Davis says that Keating (the Shonda Rhimes character she plays) has no predecessors when it comes to portraying a chocolate-complexioned woman with all of the different layers that make women, well, women. Instead, dark-brown actresses are usually typecast as demeaning characters in society.
"But I encourage you to search your memory and think of anyone who's done this," she said. "It just hasn't happened. I hear these stories from friends of mine who are dark-skin actresses who are always being seen as crack addicts and prostitutes."
BRAVE WOMAN, Viola Davis. She risks being called divisive by those dedicated to being colorism blind. READ MORE/VIDEO
http://www.theroot.com/blogs/the_grapevine/2015/06/viola_davis_says_that_the_paperbag_test_and_colorism_are_alive_and_well.html
Interesting exercise?
I wish it was interactive. But in the three side-by-side, black actress graphics below, I have
1) the NETWORTH Ladder
2) COLORISM LADDER (defined by skin tone AND facial features, here)
3)The COLOR Ladder
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| KEY BLACK ACTRESSES on Left of Each Ladder COSBYs on Right of Each Ladder. EXCEPTIONS HIGHLIGHTED RED AND GREEN new actresses in center in yellow |
They are virtually the same, with Angela Bassett being way out of place on both (which is why she is high-lighted in red) Except for Angela Bassett, it's clear that light skin and white features are the key to success in Hollywood and beyond.
COLOR LADDER: When I adjusted positions of the actresses from dark to light, strictly by skin tone, the arrangement of actresses doesn't change much. Success depends a little less heavily on skin lightness. If skin color alone determined your success in Hollywood, Angela Basset and Gabrielle Union would be making less money while Taraji P Henson would be making more. On the Cosby side of the ladder, all things being equal, Lisa Bonet should be making the most money.
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