Since the recent traction the Black Lives Matter movement has generated, people's tolerance for racism has been greatly diminished — and it's about time!
Unfortunately for some, this means that certain TV shows that have contained racist themes in the past, are being confronted by cancel culture.
Idris Elba, however, doesn't believe that this is the right approach, and instead, has offered an alternative solution that may work for everyone.
It's everywhere, including movies and TV shows that are, evidently, dated.
Certain episodes of those shows that depict racist themes, including blackface, have called for them to be removed altogether.
The warning that Mad Men has added reads: “This episode contains disturbing images related to race in America."
"In its reliance on historical authenticity, the series producers are committed to exposing the injustices and inequities within our society".
"And who we want to become. We are therefore presenting the original episode in its entirety," it concludes.
He explained that censoring is not the answer.
While Idris does support freedom of speech, he admits that not everything everyone has to say sits right with everyone.
He went on, explaining that in movies and TV shows, the rating system is in place for a reason — parental advisories and trigger warnings exist for a reason.
"We tell you that this particular content is rated U, PG, 15, 18.”
He thinks that viewers have a right to decide what content they choose to digest, and a right to know that there was a time in history where shows like this were allowed to exist.
"But to censor racist themes within a show, to pull it — wait a second, I think viewers should know that people made shows like this."
“Out of respect for the time and the movement, commissioners and archive-holders pulling things they think are exceptionally tone-deaf at this time – fair enough and good for you," he said.
"But I think, moving forward, people should know that freedom of speech is accepted, but the audience should know what they’re getting into.”
He explained that creators, writers, producers, directors, and actors are responsible for bringing stories to life, and they shouldn't be blocked creatively.
Which is a bold statement during these times.
While racism is obviously never okay and should have never been so accepted by society, we can't erase history.
We can only change how things are handled going forward, and so, Idris makes a fair point.
Let us know what you think of Idris Elba's remarks on this in the comments below!
