Will Smith

Will Smith, a giant in the world of TV, Film and maybe less so music. His catalogue of accomplishments speaks volumes and there is no doubt that he will go down as on of the best and well rounded actors of all times. Emphasis on the word "actor"  not "black actor". The reason I put emphasis on this is because even til now, African-Americans have found it difficult to shake of the tag of "black" and just be known as simply a star in their profession. This may not all together be too important as the recognition is still there, however this tag highlights a distinct lack of progress for African Americans and blacks even today in crossing over that barrier.

An article by Lorrie Palmer examines this concept particularly pertaining to the career of Will Smith and how he is able to appeal to all factions of society. He looks at two pictures of Will Smith and 3 other African-American men, in order to look at the sexual symbolism portrayed in the pictures. In doing so I presume he is able to look at the appeal of Smith's photos in comparison with the other's who are not said to have "crossed over" racial barriers. Similarly the author also notes that reactions from men and women were recorded to Smith's nude scenes in  Irobot In this way it is possible to examine his appeal to those outside the African-Caribbean society which is relatable to his ability to "transcend race".  I think it is also noteworthy that many members of the black community have achieved this sensation known as cross over, Usain Bolt being another example, however extents are paramount in this ongoing discussion and the extent to his transcendence is on a much lower level than that of Will Smith although he is also a mega star in his profession. Time is a fundamental aid to this, and is therefore clearly essential in becoming appealing to all segments of the population.

I'd like to finish my blog on a particular note. Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino is a actor/comedian/rapper whose career very much began like Will Smith and he said something very interesting about how they maintain Smith's ability to cross over race. He says "The reason they say I'm nothin' what they seen or heard, is the same reason Will Smith always opposite latino girls" essentially the message he is sending  is that if Will Smith is in a movie with a black girl, it’ll be “too black” and alienate white audiences however putting him with a white girl is threatening to white audiences and he risks losing his fan base. Latina therefore is just right in order to maintain this balance. Many take this comment as animosity towards Smith and the fact that his career, although promising did not reach the same trajectory as the former. Similarly, I'm sure that those reading this will be confused as to Donald Glover is....... well I guessed he hasn't "crossed over" then.









Velvet Light Trap: A Critical Journal of Film & Television. Spring2011, Issue 67, p28-40. 13p.