On March 5, 2021, comedian Chris Rock released his latest stand-up special on Netflix. Titled “Total Blackout: The Tambourine Extended Cut,” the two-hour show featured Rock addressing a number of topics, including his take on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Oscars and its lack of diversity.
The controversy first sparked when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences failed to nominate any actors of color for the top awards for two consecutive years. Hollywood and the public responded with outrage, leading to the formation of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag.
In his special, Rock addressed the issue of selective outrage while taking on the Academy. He stated that while he agreed with the idea of having more diversity in the Oscars, he was also of the opinion that the outrage should not be limited to just the Oscars. He argued that people should be just as concerned about the lack of representation in other areas of the entertainment industry, such as television and film.
Rock also touched upon the idea that the Oscars are just a “performance award” and that it does not necessarily reflect people’s opinions on a person’s talent. He argued that the Oscars do not necessarily reflect the best performances of the year, but rather the most popular ones, which can be swayed heavily by public opinion.
Rock ended on a positive note, noting that the entertainment industry is moving in the right direction. He said that although it may take some time, it is possible to make sure that everyone is represented in the industry. He also called for people to continue pushing for change and to not be discouraged by the slow progress.
Overall, Chris Rock’s “Total Blackout: The Tamborine Extended Cut” was an insightful look into the state of the Oscars and the entertainment industry. Rock’s take on the issue of selective outrage and the need for all people to be represented was both poignant and thought-provoking. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is clear that Rock’s message will continue to remain relevant.