In an interview with ABC News, Viola opens up once again about her Emmys speech and why a lack of leading roles for people of color bothers her.
She says:
“When I say that in public I know people are saying you have a great career and I never want to sound ungrateful because I am, I am very grateful. But it’s just like someone said…I always use the quote because a friend of mine had an argument with someone about race. And the guy kept saying, ‘well what do you people want? What do you black people want?’ And my friend said, ‘we want what you want.’
“And I just thought that was so powerful. And that’s what I want. I don’t want any limitations placed on me. That’s what I want.
“That’s why I play Annalise Keating the way I do. You cannot tell me what is sexy. You cannot tell me what is feminine. And I don’t want structure around her. I don’t want any limitations and when I see them based on this (points to her skin color), it pisses me off.”
Check out the full interview below:
This is why I love her.
Me too.
It amazes me how some white people play so dumb about race. It’s always been about equality. Always.
I wish more black celebs were like her.
Me too.
I’m glad she isn’t letting the ignorant people talk her out of speaking up.
She’s always been the one to speak on these issues and I love her for it.
I don’t know why but this kind of lit a fire inside me. Thanks for posting.
Loved it! We need more to speak up in this manner.