Written and Submitted by Victoria
It’s always so much more fun and intriguing to watch the Oscars when our sisters are nominated and I had the pleasure of being surrounded by many friends and loved ones as we anticipated the oscar announcements for Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress. Needless to say, we were ecstatic when Mo’nique won! She looked stunning, her makeup flawless and she acknowledged our ancestor Hattie McDaniel. Yes! All that to say, I was really proud of her! But of course, there is a lot of criticism and anger! As I read a few other blogs, I read the disappoint that many sisters shared for Mo’nique winning an oscar for a controversial and stereotypical role as an abusive welfare mother. I hear you sisters, that has been the trend with the Oscars. Whenever we have won, it has been for a role that has showcased a marginalized and oppressed figure in our community. There’s just no denying that…but I can’t say that I share in that disdain this time. In my eyes, what the movie Precious did was tell a story that needed to be told! Controversy, rawness and all! That authentic heartbreaking story of the reality of so many young girls and mothers that is often shooed away or told to be kept a secret that no one talks about. Telling the story is so crucial to achieve the healing that’s needed and I believe that Precious, has helped those who have been victims of abusive to become victors over abuse! Thank you Mo’nique for giving your all in this performance! As Mo’nique said, she was able to portray this character so exquisitely because of her own abusive past. She became her abusive brother in order to show the world and expose to those who don’t know that this is what abuse can look like! Mo’nique made you hate her character “Mary” and hate what she did to and allowed her daughter “Precious” to endure. Don’t get me wrong, I’m tired of us always winning for the roles that do not showcase the achievement and triumph of the black community…but in this case the portrayal of this gut-wrenching story needed to be told in its boldness and painful truth.
As for Miss Gabourey Sidibe, the incredible young actress that portrayed and captured the character “Precious,” I couldn’t be more proud of her either. Standing with confidence and poise on the stage of the Oscars! She’s not letting anything stop her! Her role and rise to stardom has given voice to all the young girls who have not had one and when Oprah spoke about her, it brought tears to my eyes too! I hope that this story has stirred the souls of those who watched and made all of us see the utmost importance of not ignoring abuse because that’s a sign of acceptance. This story grabbed abuse by the horns and would not let it go…Well done Gabourey and Mo’nique! Well Done!
I welcome your comments as well…
