Top 10 Pop culture moments of the decade #4: OscarsSoWhite

An entire decade has passed and, surprisingly, we are still here. From the world ending in 2012 to fidget spinners, this decade has been filled with iconic and weird memories. In this segment, our writer reflects back on this decade and decides which pop culture moments were the most memorable or the most influential. 

People may have forgotten about this, but, as we approach awards season, I think it’s incredibly important to remember which voices are constantly undervalued or lost. 

Although I am wary of social media activism and the issue of diversity is still a problem years later, the #OscarsSoWhite started a much-needed conversation about the lack of diversity within the performing arts. 

April Reign, managing editor of BroadwayBlack.com, started the hashtag in 2015 after seeing the Oscar nominations of that year when all 20 actors nominated in the lead and supporting categories were white.

Afterwards, prominent actors and directors spoke about the lack of diversity at the Oscars and boycotted the awards’ show. Notably, Will and Jada Smith, along with Spike Lee and Micheal Moore refused to attend the Oscars. Many other celebrities, such as Lupita Nyong’o, Don Cheadle, Reese Witherspoon and even the former US president, Barack Obama, called for better representation in front of and behind the camera.

Although representation and diversity are still a problem and there is a lot more work that needs to be done, the #OscarsSoWhite initiated a push in the right direction. It was rare for public figures to openly talk about the racial bias that is present in Hollywood, but after 2015, it became part of the norm. Hence, why I am placing the #OscarsSoWhite on my list.

Even though I am usually a pessimist, I will remain hopeful that we will see more action taken to solve this problem in the coming years.