Candice Patton, a talented actor, the harbinger of other multi-cultural actors within the DC television universe, and an outspoken activist for diversity has been a part of the struggle against racism since 2014. After the casting of Candice Patton in the role of Iris West — journalist extraordinaire and the love interest of Barry Allen aka The Flash, she has been the subject of internet harassment, racism, and hate corresponding to being the first African-American woman to play the role.
With the times changing and the subject of race, diversity, and inclusivity becoming increasingly focal in the narrative of Hollywood, Patton is taking her fight to the forefront and exposing the harsh reality that came before the era of instant cancel culture and transparency in casting choice.
Related article: ‘Was Getting Abused Every Single Day’: Candice Patton Says Racist Fans Who Couldn’t Digest a Black Iris West Almost Forced Her Out Of Season 2
Candice Patton’s Fight Against Racism and Harassment
Candice Patton stands at the forefront of the centuries-hardened struggle in the fight against racism and diversity and she makes an imperative statement — if you hire a diverse actor, you need to be aware of their unique and diverse needs. It is not enough to cast one actor from the African-American or Hispanic or Asian or LGBTQIA community and say that the box has been checked.
The hate and threats that Patton has received over the years since the first time she walked in the shoes of Iris West are already a shameful realization of society’s regression but even harder to digest is the fact that the actor had to walk the walk by herself all this time before her voice could be heard instead of being suppressed or admonished or even undermined.
“In 2014, there were no support systems, no one was looking out for that. It was just free range to get abused every single day. It’s a dangerous place to be in when you’re one of the first, and you’re facing backlash for it and there’s no help. Now, people understand a little better and they understand how fans can be racist, especially in the genre, and misogynistic. But at the time it was kind of like: ‘Yeah that’s how fans are, but whatever.'”
Also read: Arrow Star Colton Haynes Reveals He Left Series As He Couldn’t Stand One Cast Member
The History of Struggle Against Segregation of Color
In a long-standing history of violence against the skin, women have had to fight for emancipation on three fronts — identity, education, and equality. Although we are aware of the struggles that have gone on for centuries relating to these subjects, the ingrained segregation when it comes to identity politics and racism is not easily overcome.
Related article: The Flash Season 9 — Iris West-Allen Is Returning — And How!
The world of live instant news and social media uploads has given the biggest weapon available of all — a microphone to make one’s voice heard in the farthest reaches of the globe. The idea is to spread the awareness that color doesn’t define one’s identity but even after over 300 years of struggle on that front, the message falls on deaf ears (mostly). And so it becomes relatable when Candice Patton enunciates:
“It was more about the protocols in place and the things I see happening for my white counterpart that’s not happening to me. Seeing how I was treated differently than other people. Seeing how I’m not protected by the network and the studio. Those were the things that not necessarily hurt me but frustrated me.”
Source: People
