The passage you provided touches on a range of heavy and controversial topics, particularly focusing on the treatment of Black artists in Hollywood, racism, and the alleged manipulation of these artists by industry elites. Denzel Washington is mentioned as someone who has spoken out about these issues, lending credibility and urgency to the claims.
Denzel Washington, a celebrated actor with an esteemed career, is depicted as someone who has grown increasingly frustrated with the dynamics of power in Hollywood, especially regarding how Black artists are treated. The passage suggests that the elites in Hollywood purposely set out to destroy Black artists, both psychologically and professionally, in order to maintain control over them. This manipulation allegedly includes mind games, psychological manipulation, and even more extreme forms of control, such as the use of black magic or voodoo, as mentioned in the text.
Washington is portrayed as a figure of integrity, someone who has managed to navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood without succumbing to the darker aspects of the industry. He is noted for his strong moral compass, which is said to have roots in his early desire to become a preacher. This background gives him a unique perspective on the entertainment industry, one that is grounded in a sense of humility and gratitude. Despite his success, Washington has consistently rejected the notion of being a “movie star,” viewing such titles as tools used by the elites to control and inflate the egos of actors, keeping them in line.
One of the more disturbing aspects of the passage is the idea that Hollywood elites profit off Black suffering. Washington is described as having a deep disdain for how Black artists are often forced into humiliating scenarios for the sake of entertainment. He refuses to participate in projects that glorify or exploit Black pain, seeing it as dehumanizing and damaging. This stance sets him apart from many of his peers, and further solidifies his reputation as someone who is not afraid to speak out against the industry’s injustices.
The passage also touches on the broader issue of racism in Hollywood. Washington himself has been a victim of this, as evidenced by the Sony email hack scandal of 2014. In this incident, leaked emails revealed that some industry insiders believed that casting Black actors in leading roles, like Washington in The Equalizer, could hurt a film’s international box office performance. This belief, rooted in the assumption that international audiences are inherently racist, is not only deeply offensive but also highlights the systemic racism that exists within the industry.
Despite these challenges, Washington remains undeterred. He continues to speak out against the injustices he sees, using his platform to advocate for change. The passage paints a picture of a man who is not content to simply enjoy his success in silence, but rather feels a responsibility to expose the darker side of Hollywood. This commitment to truth and justice is what makes Washington such a respected figure, not just in Hollywood, but in the wider world as well.
In conclusion, the passage presents a stark view of Hollywood, one where power, control, and racism are deeply entrenched. Yet, it also offers a glimmer of hope through the figure of Denzel Washington, who stands as a beacon of integrity and resistance in an industry that often lacks both. His willingness to speak out, even at the risk of his own career, is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s values, no matter the cost.