Idris Elba Doesn’t Want to Be Known as a “Black Actor” and His Reasoning is Right on the Money

Idris Elba said something very thoughtful about the role of race in acting, so naturally, he’s getting dragged through the mud for it.

In a recent interview with Esquire UK, Elba dared to say the following:

“As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth. Racism should be a topic for discussion, sure. Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realised it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: it’s just skin. Rant over.”

Impressive. And Elba continued spitting facts:

“I didn’t become an actor because I didn’t see Black people doing it and I wanted to change that. I did it because I thought that’s a great profession and I could do a good job at it. As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first Black to do this or that. Well, it’s the same as it would be if I were white. It’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first Black. I’m the first Idris.”

I love how he chooses to focus on himself as an individual in his profession, rather than a member of a group. He should be proud of his accomplishments, and I can see how it would be aggravating to be asked how he feels to be the “first black to do XYZ.” I’d want the focus to be on my performance as an individual as well. Don’t we all?

In response to backlash over his logic, Elba went on to Tweet:

As you can imagine, Twitter loveddddd his level, thoughtful statements. And when I say “loved,” I mean they’re dogpiling the man for opening his mouth.

I hope Elba stands his ground. He has nothing to apologize for.