Why Does Hollywood Whitewash Ancient Egypt?

The casting of white actors in the roles of ancient Egyptians has been a long-standing practice in Hollywood. This phenomenon, known as whitewashing, is driven by a combination of historical misinterpretation, marketability, cultural bias, a lack of diversity, creative liberties, and industry trends.

Historical Misinterpretation

A deep-rooted misunderstanding of ancient Egyptian culture and ethnicity has contributed significantly to this issue. Western narratives often fail to accurately depict the historical demographics of ancient Egypt, leading to the casting of actors who do not reflect the true ethnic makeup of the civilization.

Marketability

Studios often prioritize the marketability of films over historical accuracy. The belief that casting well-known white actors can attract a larger audience, especially in Western markets, often overshadows the importance of cultural representation. This perception can lead to the marginalization or misrepresentation of non-Western cultures.

Cultural Bias

There is a historical tendency in Western media to favor Eurocentric narratives and aesthetics. This bias can result in the portrayal of non-Western cultures in a way that is often distorted or lacks authenticity. This marginalization can be seen in the representation of ancient Egyptians, who are often depicted as predominantly white, despite historical evidence suggesting a diverse population.

Lack of Representation

The film industry has historically lacked diversity both in front of and behind the camera. This lack of representation can result in stories being told through a predominantly white lens, further perpetuating the whitewashing of Egyptian history. While efforts have increased recently to address this issue, many filmmakers still prioritize creative interpretation over historical accuracy.

Industry Trends

There is a trend-driven approach in Hollywood where certain styles or casts are favored based on prevailing industry norms. This can result in a focus on authenticity being sidelined in favor of what is perceived as more marketable. For example, the production of the movie Gods: Kings of Egypt faced criticism for its near-total white cast, with one producer stating that all his Egyptian friends are white and all ancient Egyptian slaves were black. This kind of arrogance and ignorance is deeply rooted in the industry and reflects a lack of respect for cultural accuracy.

Historical and Contemporary Context

The whitewashing of ancient Egypt is not only a product of contemporary Hollywood practices but also reflects historical trends. The impact of colonialism on Egypt, particularly European colonization, has influenced the racial makeup of the population today, with a higher percentage of light-skinned people due to European influence. This historical context is often overlooked or misinterpreted in Hollywood depictions.

Conclusion

The whitewashing of ancient Egypt in Hollywood reflects a deeper issue of Eurocentric narratives and the lack of cultural sensitivity in the film industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to promote diverse representation and accurate portrayals of historical cultures. Only through a more inclusive and respectful approach can we achieve a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the past.