“Less classically beautiful.” Those were the three words a New York Times reviewer used to describe Viola Davis, one of the most talented black actresses of our time. Davis who stars in ABC’s newest drama, “How To Get Away With Murder,” which premiered last night, plays a law professor who is smart, quick-witted, sexy, and strong. Despite Davis’ amazing performance, based on her looks, the New York Times seems to be baffled by the idea that she even got the role.

I woke up this morning and watched a clip of the interview Davis did on the View yesterday in which she addressed the New York Time’s irresponsible reference. To sum it up, Davis says:

“I’m glad that Shonda Rhimes saw me. That’s what makes her a visionary. That’s what makes her special. That’s why she’s iconic.”

“I think that beauty is subjective. I’ve heard that statement (less classically beautiful) my entire life, Being a dark-skinned Black woman. You hear it from the time you come out of the womb. And “classically not beautiful” is a fancy term of saying ugly, and denouncing you, and erasing you. Now, it worked when I was younger. It no longer works for me now.”

She continues,

It’s about teaching a culture how to treat you. Because at the end of the day, you define you.”

 

What more can be said after that? The New York Times article was yet another reminder of what so many black women face based on society’s bogus run-of-the-mill beauty standards. It’s an honor to have Viola Davis as our voice and representation.  It is my hope that Davis’ words will inspire young dark skinned girls who dare to dream of one day becoming an actress or pursue any other craft typically based on beauty. Let us all be aware that the lie we’ve been told about being “Less classically beautiful” will have little affect what we can achieve, so long as they define our own beauty.

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