For many years, blacks were given subservient acting roles; they were clowns, maids, butlers, airheads, and comic relief. Then, finally, Hollywood cast them as adult children who had no confidence, no education, no work ethic, and courage during their early years. The media and the entertainment industry are responsible for numerous negative stereotypes that plagued black America for many years. Black actors and actresses were not cast as positive role models for black children during the early television and movie years. Blacks were not in wholesome, family-oriented programs. Discrimination in the movie industry hindered blacks from being recognized as great actors and actresses. Today, Black entertainers are some of the most admired icons in the black community. They are like athletes; they are looked at as those who beat the system. Many young people look at black entertainers as being role models. They seek to become well-known actors’ actresses’ singers’ and writers in Hollywood producers. In addition, many blacks view the entertainment field as a way out of poverty to build generational wealth for their friends and family. For many years blacks were given subservient acting roles; they were clowns, maids, butlers, airheads, and comic relief. They were cast as adult children who had no confidence, no education, no work ethic, and no courage during the early years. The media and the entertainment industry are responsible for numerous negative stereotypes that plagued black America for many years. Black actors and actresses were not cast as positive role models for black children during the early television and movie years. Blacks were not released into wholesome, family-oriented programs. Discrimination in the movie industry hindered blacks from being recognized as great actors and actresses. The academy award industry ignored the contributions of blacks. However, they did recognize Hattie McDaniel as the best-supporting actress in the “Gone with the Wind” saga, and Sidney Poitier was the first black actor to win an Oscar for the Best Actor; these were great honors, but in many ways, the academy overlooked the genius of many black actors and actress. The Eddie Murphy’s and the Martin Lawrence’s of the world have been ignored, although they bring a range of acting unmatched in entertainment, comic relief, and creativity. Over the years, the Academy Awards have recognized black actors and actresses such as Denzel Washington and Halle Berry. They were the few people of color awarded an Oscar for best actor and actress. Academy Awards are real honors, but they have not done justice to numerous actors of color. Award ceremonies such as the Black Entertainment Television Network awards, NAACP Images Awards, and black sponsored Ebony Awards were established to give proper honor to black actors and actresses. Racial and Cultural differences have not been bridged in the entertainment world, where persons from different cultural backgrounds and race groups receive fair, objective treatment in being honored or recognized for their true talents or skills. (Source: 12 Academy Award Winning Black Actors.html)