Monday, 2/24/97
‘Beloved’ African American voice deserves respectFILM:
Letter expresses concern over choice of white writer, director
for Toni Morrison’s novel
By Aisha Davis
The following letter was sent to Oprah Winfrey:
I am a young, adult African American who lives in Los Angeles,
Calif. I have completed one year at the University of California,
Los Angeles, which has a small but striving African American
presence on campus. Living in the city of Hollywood stars gives us
the opportunity to hear the latest details about entertainers and
movies.
I would like to say that you are well respected and loved by
most young people, especially African Americans. Since you are the
highest paid entertainer and the most successful talk-show host, I
know that the road to success has not been an easy one. I know that
you have had to rely on your white counterparts for validation at
times. I’m sure that you have been disrespected and your talents
have been at times taken for granted. I am sure that executives
have second-guessed your opinions, as well as your actions. For
these reasons, it is refreshing to see an African American woman
controlling her career and making her own way. By starting and
owning your own film company you are continuing to change people’s
minds and give African Americans a voice.
The African American voice is something that is rarely heard and
respected in this country. For our stories to be heard we must ask
white executives to allow us to speak to the masses. Your company
is a step in allowing all groups to speak about their experience
without the distortion of the "white mind." Because I hope and
believe this is one of the motives of your company, I am deeply
disappointed and hurt.
I was informed recently that you will be producing and starring
in the film version of Toni Morrison’s "Beloved". As you well know,
this book explores one of the many stories of the black experience
in America. This book looks at the pain that white America has
caused the black family. This book explores the pain of racism and
how we as black people must heal from the pain. This book is about
the black family.
The black family is the most resilient and powerful thing I have
experienced thus far in my life. When I look at my family I can see
parts of "Beloved," which is about being triumphant over the pain.
I am blessed to have read it. I am blessed that the gifted Toni
Morrison wrote it. I felt blessed that another spiritual and
uplifting black woman would bring this African American voice to
the screen.
Hollywood’s hotline of news and information has revealed that
you have sought the talents of two white men to write and direct
"Beloved." I know that you have your reasons for choosing these
gentlemen. I ask you to STOP! The last thing African Americans need
or want is another African American story being told through the
eyes of a white director. "Beloved" deserves a director and writer
filled with passion for this project; someone who has seen the pain
and lived the pain of being an African American in this country.
Sethe, Denver, Beloved, Paul D, Baby Suggs and the other characters
of the book deserve love, understanding and attention. I know that
the men you have chosen are talented, but "Beloved" is not
"Philadelphia" or the "Bridges of Madison County." Granted, those
pictures are about the human experience, but "Beloved" is about
more than the human experience. It is about the black experience in
white America. It is my experience. It is my mother’s experience.
It is my grandmother’s experience. It is my people’s
experience.
Martin Scorsese turned down the opportunity to direct
"Schindler’s List" because it was a story that he knew he shouldn’t
direct. Not because he didn’t respect the story. He turned it down
because it was a Jewish experience that would best be told through
the eyes of someone who was connected with the project; someone
whose ancestors had been victims of the Holocaust. Look at all the
amazing things that have come out of Steven Spielberg directing the
picture. Holocaust survivors have recorded their stories by the
thousands. Remembering and sharing the experience has allowed
people to move on and to heal.
If there is anything African Americans need to do, it is to
heal. Both African Americans young and old need to heal. We need to
remember. We need to share. We need to tell our own stories. I am
asking you to help us to heal.
I know that you might say that "The Color Purple" was directed
by Steven Spielberg and it was loved by some (excluding the NAACP).
That was 13 years ago. What kind of message does it send if black
people can’t tell their own stories 13 years later. I love "The
Color Purple." I grew up watching it at least once a month. I am
proud of "The Color Purple," but that time has passed.
I can be honest with you and say that black people do not want
to see their experience through the eyes of white people any
longer. It is a new time. The days of "Roots" and "The Color
Purple" have passed. It is time for "Rosewood" (directed by John
Singleton), and it is time for "Beloved." If this movie is about
African Americans and for African Americans, then you will listen
and think about this project. If this movie is for white America
and only white America, then you may continue on schedule.
Black people are still reaching for independence. I ask that you
would set the black voice free. Free to speak. Free to sing. Free
to praise God. I am asking that you would not proceed with the
making of this film until you have looked at all the possibilities.
Please find a black director and writer for this film. I know what
I am asking you to do. I realize that you have plans for Harpo
Films and your own acting career, but please do not put these goals
before the message. I think that if you take the time to look at
the situation you will realize that this in not the way.
Through you, an African American voice has been heard for 11
years. I ask that you give your people the chance and opportunity
to see their authentic self. You have helped so many causes by
listening to your heart and knowing your authentic self. Let your
people be a part of the experience of making this film. If you
don’t give black people a chance, who will?
I want to gather my family to go to the movies. I want us to be
proud that black people gathered to make this story come to life. I
want to watch "Beloved" on video over and over. I want to see my
people on the big screen. I want to hear the voice of my
people.