Idris Elba wanted to play James Bond until ‘it became about race’

Idris Elba says he felt “super complimented for a long time” when it came to suggestions he should play James Bond.

Until things took a turn.

During a recently released conversation on Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett’s podcast “Smartless,” Elba addressed the many times he’s been asked about replacing Daniel Craig in the James Bond film franchise. Readmore on CNN.com

My Take

When a segment of the majority population feels that they are losing their culture, as it is right now in the United States, it leads to a sense of cultural insecurity or anxiety. This sentiment is tied to broader social, economic, and political changes that has made some memebrs of majority and dominant identities feel marginalized or robbed of their own dominant cultural heritage. It is important to acknowledge and address these concerns to foster understanding and promote social cohesion.

In this context, discussions around cultural appropriation can become complex. While individuals from minority identities might take on roles or engage in practices that are traditionally associated with the majority culture, it does not necessarily constitute cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation typically occurs when elements from marginalized or minority cultures are taken by members of a dominant culture without understanding or respect for their historical or cultural significance.

In the comming months and years be prepared for this debate to heat up and find it’s way into your life at work or in your community of family, friends and colleagues.

Mark