Idris Elba HITS BACK at being criticized for not wanting to call himself a 'black actor'

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Snapshot of article (Link below)

The Luther star, 50, who is of Ghanaian and Sierra Leone Creole heritage, sparked a social media backlash when he detailed how he thought the 'black actor' label put him in a 'box', and that an 'obsession' with race can hinder aspirations and growth

He said: 'Me saying I don’t like to call myself a Black actor is my prerogative. That’s me, not you. So for you to turn around and say to me, I’m "denying my Blackness".

'On what grounds? Did you hear that? Where am I denying it? And what for? It’s just stupid. Whatever.'

In his February interview, The Wire star continued that while he is a member of the Black community, he doesn't put the emphasis on this when it comes to his career.

Idris explained to the publication that his choice to be an actor wasn't because the lack of diversity in the profession, but because it was a career he felt he would thrive in.



'As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first Black to do this or that,' He continued.

'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.'

Idris Elba discusses criticism over 'black actor' comments

Idris Elba has hit back after facing mass criticism last month for revealing that he no longer describes himself as a 'black actor'.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[chemist]

He's not a Black american so it doesn't matter what he calls himself.

 

[MistaPhantastic]

I understand what he is saying.
Social media has made representation too much of a priority.
His journey as an actor is his, not that of the whole black race. Its almost like they remove his identity when they ask things like that.
They would never ask a white actor "how does it feel to be the first white________"