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
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.
In practice
In a speech about diversity in film, this quote exemplifies the commitment to breaking stereotypes.
When you look at hip-hop, I want to do that: to spit fire and take our best from the ashes to build our kingdom; to recognize all the regional styles, conscious lyrics, the tracks, underground, mainstream, the way we treat each other. Lose the garbage and rebuild our scene.
There is material enough in a single flower for the ornament of a score of cathedrals.
It's not that I sit down and write great stuff without thinking, not at all. Most of it is terrible. But the stuff that feels fun and fresh to me tends to happen fairly unthinkingly.
My first poem was a bolt from the blue … it broke a spell of disillusion and suicidal despondence. ... it filled me with soul satisfying joy.
Performing is a profound experience, at least for me. It's not as if I sit down and play 'Fire and Rain' by myself, just to hear it again. But to offer it up... the energy that it somehow summons live takes me right back, and I do get a reconnection to the emotions.
Throughout the time in which I am working on a canvas I can feel how I am beginning to love it, with that love which is born of slow comprehension.
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