Hollywood star Zoe Saldaña is opening up about a persistent double standard she encounters during press junkets and panel discussions. The Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy actress highlighted how media questions frequently center on diversity and politics for underrepresented actors rather than their artistic work.
Addressing the repetitive dynamic, Saldaña explained how exhausting it is when journalists expect minority performers to carry the burden of solving systemic industry issues. The issue of Zoe Saldaña actors of color political questions interview craft highlights how press lines often separate artistic discussion from identity.
“One thing that’s incredibly limiting and frustrating is when I’m the only person of color or the only woman on stage… And I wait for my turn to be asked a question about my craft, and I’m asked the political question like: ‘What do you think we need to do to make films more inclusive?'” — Zoe Saldaña
Saldaña further emphasized that journalists should direct questions about representation and systemic inclusion toward industry decision-makers rather than marginalized actors who are simply trying to discuss their roles.
“I’m sorry, you don’t ask the only person that comes from the marginalized community. You ask the other 80 of them that are part of the gatekeepers, and you ask them if they know the answer because I think that we’re making people of color work double to be in a room.” — Zoe Saldaña
