Monique's Pay Disparity: A Story of Personal Ego or Genuine Advocacy?Understanding the Racism Fueling the Pay Gap in Hollywood
“Start taking things for what they are, and get out of our emotions, we would be so far alone.” Comedian Monique
Before addressing the topic at hand, I wanted to first start by acknowledging that the comment sections about these kinds of topics often become breeding grounds for heated exchanges, where personal biases overshadow rationality. Social media truly has allowed people to have a skewed sense of reality! Emotions has often overshadowed rational thinking, it's no surprise that critical thinking has taken a back seat. Social media communities these days seems to prioritize personal beliefs and feelings above objective analysis, leading to a lack of common sense and ignorance. It has definitely increased susceptibility to biased thinking. We must embrace critical thinking and actively engaging in respectful discussions, we can transcend the limitations of emotional reactions and foster an environment where ideas flourish. Please read this and all
MONIQUE’S GRIVENCES
In a world where the entertainment industry can be both exhilarating and unforgiving, comedian and actor Monique has been no stranger to the challenges it presents. Speaking out against the mistreatment she has and endured throughout her career. Monique, renowned for her unapologetic honesty, has boldly named those with whom she has had prior disagreements and beefs, including industry heavyweights Oprah Winfrey, D.L. Hughley, Tiffany Haddish, and Tyler Perry. For over a decade, Monique has refused to remain silent, shedding light on the unfair compensations, disproportionate opportunities, and contractual obligations that have plagued her journey.
HOW IT STARTED
The spark that ignited this whole conversation was Monique's revelation about her pay for her Oscar-winning performance in the movie Precious. She openly shared that she was only compensated $50,000 for the role, as per her contractual agreement. Mo’Nique confirmed prior that she’s had to turn down roles because the salaries attached to the offers were less than what she was earning a decade ago, well before she was an Academy Award-winning actress. Other esteemed actors like Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union and Taraji P. Henson have also voiced similar concerns about the pay disparity between themselves and their white counterparts.
It's disheartening to witness talented actresses such as Viola Davis, and Taraji P. Henson being undervalued in an industry that claims to champion equality. Their achievements and contributions to the world of cinema are undeniable, yet their paychecks fail to reflect their worth. Despite the progress made in terms of diversity, there remains a significant disparity in pay and opportunities for people of color. Studios are well aware of this issue, and constant reminders of "awareness" are unnecessary. It is evident that the industry simply does not prioritize the needs of black actors, as demonstrated by the lack of action from executives.
The pay disparity faced by black actors has been a long-standing concern. Even after the recent strike, which focused on various pay issues and working conditions, the specific challenges faced by black actors were not adequately addressed. Media outlets frequently highlight the pay discrepancy between white women and white male actors but fail to acknowledge the even lower pay of black men and women compared to their white counterparts.
THE MISCONCEPTION OF IT ALL
One persistent misconception is that stories featuring people of color do not resonate with audiences, domestically or internationally. This harmful myth has led to underinvestment in projects with diverse casts, resulting in missed opportunities and financial losses. However, in recent years, the success of films and television shows with diverse casts has proven this assumption wrong. Audiences are hungry for authentic and inclusive storytelling, which can lead to significant returns for studios.
Hollywood's attitude towards diversity often perpetuates harmful assumptions without any factual basis. This leads to limited opportunities for people of color, both on and off-screen. Women of color face additional hurdles, resulting in even fewer significant opportunities and further perpetuating the gender pay gap. Less experience leads to lower pay, creating a vicious cycle that restricts the ability to negotiate for fair compensation.
RESOLUTION TO BUILD OUR OWN
Over the past 4 decades we have seen a rise in black writers, directors, and producers who are committed to telling diverse stories that resonate with audiences while also generating substantial revenue for studios. From Spike Lee to Ava Duvernay have shown that black stories can stand the test of time. However, with continuous push back, it is essential to consider the idea of establishing a new institution within black Hollywood. By coming together and creating their own powerhouse studios, black actors can have a fighting chance to be seen, heard, and paid what they deserve without the fear of retaliation.
Building an institution that rivals the existing Hollywood studios would provide black actors with the opportunities they deserve. It would create a platform where their stories can be told authentically, and their talents can be recognized and rewarded. This would not only empower black actors but also demonstrate to the industry that diversity is not just a trend but a necessary and profitable endeavor.
A RACE MONIQUE STARTED YET LOSING THE MARATHON
Monique's relentless pursuit for accountability has overshadowed the overall goal of her cause. In a recent interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, she recounted the same chain of events that unfolded after the release of the movie Precious. While she has reconciled with director Lee Daniels after receiving a public apology, she still yearns for the same from Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, along with compensation for lost wages.Monique's desire for accountability is understandable, but after 12 years of repeating the same details, can one truly compel someone to apologize for something they may or may not have done? Although Oprah and Tyler have expressed understanding and remorse privately, Monique insists on a public acknowledgment. But how does this insistence on public recognition contribute to healing? We are mere mortals, not gods.
Since the interview, Monique's comments have been contested by D.L. Hughley, who also made jokes about her weight. This back-and-forth only serves to deepen divisions among black comedians and is not a healthy approach to achieving peace and resolution. Monique briefly touched upon her family traumas and her strained relationship with her older son. It is crucial to acknowledge that holding others accountable is not our responsibility when it comes to healing from past experiences. While seeking justice or resolution is natural, attempting to bully or coerce someone into submission can impede our own healing process.
In the midst of this controversy, Monique made some headway by suing Netflix for failing to negotiate in good faith. Surprising many, a federal judge ruled in her favor, and the case was settled out of court in June 2022. However, her Netflix and Showtime specials received lackluster reviews, with viewers finding them devoid of comedic relief and instead filled with extended rants of complaints. She also appeared in a low-budget horror movie called The Reading on BET plus and had a role in the BMF show on Starz. It is unclear if she received top pay for these roles, which was the initial catalyst for the ongoing dispute. This raises questions about whether Monique's actions are driven by her own ego or a genuine intent to advocate for black women's pay disparity and treatment. One also wonders if she has been "blackballed" due to her appearance or if her own actions have contributed to her current situation.
There is nothing wrong with speaking the truth, but even in her stage rants/comedy specials you cant win by hurling derogatory remarks at people, which only weakened her argument. In today's world, one cannot curse out their boss, criticize a company, and still expect to keep their job and receive a raise. While Monique is justified in some aspects, does she not take accountability for some of her own actions and words? Or does she choose to keep that private, just as she don’t want those who wronged her to do?
Social media has likely contributed to this behavior, as the court of public opinion often leads to meaningless resolutions and diverts attention from the true agenda. After more than a decade, black actors and actresses are no closer to bridging the pay gap disparity. It is time to refocus our efforts on finding productive and meaningful ways to address this issue.
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