#PTAHSoBLACK

     

 With the "Oscars" in two days, I decided to re-focus on all the craze surrounding the "Blackout" concept from the awards show. And I have varied theories which may come from a different perspective from others (I think).

After re-watching Jada Pinkett Smith's video on (the MLK birthday) and watching the response afterwards, I am never baffled by the controlled media as they are the one's whom sparked the controversy of the "Oscar boycott". They are also the crew that placed this term on the shoulders of Jada and then Spike Lee (who also stated that he was not attending the event as well). And they also probably created the  tag "Oscar So White" for Social Media buzz. However, neither ever stated a "Boycott" regarding the event. Lee stated that he had tickets to a Knicks game that night and he would be in attendance there. Jada only stated that the Black culture only take our resources to PRODUCE our own projects (it seems) that "are Just as good as the mainstream ones". She then stated the she wouldn't be there nor would she watch the event and the word "Boycott" was never uttered...

The media started this as with most things.

There are some that believe that maybe Will Smith wasn't strong enough for a nomination. Some thought Smith's accent wasn't on point and there are others whom simply don't care for him no matter what film he's in. I only wished, the young new actor, Abraham Attah ("Beast of No Nation") should've definitely got recognized (his scene at the end of the film alone said so much for me, personally). I would've love to have seen Attah steal the award from a Leo (whom everyone seems to think it's his year)... But I have to wake up to a reality that's so Old School that it's actually "Old".

Now with the earlier mentioned by Jada, being the initiator of the conversation, many will look to her and/or Will as "the person(s)" to lead the charge for this change (outside of Black people simply leading the charge for themselves). And the when the "Oscar" season comes around again (2017) will this conversation will be brought up again?

And "Where will we be with this movement"?

Will Blacks produce shows of QUALITY or at least be in the process of doing so?

What will be "The Smiths" part in this process???

I have another theory.

What if Smith's exclusion from the nominations are purely based on idea of "karma"?

When I watched the film "Concussion", I immediately wondered why the actor, Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje ("Wally") whom portrayed the character, "Dave Duerson" was not cast as the lead
 (Dr. Omalu)? He is of Nigerian descent (as Omalu) and this would make a great transition for him from character actor into a leading man status. I am aware that Smith did not produce this film but we know that he does have "some" influence in a production.
Keep in mind that we have seen many films where the film is promoted with the more popular actor as a lead in the trailer and then you see the film and it's not what you may expect ("The Inglorious Bastards"). And in this instance, you may still like the film, regardless. It may have been a better idea for him to play a smaller part and push Adewale's acting journey in a bit of career reciprocity. And I do understand that Studios use popular talent in order to get their projects into production which is based on the mythos of Box office numbers.

Smith's career is in no way hurting, despite some of his lackluster Box office returns from some of the latest films (including "Concussion").

What happens when you have an authentic Nigerian in this role? (as well as a breath of "Fresh air" in cinema).

And hence my theory of "Karma" comes into play. There are a number of actors who have a segment of success and have not given back in terms of launching Black careers within the industry. They get into a position of some power only to turn out projects for Themselves. 

2002: Halle Berry wins "Best Actress" award and mentions Jada and Vivica Fox. Right after the win Berry was to produce and star in a Remake of the 70s film "Foxy Brown".

Idea: What happens if Berry produces "Foxy Brown" with Vivica Fox as the lead?
That concept markets itself and elevates another career. Keep in mind at this point Berry is red hot even after making "Catwoman". Often when you've got that much heat you can release a blank DVD and it would sell. So Vivica would've come off of the heat she had on the "Kill Bill" films right into a hopefully successful "Foxy Brown" film.

Now there are of course some actors (that I can recall) who are excluded from this conversation would be Denzel Washington as he utilizes his directing skill set to put the spotlight on a number of careers (Derek Luke, Nate Parker, Joy Bryant). And Mehki Phifer, whom produced a number of films
("This Christmas",,"Nora's Hair Salon 2") both actors had no problem playing co-stars and not the leads...
And Jamie Foxx to that list although his recent television projects never got off the ground on TV but he's made attempts to push other careers through produced content...

And I can't leave off Tyler Perry, whom consistently employs Black actors and film crew as well from the beginning.

But like I mentioned, this is just MY "Theory of Reciprocity" which could be a factor as to why some don't get the recognition that they Crave. And of course, one could state Racism, white supremacy but sometimes, we hurt ourselves when we don't give back to your own culture (within the industry). 

This leads me back to Jada and Will, being the initiators of the conversation... "the person(s)" to lead the charge for this change....

Question 1: Are they now just realizing that they have to share the pie within our culture instead of looking to sit at the table with the "mainstream"?
They produced one black show, for actor Duane Martin (All of Us in 2003)

and a few Black themed films that neither starred in (The Secret Lives of Bees, The Karate Kid, ATL). I don't count "Annie" because most of that cast already have careers... somewhat. Nor will I include the projects for Duane Martin as he is Smith's best friend which is like family so... 

Question 2: Are "The Smith's" even aware that people will be checking for them come next "Oscar" session regarding progress? And will there be a transference of the dialogue where Jada back tracks " I meant for Everyone to pull their resources"

Question 3: Is anyone realizing that "Oscar" doesn't necessarily mean better films or higher box office?

I offer another recent example with the Jennifer Lopez produced cop series, "Shades of Blue". Lopez is the lead in the midst in police corruption. Although she's really good in the role, I find myself paying attention to Drea de Mateo who portrays her fellow detective. I kept thinking why not let Mateo be the lead or cast Dasha Polanco or Selenis Leyva in that role. Lopez could've taken the 2nd female lead (played by Mateo) as her character also has some depth and good dialogue.

So sometimes, I think the idea of paying it forward may create universal energies that come back in spades for some. But again this just one person's opinion thinking outside of the box of

And in closing, there's no doubt in my mind that the concept art of the "Oscars" statue is a straight rip from the the image of the African, Egyptian ancient deity, PTAH. The similarities are too striking, I'm not surprised in the slightest as much of "Black or Brown" culture has been bitten off of for years. He's know to be the Primal Creator, the first of all the Neteru (godz), creator of the world and all that's in it. For a Brown culture to be seeking acceptance from the "Mainstream" culture that's stealing it's concepts from the "Original" Brown culture is quite a psychological mind fuck.

Hence these Egyptian flick rips "Gods of Egypt" & "Exodus"... another story for another time folks...