I hate good taste. It's the worst thing that can happen to a creative person.
I wanted to play roles which offered new ways of viewing black women and black people in general- and I have done that. And I have always, whether I needed to pay the rent or not, I've always turned down roles which I thought were stereotypical. And so when I look at my body of work in that respect, I am really happy. Because I feel my work does say something positive and that was what I always set out to do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the importance of representation and choosing artistic roles that challenge stereotypes of black women and people.
Naomie Harris expresses her commitment to portraying black women and people in diverse and empowering ways through her work. She emphasizes that despite financial pressures, she has consistently declined roles that perpetuate stereotypes, valuing her contribution to positive representation in the arts over mere commercial success. This dedication to meaningful roles not only shapes her career but also contributes to a broader narrative about the importance of diversity and authenticity in storytelling.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about diversity in film, this quote exemplifies the commitment to breaking stereotypes.
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