Why can’t critics acknowledge flaws in BIPOC artists?

It seems to be taboo these days, to criticize a person of color in the entertainment industry. Believe us when we say we despise the politics of bigotry, discrimination, and hate which seem to be thriving these days: we are educators, historians, and journalists here. Despite all that, the reality is that not every artist/entertainer is a “good” one—BIPOCs included.

So when we watch a show like Silo on AppleTV+ and just laugh at how bad an actor Common is, we wonder why industry critics and experts just won’t come out and say it: he ruins every scene he is in, and that impacts the entire show. We felt the same about Kali Reis on HBO’s latest season of True Detective. These “crossover artists” are bad actors.

Yes, art is subjective, but equality also means no kid gloves in criticism, and these two actors are absolutely garbage. Common is a rapper? He should stick to that talent (of which we have no basis for judgment). Reis is a boxer? She should stick to that talent. Both of these individuals have ruined the TV shows they’ve erroneously been cast in, in bad ways.

Yet the only place we see true criticism regarding their lack of talent is on Reddit and article comments. Professional critics seem reluctant to acknowledge their flaws, for fear of backlash or something. Again, let’s remember it’s art, and it’s all subjective; also, a journalist’s job is to call it as it is without fear of reprisal (remember the Bill of Rights?).

Production companies also deserve some blame here: they’re doing these random castings of talentless people when they could be choosing professional actors in their primary trade. They’re also not replacing the bad BIPOC actors when they should, because of the same, aforementioned fears. Diversity and equity initiatives? Do not protecting anyone, period.

So, shame on Apple and HBO, et al, for not simply hiring the best artists for the job—but also for not recognizing their mistakes and correcting them. Famous people, like nepo babies, should not get opportunities that haven’t earned on merit and talent alone in that field. There are plenty of real actors more deserving of these roles who are better actors.