problematic, as health can be influenced by a myriad of factors beyond race, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. The labels 'color,' 'race,' and 'minority' politicize identity in ways that obscure the true diversity of the world's population.

The Reality of Racial Prejudice

Despite the rhetoric of equality and inclusion, racial prejudice in the United States is far from dead. The concept of 'majority-minority states' is not only misleading but also a result of systemic biases. In US states like Hawaii, for instance, whites are in the minority while Asians are the majority. However, the United States still grapples with racial tensions and discrimination in various sectors, including media, corporate America, and politics. The push for diversity is not just about representing different racial groups but also about addressing systemic inequalities that continue to affect minority groups.

As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, the term 'Caucasian' is expected to become obsolete in coming years, reflecting the changing demographics. This shift will inevitably lead to a reevaluation of racial terminology and the way society categorizes people based on their skin color or ethnicity.

Conclusion

The debate over forced diversity in period dramas is a reflection of the broader issue of racial perceptions and terminology in American society. The inconsistency and absurdity of racial categorization highlight the need for a more nuanced and equitable approach to diversity and inclusion. As the United States evolves, particularly in terms of race and ethnicity, it is crucial to reassess and challenge the outdated and misleading terms that continue to perpetuate divisions and misunderstandings.