Accepting the statuette up on stage, he took the opportunity to call out the industry for falling short on inclusivity. “White people,” He said, “I’m asking you to bring more diversity and inclusion on these shows.”docuseries, which explores race-based issues and subcultures across America.
Bell made it clear that, as a winner, he doesn’t feel he can rest on his laurels. “If I’m going to be about it, I’ve got to talk about it,” he said, “and I’ve got and really represent. It’s not enough for me to get these awards and feel like, ‘Yay, I’m doing something’. As any black person or person of color knows, we have to keep the door open for more people.”
Bell sees this as hypocrisy on the part of the industry. “If this show’s being nominated for all these things, and being shown as this change maker…it feels like these people have been nominated for all these awards, shouldn’t they be pitching more shows, and being out there in more shows, and produce shows, and bring through other stories? Maybe that’s happening to them, but I didn’t get that impression.
Wins an Emmy for being a token and is still upset. They’ll never be happy.
“It’s not enough for me to get these awards and feel like, ‘Yay, I’m doing something’. As any black person or person of color knows, we have to keep the door open for more people.” - W. Kamau Bell (backstage tonight)
Big congrats! W. Kamau Bell’s 3rd consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program for his show “United Shades of America” While accepting award he said: “White people, I’m asking you to bring more diversity and inclusion on these shows.”