Tim Reid to discuss blacks in Hollywood

By Davie E. Williams
Royal Purple staff writer

Tim Reid will be presenting a symposium in the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Hamilton Center on May 6 beginning at 7 p.m.

Reid’s appearance is made possible by a collaboration between the UW-Whitewater Department of Mass Communication and the Multicultural Education Center.

The program, entitled “The Business of Show,” will address both the positive and negative aspects of the portrayals of African Americans in television and Hollywood.

Additionally, Reid wants individuals to examine the influence that television and film have on the population.

“I want people to walk away with a clear idea of the business,” Reid said.

The 58-year-old Emmy-nominated actor, director and producer is very concerned about the images of African Americans in the media. He also said he and other veteran blacks of show business are disappointed with the current state of black film.

Reid has witnessed individuals firsthand who approached the business of filmmaking without having gone through the proper steps.

He also stated that, unlike renowned producers within the music industry, producers and filmmakers in show business don’t brand themselves, resulting in a less significant product.

“The business is so upside down now,” he said. “It’s not just about the bling-bling.”

Reid asserts that he is not “player hating,” but rather questioning the system of things. In recent years he has witnessed images of blacks regress to a state of buffoonery where a sort of “Pied Piper” syndrome exists within the black populous.

“Black people don’t even question things any more, they simply follow the lead,” he said.

The real-life game of follow the leader is increasingly evident in the music industry, another topic that Reid has devoted attention to in past presentations.

At a recent presentation of his symposium at the historically black Florida A&M University, Reid questioned those in attendance about hip-hop. He sought its definition from the audience and asked whether or not the art form is indeed a culture. “No one was in a hurry to answer,” Reid said.

Instead of an answer, what Reid received was silence followed by lackluster stabs at the question until one young man attempted to explain, but said that it was difficult to put into words.

“When the media defines something, you have to question: Is it the definition that you want applied to your culture?” Reid said. “I’m trying to determine who’s leaving the legacy, and if the legacy that is being left is a positive one.”