Keke & Zendaya's Careers ARE Different But Not JUST Because of Colorism

When it comes to Black Actresses in Hollywood, colorism is not the only thing that keeps them from "rising to the top". In this video, I talk about what I think that is. I also talk about the difference between being "Black Famous" and a "household name". Thanks for watching :)
0:00 Intro (Mostly Rambling about being back on TikTok)
1:33 I Get To The Point
Keke's Wired Interview: • Keke Palmer Answers th...
Keke's Response: www.usatoday.c...
Sheryl Lee Ralph "Black Famous": people.com/tv/...
The Guardian Article: www.theguardia...

[@ban1o]

Another point is Zendaya being tall and very slim and having the figure that designers love to dress. In an interview with Issa Rae she talked about how she used fashion to make a name for herself when she was not getting roles. She has been partnered with Law since she was 13 (before he became famous). Zendaya became famous for being a "fashion" girl before she became famous for being an actress. She got a Vogue cover in 2016 I think. She's spoken about how she attended every event possible to get her name out there. There was period of time where people called Zendaya a "seat filler" and asked "what shed did" She went through a failed music career as well. It's only in the last few years with Euphoria where Zendaya has been viewed as a "serious" actress while imo Keke has ALWAYS been viewed that way in the black community since she was in Akeelah and The Bee at age 11/12. Zendaya most definitely benefits from colorism which helps her be more palatable to white audiences and allows her to maneuver into these "white" movies. but I think the comparison between them is so unnecessary. Zendaya has been very blessed but her career did not come easy to her. Keke has also been very blessed and has been killing it for years and just headlined the number one film at the box office (something even Zendaya has not done) and her career is only going to go up from here. I don't consider her a struggling black actress. Her career is shining bright. Also I do think people project on Keke where they feel her career SHOULD be. There are drawbacks to having the mainstream popularity of Zendaya as well. More exposure to white folk and their opinions isn't always a good thing. Zendaya has dealt with a lot of racism from Marvel and Dune fans. Keke is clearly happy with her accomplishments .Why can't we be?

[@aliciagordon3205]

I agree

[@nancykerrigan]

I didn't know Dune fans were mad at her. I remember there was some drama surrounding the casting of another black actress in the movie? I think she played a doctor ofsome kind? Sorry I don't read the books.LOL.

[@Madeyaalook]

@@nancykerrigan they were mad she was only in it for 7 minutes . It was all over the internet

[@submissiveproviderstboth9485]

Not WHITE FOLKS, BLACK FOLKS ARE MORE COLORIST and TEXTURIST, and FEATURIST that WHITE FOLKS💔 #BlackfolksAREWillyLynch💔

[@disneytoysr4fun975]

Omg yes!! And lets not act like keke has been shunned from white hollywood when she has worked on tons of white shows including scream queens and Berlin station. The latter had her as a young CIA agent who was not stereotypically black at all.

[@keilahbandstv]

Keke is that girl, been that girl, she is a household name. True Jackson VP changed my life. WE LOVE YOU KEKE 🥺🥺🥺

[@Les928]

It was the first time I saw a show about a black woman in business :)

[@MsLiberianLady]

Thank you!!

[@Charice281]

Did they forget KEKE had a whole talk show? She also didn't focus on 1 part of entertainment.

[@pearsonphd1711]

Exactly!! You said it all! Keke is simply THAT GIRL!

[@tanyacaberro2546]

She is a household name among black people. White people don't know and don't care about keke

[@lalittl]

I feel like we are skipping over the very obvious fact that zendaya is biracial. And I think acknowledging that people are biracial instead of lumping them into black would take this convo to the next level. Keke and zendaya didn’t choose to be seen as black actress versus actress because of their hairstyles and vernacular, the world made the distinction between their races and they had to fall in line with that. I’m reminded of that quote from “little fires everywhere” where Kerry Washington tells Reese Witherspoon “you didn’t MAKE different choices, you HAD different choices”. Because Zendaya is half white, the white community and powers that be are giving her roles where her race doesn’t have to be addressed. They are presenting her in that way because they align themselves with people who are part white more than people who are all black and that can be traced all the way back to slavery. I think as a community we have to start making the distinction because everyone else is making it

[@Liz-yq1bc]

Exactly!! I’m a fan of both however referring to Zendaya as light-skinned is wrong she’s biracial and they shouldn’t be compared. Zendaya isn’t black. The white community doesn’t consider Zendaya black and we as a community need to gatekeep our race.

[@jjamerican93]

Thank you! We keep trying to pretend as if it makes no difference when someone has multiracial heritage, so we keep going in circles in these conversations.

[@PrettyLittleKenyan]

As an African, I fully agree. We see biracial people as biracial, not black. It doesn't make sense to ignore half of their heritage and family

[@lalittl]

@Mimi I’m confused, what are you saying is untrue about my argument? Are you saying that light skinned, non-mixed people that look mixed also benefit from privilege? If so, I agree. I never said otherwise. In this particular case we are talking about keke who is unambiguously black and zendaya who is very ambiguous and half white. In this specific case zendayas privilege is being biracial. Once we have an actress that is mixed with white and looks like lupita, we can analyze her treatment in Hollywood and come to other conclusions. But we aren’t going to act like being biracial and having a white patent doesn’t come with privilege based on a make believe scenario we have no information on

[@lalittl]

@Mimi soooo Shemar Moore very much looks biracial. While I think there can be a conversation about biracial people who look more black and black people who look more biracial, the majority of the time, black people look black and biracial people look biracial. We are in this really weird space in the world where we say “everyone is everything because of this small percentage of outliers”. And I’m sorry that’s just not the case. There are black people who pass for white, there’s a whole documentary about it. That doesn’t mean that black people at large don’t experience racism because a small minority of black people pass for white. There is space for conversations about people who fall outside of the norm, but the exception doesn’t make the rule. Most of the time, people who have Caucasian and Black features are from a mix of Caucasian and Black people. And they benefit from that association. Most black people do not look like zendaya and most mixed people do not look like keke and so we can’t invalidate the privilege or stop making the distinction because of Nat King Cole.

[@mmikiogt54]

I actually thought Keke's response and view of her career as a blessing and enough was really beautiful, especially for black women who feel the weight of unequal opportunities and yet the burden to be more. I don't think she said it in a way to erase the colourism conversation, but rather in a way where she feels that her mark in this world has been nothing but glorious and enough for her, and that is so valid. The world is insidiously colorist and anti-black women, but I wish that in the moments we conquer and win, people would center our joy and not just our suffering. These conversations matter, but Lord knows when I'm in my winning season I want to feel it in all its glory, without the burden of having to fight for more. Think Keke, deserves that too right now. I've been watching her since I was a baby so I wish her so so much abundance, this is her era. 💛 Also great video Steph! I'm loving how we getting you on a regular basis 😭💛

[@yahainHotPink]

You said it. Keke's response was beautiful. And she is a talented and beautiful young lady.

[@MichouThe]

But she isnt black she is biracial

[@viplaura6640]

Well said 👏🏾👏🏾!!! I love her response so much 🤗!!

[@mtblaho]

@@MichouThe are you talking about Zendaya or Keke Palmer because the OP is talking about Keke Palmer who is black. Zendaya is the biracial actress.

[@iammarshallyn7445]

Well said! Love this so much.

[@fizzychizzy]

Zendaya is purposely choosing roles that were originally written for white women/people or roles that were written for her in mind. Euphoria is the story of the white creator. Dune? The originally movie had a white women in Zendaya's role. MJ? White women. I think Zendaya is hyperaware of the colorism discussion and she is purposely trying to take up as little space as possible. If the role was written for a Black actress, she isn't gong to read for it. And now, with Euphoria and Spiderman being a success, she is not going to hurt by having this stipulation that will reduce the amount of roles she has in front of her. Keke is not able to read for those roles because Hollywood sees Keke as Black and there are not enough meaty roles being offered to Black working actresses. We talk about how Black actresses win Oscars and then their roles dry up. Or sometimes, they have to be damn near 35+ to get roles and buzz and respect they should have garnered when they were younger (Regina Hall, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Nicole Beharie, etc.). They are working Black actresses and there are not enough roles being written for them to get attention. And furthermore, the movies they got when they were younger were just whole cloth looked at as just "Black movies." And I think it is WAY easier for Black men to crossover and just be actors than it is for Black actresses to crossover and just be viewed as actresses and that has to do with some misogyny sprinkled in. Michael B. Jordan, Denzel, Will Smith, Forest Whitaker, Samuel L. Jackson, Donald Glover, and Daniel Kaluuya, etc. They have crossed over to being actors. They haven't transcended race, but they may get offered roles that wouldn't only be marketed to just Black men. Keke is given roles only written for Black women. Angela Bassett is given roles only written for Black women. Taraji is given roles only written for Black women. They can't do what Z did. The roles would be scarce. Can't live like that. This is why the trajectory is different. Colorism is part of the problem but it is not THE problem. Black actresses need complex work and white audiences have to view it as more than just a Black movie. .

[@jonellebolton8425]

Well said!

[@seeia1673]

Yea I agree with this take.

[@JulianSteve]

Well written. I agree with your stance on this topic. One thing I do want to point out is that when it comes to Black male representation in the diaspora, it depends the culture too. For example, Afro-Latinos who are brown to dark skin with two Black parents are not going to receive equal opportunities as mixed-race Afro-Latinos. This includes in the USA AND Latin America. Like I mentioned in my “Afro-Latinos and America’s Understanding” video, some people in the USA have a narrow vision of the Afro-Latino look. They expect for all Afro-Latinos to be mixed-race, but not all of us are. I hope what I said makes sense. If anything, I better explained it in the video😭💯

[@TomikaKelly]

That last part though....👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@seeia1673]

Like what steph said in the video, I cannot imagine zendaya in a Tyler perry movie or a movie that focuses on her race. I feel like when people see black women in tv shows, people think the movie will be about politics or something to do with the black experience. For most young teens that are looking for a show to watch like euphoria they’re not going to gravitate towards stuff like that. I agree there needs to be more dsbw take more roles like zendaya does

[@viergelalouidor4163]

I think it’s important to distinguish light skinned Black people and BIRACIAL people.

[@rahbeeuh]

Absolutely! When I mentioned this someone said it was divisive and I'm like this whole discussion is kinda divisive to begin with why stop there?

[@M.Elle-]

THANK YOU! As a light skinned Black girl, that mess is so irritating. Light skinned doesn’t equate to be being biracial and being biracial doesn’t automatically equate to being light skinned.

[@jewelryboxballerina]

Thank you.

[@eeelizabethh95]

@@M.Elle- exactly, I’m biracial and there are people who have two full black parents who are lighter than me.

[@PsychicMedium4747]

@@eeelizabethh95 lmfao…the two parents have mixed ancestry. What are you talking about? Light skinned is a mixed race trait. So two parents cannot be biracial or multigenerational mixed? Think

[@seeia1673]

I think Zendaya takes a lot of movies that have a large white fanbase and is in shows or movies that don’t focus on her ‘black’ identity. So naturally she has a larger fanbase of both white and black fans. Keke has been in movies that are popular amongst black Hollywood so her fanbase is not as crazy big as zendaya’s.

[@eprahs1]

Thats not necessarily by choice. If Keke goes for those same type Zendaya roles, and is not picked. There nothing she can do.

[@fizzychizzy]

@@Madeyaalook the choice they are talking about is Keke’s choice. Zendaya can make the choice because she was given the option. They are not giving Keke the option.

[@eprahs1]

@@Madeyaalook It is not by choice, Zendaya is not having the same experience as Keke. And I don't know wut mean by white role, but that's the problem we're talking about. Black men get these "white roles" all the time, so that's not an excuse. Hollywood has a problem with black women. Their either casting us as the best friend, some strong fighter or a lesbian. Their are probably alot of stereotypical roles Keke has turned down because she knows it will pigeonhole her into one type. It is complicated and not a simple as you are making it out to be.

[@seeia1673]

@@eprahs1 ahhh okay I agree.

[@politereminder6284]

I don't see Keke as dark skinned. I also didn't know that Zendaya was " black" for the longest time 👀. I think we should have the colorism conversation, but these two, very successful women, at the top of their game, are not the right framing for that conversation. 👀 Keke deserves better, but she's on the up and up.

[@janedo-re-mi2738]

I've always said that Saweetie wouldn't get away with having Ryan Destiny's skin tone, and Ryan Destiny wouldn't get away with having Saweetie's facial features. Black women aren't allowed to look "too black" in Hollywood.

[@mothamary945]

Ikr! If you’re a Ryan Destiny in Hollywood, you must have European features at best, but Saweetie? Nah it doesn’t matter cause the first thing people see is her skin tone

[@rizzybone964]

THIS THE ONE!

[@MeganAllen1738]

That's the intersection of colourism & featurism. You better have exotical features if you're dark skinned & if you don't have those features you better be light skinned.

[@user-nf9xm7is3m]

You're right and it's sickening.

[@laylah150]

Saweetie is NOT black tho

[@maribelle7673]

I don’t see Zendaya as a “Black” actress. She’s biracial and her career isn’t marketed to appeal to Black people. She falls more in line with a white mainstream aesthetic IMO. I don’t think Keke really wants to address the “colorism” issue and she’s trying to avoid doing so. It would not be helpful for her career at this time, and I think Keke knows that.

[@JulianSteve]

I agree with you. As much as I like both ladies… Zendaya is biracial (mixed with Black) and marketed (to an extent) to White/non-black POC than Keke Palmer. I believe Keke does not want to look bitter/lose opportunities by addressing the colorism debate (like you said)💯

[@productioninquiry8937]

💯

[@shawnni3014]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@machelb510]

As if she cares what u think.

[@machelb510]

@@JulianSteve unless yr ass come straight from Africa then yr ass isn’t fully black.

[@tuffvision]

Yes. I agree with you. Keke is “type-casted”. Angelia Basset once said she doesn’t accept certain roles to avoid being typecasted. A lot of the individuals from the movie Twilight had a hard time getting roles beyond Twilight because they were always viewed as Twilight characters. Robert Patterson broke his type cast curse when he acted in the move “The Devil All The Time” when he played a villain. After that he got cast for the next Batman but even in the way they dressed him, yuh can still see hints of his dark Twilight Roles. I think keke is type cast as the “black urban girl” because a majority of her moves are like that. That is ok and she seems to enjoy being in these sort of movies but Zendaya seem to go after various roles. She went from playing Spider-Man girlfriend to drug addiction coming from being a Disney child actor.

[@nancykerrigan]

Between "Devil All The Time" and "The Batman" and I think prior to Devil he's been in lots of indie films that I've yet to seebutI feel that helped him branch out of the brooding character stereotype.

[@iwasbornunderwater]

Do you think Keke could go after roles like the role Zendaya had on Spider-Man though? Would they cast her for that?

[@ellax325]

@@iwasbornunderwater Honestly no. But not because she isn't talented. I think she looks too mature for the role compared to Zendaya. Also, racism would play a factor but more from the comic purists.

[@QTpatootie95]

With peace and love Lmao R patz broke through being type cast like 10 years ago. That movie was in no way what gave him respect within the industry. He’s been an art house golden boy for ages at this point.

[@candicedawson4264]

@@iwasbornunderwater no of course she's too dark. I was excited when I had found that spider man would have a black girlfriend then I seen who they were calling black I was totally disappointed. 😔

[@Peacebewithu34]

When a black girl gets her shine, instead of comparing her to a light skinned woman, let's celebrate her newly success.

[@ML-ni1tk]

Thankyou!

[@JulyIzHere]

Finally someone said it

[@Jadey369]

Comparison is the thief of joy.

[@siriusakari6729]

Am really disappointed with how people have stoked the fire on this one. We just couldn't let Miss. Keke Palmer enjoy her moment without bringing up some ish to shake her confidence. Her performance in Nope is amazing and I really encourage BW to go watch the movie and just enjoy seeing a beautiful and talented BW do her thang.

[@user-nf9xm7is3m]

That's what pisses me off about this. This is a turning stone in her career and I've been watching new interviews with her all week. It's like these rats smell someone in their success and they have to bring them down smfh

[@Zazen777]

Exactly. This has to stop. People are trying to slap this label on things where it may not even apply. There is enough obvious colorism issues and instances without doing this sort of possibly/maybe mess, this vs. that on Keke's career. It's not fair to her, and it is taking away from her shine.

[@amber0290]

I believe when Zendaya was on the show KC Undercover, she told the producers she wouldn’t be on the show unless they casted darker folks, since I guess whoever they initially wanted were lighter. It would be cool if she produced later on in her career to cast darker skinned actors/actresses like you mentioned.

[@whoareyou9181]

That's not her job ...she's an actress not a producer

[@jadethirlwall1573]

@@whoareyou9181 she was actually a producer on KC Undercover and Malcolm & Marie, and is an executive producer on euphoria

[@jenn4593]

@@whoareyou9181 I saw her name in the producer credits on the show.

[@naturally_nica]

First of all, ma'am 👀, you look amazing!! From the skin to the hair *chef's kiss* Having a nubian mother as compared to a caucasoid mother significantly affects how you present yourself as a woman of "color" in America. For girls, our mother's lineage more links you to your "culture" than your father's lineage. So the way their "blackness" presents itself to the world is very very different. Keke is seen as the girl in school WE grew up with that everyone knows and laughs with. But Zendeya is seen as the girl that just transferred to the school and still has connections to THEIR world. Even though she can be part of the "stereotypical" cultural representation of US, she's more comfortable (presumably), (and honestly the community is more comfortable as well - remember when she wore the Afro wig and the whole community dug up in her cervical mucus about cultural appropriation), in a world where she's "less" deep in the culture. She fits in caucasoid idea of "black culture" - light on the seasoning, while Keke is the full ancestral dosage of flavor, that most caucasoid people aren't attracted to.

[@aliciagordon3205]

Keke just co-starred in Lightyear. That was not a black movie. She was also a co-host on Good Morning America. She does or did the Old Navy commercial. I think Keke is doing okay and this debate diminishes her many successes.

[@vfr3589]

Exactly! Why do we have to feel bad for dark skinned women allllllll the time! She’s doing fabulous

[@Queen_G_513]

I agree. All I keep thinking is-… “What?” Lol. Keke Palmer is a household name. And I mean that in white and black households.

[@eshadiva6600]

Who was she in Light year? Lol we are not all gay it seems to be cast in anything as a black phenotypically women you have to play a lesbian lol

[@ninibugg6203]

@@eshadiva6600 It's a movie called Lightyear that came out this year. She voices the black character with short hair. And how do you know the character she's voicing is a lesbian? Did it say that about the character? I never watched the movie yet, so idk

[@shawnhall3849]

Uzzo plays the lesbian ranger chick

[@a.c.n.9421]

The biggest problem is that black people keep trying to force bi-racial people to be black. Zendaya is a bi-racial women not a black woman and that is why she doesn’t identify as a black woman. Both Keke and Zendaya are INCREDIBLY talented but let’s not act blind, Zendaya looks like a mixed white woman and that is why she has had more cinematic options.

[@TheSilentEscapade]

Zendaya does identify as black she has said multiple times and I've been a fan since her first role.

[@Maremare680]

@@TheSilentEscapade yes, but Hollywood sees her as a mixed- very light skinned woman. Plus, she can talk like one, so that is all what matters in this case.

[@TheSilentEscapade]

@@Maremare680Even if that is true. She worked just as hard Keke. She started out as a Disney Channel star just like her. Zendaya was even this big 3 years ago. There was a time that Keke was more famous than zendaya. Her mother had connections so she used them. The Spiderman movies put her on the map and euphoria got her where she is. There are still places that zendaya can't get to because she's black passing...lightskin or not. There are still actresses who will picked over both of them. There are white actresses who have one Netflix series and are on every red carpet. Been act for less then 3 years. Keke and zendaya have been in for 10+ years. And Keke has other business ventures. She's not eager for acting as zendaya. All I'm saying is don't put her hard work down to her skin color.

[@TheSilentEscapade]

Wasn't*

[@princesschanel469]

@@TheSilentEscapade okay well the black community is embarrassing. If we’re identifying as what we want to be and not what we are, in that case im not longer a black girl im a yellow girl with polka dots from the planet mars. Lets keep the same energy now

[@NadiaPink]

I think Keke is someone who is very multi-talented and special.I love her. She is also authentic which is unique. She is what I considered gifted.

[@AnimeBoysOnly]

Zendaya being mixed raced (not black) combined with her skin shade, hair texture, and features is more palatable to white audiences. Keke who is brown skinned with an afro will not be treated with the same level of desirability as Zendaya. Black women are not and will not be viewed the same as mixed women and its time people open their eyes. We have to let go of the one drop rule otherwise colorism and mixed race privilege will never end. Sadly black women shoot themselves in the foot by calling Zendaya black.

[@kindred42]

This part. And it's adds to the erasure of darker skinned black women represented in mainstream media. Mostly because....white audiences don't want to be inconvenience by seeing dark skin black women unless they're in some stereotypical role, playing a supporting role to the main white/nonblack/mixed heritage person or just background. No disrespect to Zendaya but even she said it....she's the acceptable black girl in hollywood because white casting directors don't want it to become "black"content because they believe it's harder to sell and is taken less seriously by audiences. That's the racist public fault and vice versa.

[@aishas2497]

I personally feel some of the issues relates to how black people see themselves not just white people. While I don't have a issue with zendaya, Obama and kamala none of them are black but the number of black people who pretend these 3 are black is weird. How are we as black people going to receive deserved recognition if we are choosing our own erasure. Kamala is half Indian and I have never heard Indian people pretending she is fully Indian.

[@a.c.n.9421]

I wholeheartedly agree with you! As an African, I literally cannot understand why black Americans women insists on calling bi-racial women who look everything else but black, black. Zendaya literally looks and acts like a white woman.

[@tatianannar1065]

@@a.c.n.9421 what is acting like a "white woman"? please stop with the stereotypes and the oreo shit, you're basically implying that black women cannot act with grace and femininity?

[@madefearfullywonderfully9293]

@@tatianannar1065 I second this!

[@verda_renee]

I can see both sides of this for sure. Colorism is very real and it absolutely dictates how how far you can go in the industry. I think what Keke was trying to point out was that, the idea that because she doesn't have cross over success, she's less successful is rooted in "colorism" (but actuality it's anti- blackness). Keke is a huge success and a household name - within the Black Hollywood cummunity. Zendaya is a huge success across the spectrum. The thing is though, why is achieving success in Black Hollywood looked at as less than? It's like the Grammy vs BET award conversation we have yearly. There are actors and musicians that non- black people LOVE... and Black folks don't care about or even know about. But they'd never be considered less successful for not crossing INTO Black community appeal. So the question becomes, why is success only considered valid when it's in non- black circles? If Keke puts being a household name in her own community at just as high a regard as being a household name in other communities, then she IS as hugely successful as Zendaya. And if you don't think she's as successful, is it maybe because you don't see success within the Black community as real, valid success? I think THAT'S the idea Keke attempted to articulate.

[@sarahlysobey2917]

Plenty of black actresses have said colorism is real in Hollywood. Most of the black people in shows are biracial.

[@purplelove3666]

You need to put black.in quote. Because you can't be black and be biracial.its makes 0 sense

[@mmps18]

Keke Palmer was definitely a household name in my all-white rural Michigan suburban hometown growing up. I don't live there now but people still definitely know who Keke is.

[@markk2101]

And even if she was it’s not a big deal because she not a household name in most white households your town is small and probably poor with I why she would be a house hold name there if she was

[@blah21blah22blah23]

What I don’t understand is why does it matter what it is? It seems to me that Keke Palmer is ok with herself and where her career seems to be at the moment. I’ve never once seen Keke in an interview complaining about the struggle of being an actress in Hollywood. Here’s an idea what if she is actually comfortable and ok with herself? What if she is actually ok with not being a “household name” outside of who her fans already are? What if this is not at all an issue for Keke, but instead an issue that people who don’t even know either of these young women have? Based on the many interviews I’ve seen of Keke Palmer she always comes across as a very talented, self-assured, confident woman. She never gives a woe is me I’m a dark-skinned women struggle vibe.

[@BigFacts798]

Exactly! Keke appears to have the type of personality that, if she was a victim of colorism, we all would have known about it. And not all brown skinned/dark skinned women have a woe is me, my skin tone is holding me back vibe. I would know, I’m one of them. And a virgo too😉

[@michellewilliams5947]

What a great comment. I definitely think like you on this. And on top of that Keke is famous and how many white/lighter women out there are not famous? She is richer than the majority of white people out there. It is crazy how people want to pick and choose some comparisons and ignore others. Keke is very pretty and seems to be doing fine.

[@carrington2949]

That is great and kumbaya and all, however you are being obtuse. This is not just a conversation about KeKe personally. It is about something bigger and it’s effects on all women of color. Let’s be honest, it would be career suicide if KeKe brought it up (especially with all the her hosting gigs that must appeal to middle America). People would say stop whining, you are still making money and getting booked. A large contingent of those people would be black males. Many want celebrities to shut up and smile, not challenge the status quo. Yet, how many girls with brown skin are out there trying for roles and you are just not seeing their struggle. We only see the finished product, not the failures and dashed hopes of those who did not fit the bill. I enjoy both KeKe and Zendaya by the way. I think they are incredible.

[@ban1o]

@@michellewilliams5947 Completely agree with this take. There are struggling black actresses in hollywood for sure, and colorism plays a big part. Keke is not one them. Like where are the other liked skinned actresses killing it the way Keke is? To make the argument that Keke's career has been lackluster and harmed by colorism you basically HAVE to compare her to Zendaya because the other biracials do not compete with Keke lmao.

[@MeganAllen1738]

This is not just about Keke Palmer though. It doesn't matter if she herself is satisfied with her career in this conversation. She _still_ deserves better than she has been given & a lot of that has to do with the way black women, especially dark skinned black women are treated in Hollywood. It is missing the point to simply say "Keke is satisfied with her career." Colourism, whether a woman chooses to acknowledge it or not, does exist & can affect their careers.

[@WhyCelebrateChristmasIfNotBDay]

Zendaya is BIRACIAL not "light skinned".

[@jazminakea]

I bet Zendaya is scratching her head wondering how/ why she got dragged into all of this when we should simply be celebrating Keke… it’s solely HER accomplishment and should be celebrated as such.

[@sageadvice157]

This! So many chicks with chips on their shoulders pushing it off on to other women. ..it's wild.

[@DC-sh7ud]

I love both of them, but Zendaya got dragged into it because she bought up colorism in the film industry a while ago and in conversations Kekes name was brought up.

[@gaila.9852]

@@sageadvice157 Chicks? You mean women.

[@sageadvice157]

@@gaila.9852 I said chicks 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@gaila.9852]

@@sageadvice157 That is a shame.

[@rondar.8746]

Let's not forget Whoopi and Angela Bassett. Whoopi in the 80s and early 90 was one of the top paid female actress. She played roles that were meant for whites ...men and women, i.e Jumping Jack Flash, Burglar, Sister Act and she had sold out seats when she toured as a stand-up comedian.

[@shealeejaii]

This isn't colorism alone it's racism Zendaya is biracial (not a bad thing) she isn't just black, counting out half of her DNA is a real problem many black people have.

[@getertk]

Household name is so subjective. There are people of many different races I may not know but they have successful careers. It really depends on what you are exposed to and consume. Keke has had a successful career so far and she seems to have the work ethic to continue to be successful.

[@humolovesjessie185]

Wow. This is so real. This is the first time I’ve even heard of Keke. And granted, I don’t have a chance to watch too many movies. But I still know who Zendaya is even if I don’t watch too many flicks. I’m definitely watching out for Keke now ✊🏽✨♥️ I also love Zendaya

[@anony1596]

The discourse came off as equating the white spaces Zendaya's in as success. And i find that problematic I really hated that discourse and how quickly it spread. I feel like some people learned the word colorism and decided to misuse it and make an unnecessary comparison. 😒 It's not just skin complexion here, it's palatability. It's culture. The people comparing Keke to Zendaya obviously don't understand Keke's importance in the Black community and black entertainment. The comparison also assumes that Keke desires the luxury/high fashion thing that Daya has going for her. I don't know Keke personally but she never seemed interested.

[@blackcoffee9470]

Thank you!

[@ninagrace-lee8323]

I mean, it’s the money that comes with audiences. Like the gap btw them is shocking considering how MUCH work Keke has done outside of acting. That matters bc you’d assume she was getting paid more on the morning show she hosted

[@mimiandy1683]

This is what irked me about that tweet. It was the underlying message in that tweet about how "black spaces," black entertainment and things that are valued in black communities are 'less than'. I am 39 years old. Just turned 39. I have been actively shedding that whyte supremacist notion that whyte people's preferences, the "mainstream culture," is not the end-all, be-all. The narrative can encompass more than one community.

[@BigFacts798]

I agree with Keke. This form of comparison is bs. There’s room enough in this industry for both of these ladies. Her response isn’t from a source of trauma, she simply doesn’t want to be perceived as a victim of colorism. For the author of the original tweet that started this comparison, to assume that Zendaya is further along in her career than Keke, because Keke is darker, is a bit condescending. Keke doesn’t need anyone’s pity. Her career and her bank account are doing quite fine.

[@blah21blah22blah23]

Pretty much!

[@Waters..]

Absolutely! The colorism topic is getting redundant and keke knows that. It’s extremely limiting and it insinuates that she ain’t that girl which she clearly is!

[@Miranda-gi9fx]

It's not her who has a trauma response it's the public reacting to the topic.

[@birdiewolf3497]

Right like the comparison was extremely silly and not looking at either actresses career in any real way. As someone that has followed both their careers the comparison was stupid. Sure colorism is always a factor, but it would be like trying to have this conversation about Normani and Rihanna. Zendaya literally is JUST starting to build her career. She spent years basically forcing her way into the cultural zeitgeist by consistently coming through with the fashions at major events. Her big break was Euphoria in the acting space. But she was already a big name before that. Yall forgot when the Spider-Man Homecoming team was HEAVILY marketing Zendaya in the promotional tour. All for her to be in the movie for 3 minutes. Dune did the same thing. Zendaya's plan was to try to build a name for herself with fashion, and use that popularity to leverage a career, and it is barely starting to come to fruition. Look at the credits of actual Hollywood it girls vs Zendaya. She might have the same level recognition, but the career is deficient. Zendaya doesn't actually have a career that justifies her popularity. It is wild folks are saying that Keke should have the career Zendaya has, and colorism is the thing that's stopping her. And it's just like yall must be basing Zendaya's career off vibes because it really ain't as great as everyone pretends that it is. Folks are assuming Keke is worse off because she is dark-skinned. To me, the colorism debate among young black Hollywood stars (particularly in film) is fundamentally ridiculous to me. Let's give anyone a real career first before we have the colorism conversation. We don't let young black actors have an A list film career until they are 35+. We don't get Timmys, or Florences, or Jlaws, or Anyas, or Saoirses, or Emmas, etc.

[@GarageStudio7]

@@Waters.. Oh please...she pulled the Ari Lennox, "I'm not a victim, let my Biracial sister thrive" move simply because she doesn't want to come off as being "bitter" however the truth is, the people who brought up the topic were stating that with all the work she has put in, she deserves to be more renowned and successful. When the fact that certain white women are getting more renown and accolades over light skinned and biracial women eg. Beyonce, Halle Berry etc. You do not see them responding nor the topic being viewed as being "too limiting". Just like Zendaya stayed quiet, Keke should have just gone to her premieres and eaten her food.

[@Ms_Timmie92]

Am I first? LOVE the look!

[@GiveHerFlowers]

Agreed! Looks amazing😍

[@JulianSteve]

Yes you are first👏🏾‼️

[@anonnone8196]

I agree with alot of what you say here, but also find this perspective a little regressive. It almost implies that presenting yourself like Keke (and other black women that talk, act, dress, etc themselves as such) is the only way to be authentically black. It's extremely limiting, as though black people are a monolith!

[@user-nf9xm7is3m]

I absolutely love how Keke stood up for herself. But I'm not surprised one bit that some people call that bragging. Hello you just compared her to another actress and she is simply saying don't pity me I have had a wonderful career? And she's in the wrong in some people's eyes? Whatever. Keke is very much loved and her success is only going to keep growing. I can recognize that Zendaya is the "it " girl but I honestly think part of the reason may be here relatability with fans her age and younger. Keke honestly has that old soul vibe that people love but maybe not as many young people relate to. Well they both seem very mature, but I think y'all know what I mean, with Keke's personality and humor you just know she connects well with older people. Plus Zendaya was the lead in one of the most "aesthetic" tv shows of all time, so that helped her success with young people too.

[@Peacebewithu34]

She wasn't even bragging. What I see is confidence but folks read it in the wrong way.🤣🙄

[@WeShareTheSameAffliction]

Yesss, Keke is an old soul frfr

[@4mydearlady]

Zendaya, Zoe Saldana, and Halle Berry are not Black. They do not have the formative experience of growing up with a Black mother and a Black father in a Black family. Hollywood has deemed these actresses Black and our welcoming community has exalted and supported them. But being biracial is different than being Black. However let’s not pretend that biracial actress’ lives in Hollywood have been crystal stairs. Zoe Saldana has starred in blockbuster Marvel films and the highest grossing film in history, Avatar. However, she spent time in those roles with her light brown face smothered in green and blue makeup, respectively. The white actresses in the Marvel films that played Scarlet Witch (Olsen), Captain Marvel (Larson) and Black Widow (ScarJo) not only didn’t have to have their faces painted, they got to star in standalone Marvel films. Things will not change for black or biracial actresses until there are more Black screenwriters, directors, and producers. And Hollywood studios have to greenlight more projects done by Black creators. That stated, Tyler Perry films, while entertaining, affirm negative stereotypes about Black people. His films don’t quite cut the mustard in terms of progress.

[@pris8337]

Off topic, it just had to say you look beautiful Steph!

[@Lindamorena]

I agree however I'd like to say this one point about Zendaya language "choice" some people don't speak AAVE. I never did and was taunted for not being black enough. I actually code switch into AAVE not the other way around. Not every has the typical black American experience

[@TheAquariusHero]

Same here..I never even heard the phrase "AAVE"

[@purplelove3666]

This has been happening for a very long time though.i don't know why people are acting brand new. Dorothy dadrige won't be known if she. wasn't light skin, Eritha kit won't be known if she wasnt light skin. All the "black actresses", that we know mainstream wise from the 50's were light skinned. Light skinned/biracial has always Been marketerd.nothing new.

[@revekat2053]

you think it might have something to do with how they looked on film back then with the lightening back in the day?

[@purplelove3666]

​​​@@revekat2053sorry I just saw your message a year later,but no,because they never exaggerated to put the dark skin woman who played as a maid in Gone with the wind ,she was the first black woman to win an award centered around whites,her name was hattie mcdaniel

[@venusfox14k]

Keke reminds me of Regina King. It took awhile before Regina King became a household name. So her time may be coming.

[@sid1820]

As a fully black dark skinned non ambiguous women who is a super supporter of all your convos I must ask why should Euphoria place emphasis on her being mixed and the mother being black? I think I understand where you are coming from but I think it can do more harm than good to only bring up race in context of the black characters when the content has nothg to do with that. I get tired of us only being able to play roles that allow our race to supersede the very content of the character. I want to see BW in syfy, action, thrillers, and all kinds of content not just black syfy or black action of black thrillers. That honestly keeps us type casted and in a box. ( I do understand Zendaya is likely able to shed that box of blackness b/c she is mixed.)

[@Lisette121]

Good point

[@Rose-xs5fr]

Lol why are we comparing a biracial woman and a black woman ? Both are beautiful and both are talented but they arnt the same. If we want black actresses to be household names, we need to stop accepting biracial women as our representation.

[@RedMei126]

Keke is amazing. I understand this take but I just hope we actually support and not alway look to place someone in a victim role. Colorism is a thing but let’s not let it be a defining topic. I just came home from watching Nope. It was amazing and hilarious and Keke deserves an Oscar or Emmy not for this. She was phenomenal!

[@loveisanopendoor3532]

The sad thing is without Zendaya being the ballpark...there literally is NO representation for black women. People consistently bring up Zendaya without realising that she barely has any roles herself. There is a HUGE issue with the absolute abysmal lack of diversity in Hollywood and Zendaya has only just got her foot in the door which is why it’s easy to think she’s bigger than she actually is. The issue is Hollywood. I wish people would focus on the fact that the only example of a black woman killing it is one that’s biracial.

[@sytunsyn]

So "the only example of a black woman killing it" is not a black woman, nor is she a representation of a black women, because black women dont look like her.

[@jamesblack3358]

I’m sorry but is Viola Davis white? Zendaya became insanely popular because of two insanely popular things: Euphoria and Spider-Man. She is a big deal now, just like Keke was a big deal then.

[@loveisanopendoor3532]

@@jamesblack3358 I’m sorry but even Viola Davis HERSELF has criticised the absolute horrible lack of representation of black girls in the media. She has said many times that there is even less for dark skin girls/ racially unambiguous black girls because Hollywood is racist af. So has Lupita. Zendaya has only very recently become a big thing in terms of ROLES not just internet popularity.

[@dianabryan7421]

The way we contort ourselves and minds trying to come up with excuses and what about-isms to justify how black women are slighted thrown away and never awarded no matter how hard they work in this entertainment business makes me so tired and discombobulated i just shake my head! Even some of the comments towards Keke in this comment section is very questionable saying things like she is ghetto not elegant and not cute because black women havent heard that before? Because black women haven't been gas-lit this same way for decades!!!!! People saying she pigeon holed herself like if people are only giving you roles that keep you in a pigeon hole how does a actor pigeon hole themselves? Dorothy Dandridge literally said she would never to play a slave and after Carmen Jones slave roles and help roles was all she was offered and she declined them and ended with no career at all! Keke and zendaya are both talented and beautiful women and they deserve their success but if zedaya woke one day looking more like Keke we all know the story!

[@stringybeanss]

Zendaya took a role (Euphoria) where the script was amazing, and the timing was right (tik tok, gen z culture, abuse of drugs rampant, depression, anxiety, gender identity crisis)....and it rocketed her into stardom. Zendaya is KILLING it more than any other actress (despite their race) bc she got lucky with taking on the right project at the right time. Keke can take on millions of projects, but that doesn't mean any of them will be major hits. I think a fairer comparison might be Michaela Coel, who had a similar show to Euphoria on HBO around the same time. The show did not take off in the same way as Euphoria, but Michaele did win an emmy for the show! And yet despite that-she is not a household name.

[@nancykerrigan]

Good point with Michaela Cole. Who knows, though, she might be a household name after Wakada Forever.

[@amateurastronomer9752]

Michaela Coel is my girl!!! But she ain’t about that celebrity life. So I often wonder if she took a step back from everything for her mental health. Issa Rae could also be a fair comparison.

[@alb5801]

@@amateurastronomer9752 I don’t think Issa Rae is a good comparison because she is writing, producing, and starring in her projects. She may have even directed some. Zendaya not doing all of that and doesn’t have a production company so thats an apples and oranges comparison.

[@amateurastronomer9752]

@@alb5801 So does Michaela (writes, produces and stars in all of her stuff). The only comparison I and the original commenter are making is that Zendaya, Michaela and Issa all starred in hit HBO series that either did or should’ve catapulted their careers.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

@@alb5801 zendaya is definitely a producer. sometimes an exec producer. i don't think fans really know how the business works or how money is made.

[@calebjemitola5993]

I will say that Zendaya has used her executive producer role to get black (specifically darker skinned people) roles like on KC undercover on disney chanel

[@samahjuana8755]

Zendaya focuses more on acting and Keke does a lot of different things. I think it would be cool for Keke just to focus on acting.

[@CyberMachine]

Noo I like her music too

[@Maremare680]

I think you did a great job addressing this controversial topic. I’m totally agree with your explanation. As a black woman from another country, I have always perceived things in this way, but I didn’t know how to put it together. This is the same difference between Viola Davis, Tandy Newton, and Kerry Washington, versus Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox, and even Nya long. All of them are very talented, however, the first three presents them self as just actresses. That make them more marketable, even though they are light/dark skin black. That is my personal perception. Also, thank you for explaining what A.A.V.E is. Now I understand why I’m not able to understand what some afro-americans mean when they talk.

[@alasiah972]

It is our problem …. We have to support their movies as a whole wayyy more

[@vminajj1267]

yall be having zendaya trend for this same topic everytime a popular darkskin girl starts getting praise. its annoying and weird... keke career is arguably bigger than zendayas. zendaya just got started being praised in hollywood last year let zendaya have her moment without dragging her into every colorism convo as if shes the first popular lightskin woman and focus on congratulating keke on her movie instead of trying to victimize her

[@Madeyaalook]

No no hun. Kekes career is big in black culture. Zendaya is mainstream meaning she is popular out side of black culture. Which is precisely why this argument started. Her fans noticed that she wasn’t getting praised over sees. Zendaya literally has fans in different countries. So I’m not sure where you got your info from. All this is on the internet

[@vminajj1267]

@@Madeyaalook being known in white culture don’t equal better or successful even if that was true about keke only known in black community that’s literally okay. Keke has had way more job opportunities than Zendaya and y’all lying if y’all say keke don’t get hyped or praised. I’m 19 and I remember keke getting praised constantly since I was a child.

[@vminajj1267]

@@Madeyaalook Zendaya just started getting praised in Hollywood last year. Outside of Disney channel Zendaya only has 4 movies. Dune , spiderman, greatest showman , and Malcom and Marie. She only has one lead role and that’s euphoria which is a tv show. Keke has the better career than Zendaya so the way y’all use Zendaya as y’all poster girl for colorism is weird and annoying. She’s not the first and only lightskin girl that’s popular leave her alone

[@ml5923]

@@Madeyaalook you gotta be like 15 😭 it’s giving childish.

[@akanjisekoni]

@@vminajj1267 You’re definitely young 😭, Zendaya always received praise since shake it up days , especially from the white community

[@ChrisBrooks34]

I don't know if people always have bad intentions when they say this but you know saying people are underrated sometimes diminishes the accomplishments of that careers. Babes Keke been out here grinding and doing her thing for a minute and to say she's not mainstream I don't know I wouldn't say that. Or maybe she doesn't seem as popular as you would like her to be I could understand that in some senses but a thing is being a celebrity is not always fun and the more visible you are the more people become entitled to your space and time. Not everyone has to be number one, that's okay

[@dequeslove5072]

agrred, it's like a back handed compliment

[@shachede6828]

exactly! i was like who dont know keke palmer, i am a Nigerian and she was so popular growing up just like zendaya. to me she is a household name. like for real, i have never heard anyone drag her. i think both of these women have worked so hard this video is reaching

[@sageadvice157]

She hosted for a talk show!! She was requested to host by the audience...come on!!!

[@ColdDiva]

Dem passion twists is givin sis!💖

[@nicolehernandez11]

I love how you go about talking about hard topics. So much empathy and ease.

[@Linda-dc7rl]

You look amazing 😍 orange looks great on you 😍

[@missoctober22able]

Proximity to whiteness.

[@sweetdnosmoke5006]

You make good points, both ladies are playing the hand they been dealt. Now, my daughter watches both and when she was a child I watched with her and I liked keke more. Zendaya name isn't European and if u google this Zendaya was going to play Alleyah but dropped out to pls Alleyah's family and Zendaya has worn braids and even wore Faux Locs on the red carpet. Keke perhaps feel more successful than Zendaya. Like JLo and Angela Basset, I don't believe Angela Basset would be jealous of JLo even though JLo is more popular. I believe keke is entitled to feel good about her career without people comparing her to a colleague. I do believe the black community itself is very colorist, that being said I grew up around all black people and literally never experienced overt colorism until my cousin told me I was at a disadvantage for being dark skinned, my self-esteem was solid, also my lighter skinned cousin with a loose curl pattern is very overweight. . I rejected that and continued to be great, better than her. I fit and exceed the aesthetic for my community, u just have to be cute and have a certain body type. U would fit the anesthetic here and would have probably been married. In Indianapolis, Indiana good black men actually like black women.

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I think the ONLY way to defeat colourism is to put more unambiguous BLACK people (not biracial) in these traditionally white spaces (the media is a big one, b/c what we consume for entertainment affects how we see the world). I mean think about it, the reason why black people have these uncomfortable moments with white people is b/c they aren't used to being in a black person's presence or seeing ACCURATE representation of us in their "white media." The things we watch like shows/movies/viral videos affects us all. The thing is a lot of white people would call Zendaya black which is untrue, she is biracial. I feel like mainstream Hollywood only truly allows the acceptable black person (i.e a biracial person or lighter & brighter brown-skin WOMAN like Zendaya, Halle berry, Zoe Saldana {all biracial} & , Beyonce, Nicki who are black but aren't dark-skin) to KINDA exist in these entertainment spaces. And even then, they only allow "one black girl" at a time. Beyonce talks about it in Homecoming where she said the "higher ups" (the talent/booking agents, record label heads, studio executives & everybody else "making the decisions") would try to keep her in a box. These higher ups want the lighter brown & black folk with more "European features" to be the forefront of black spaces in media b/c they think they are more palpable and/or "comfortable for white audiences to handle." The thing with being uncomfortable is about being fearful or scared. We are scared of the unknown, our brains don't fear things we have data/information about. In order to make more BLACK people SPECIFICALLY specifically with unambiguous features more "comfortable" for white people, we have to either create spaces in their table (b/c white media is different from black media) or force the executives to include us in these spaces... in these roles. We are having these conversations which is a start but the conversations aren't being regulated in the right way. The right questions aren't being asked. Because there is no reason why a conversation on "why aren't darker skinned black people offered the same types of roles as their white/ biracial counterparts.It sucks that what is supposed to be one of the biggest moments of Keke's careers (leading a movie) has now turned into a conversation why she isn't as good as Zendaya (and no hate to Zendaya, i like her). Why are the FEW BLACK ROLES GIVEN TO BIRACIAL PEOPLE AND WHY AREN'T THERE MORE BLACK ROLES IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA IN THE FIRST PLACE??? WHY DO BLACK PEOPLE HAVE TO BE WATERED DOWN (PERSONALITY AND SKIN TONE WISE) IN ORDER TO FIT IN THESE VERY FEW & RIGID "BLACK" ROLES IN THE FIRST PLACE??? WHY CAN'T YA'LL (THE HIGHER UPS )JUST CAST MORE UNAMBIGUOUS BLACK PEOPLE?

[@Ash_Queen16]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@kevinjames5948]

Name a big Hollywood movie where a dark skinned woman kissed a wm. I'll wait it's colorism

[@bonitapandora]

The movie widows has a scene with viola Davis kissing Liam neeson. Still colorism is real.

[@Materialgworl514]

Who cares about wm? 🤦🏾‍♀️ stop making wypipo the centre of everything

[@AnimeBoysOnly]

Thank you. And they better not name older actresses like viola davis. We talking about young actresses. They dont get the same roles as mixed women

[@ml5923]

sis MAKE YOUR OWN MOVIE THEN!! y’all will never get the representation from big corporations who will nickel and dime you anyway. MAKE WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE! damn y’all always complaining

[@kindred42]

@@ml5923 You ever wonder why black people ...constantly have to do everything themselves to get representation, roles, opportunities?...yet you call it complaining? Yes people with critical thinking skills will always voice concerns over inequities....if that bothers you...sit yo butt down and stop benefiting from the complaining your ancestors did for you to even have the privilege to write this crap. Your ancestors complaints, fighting and suffering is why you free. Be humble. #sitdown

[@tj2705]

What about Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Lupita Nyong’o, and all of the other renowned actresses who represent their cultures in their lives and the characters they choose to play?

[@wildewildestrawberries]

Love your take.

[@eshadiva6600]

I love the hair and color on you! 🔥🔥🔥 Keke was amazing in dope and is pretty much amazing in everything she does.

[@ElegantPaws01]

Succinctly put Keke is niche. Zendaya has a broader demographic appeal hence larger reach. It is about the projects chosen. Both are talented.

[@katjcoaching]

I definitely agree that these two actresses represent themselves differently. Keke has more of a black culture vibe. They way she talks etc… has nothing to do with colorism. Their career differences is definitely how they represent themselves. They’re both super successful, so what does it matter? 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@BlendedBarbieDoll]

I notice that Keke’s own personality comes out in her roles… from the way she doesn’t to her mannerisms they really are the similar if not the same. I believe she was on a season of Scream Queens to her character in Nope… there are still similarities. Even the commercial that she’s featured in now. Is she type cast or or roles written specifically to her personality? Either way it doesn’t translate across broad audiences unfortunately. I do think it’s unfortunate that we compare her to anyone else when she could be (and it sounds like she is) perfectly happy and content with her success.

[@donnamayaz6192]

She’s not allowed to play anyone else!!! She said the character in nope was hard because it was soooo different from who she naturally is.

[@skiphopflipflopdripdrop]

I’m so glad someone is talking about this!

[@Nmendenh-rl6ej]

She’s having a BLOCKBUSTER weekend, why insert this conversation NOW!

[@UnderRatedBeauty88]

Zendaya is a ambiguous bi racial woman. If black people know who these actresses are shouldn’t that automatically count as household name? Why do we need white validation to determine our importance? What does a black actress mean?

[@DOMOchat]

I also think about just how her Human Design profile and she's a manifesting generator! - those who have that can manifest themselves into the spaces like that, she is built to respond and only move on things she's passionate about - it's been so great for her!

[@Jadey369]

Keke’s first movie was Barbershop 2, as big as it was the target audience is black people. So it would not make her a household name off the jump. Zendaya was in a Disney show. So from the start she was already at an advantage to being more well known across the board. If Keke said herself she was auditioning for roles and loosing out to lighter skin girls then we can call that colourism. Maybe she has and I missed that?? But otherwise this is not it.

[@jenn4593]

You know what is interesting. Even the Disney Channel movie, ‘Jump In’, in which Disney casted Keke, was geared towards a Black audience. It basically had an all Black cast, and it was clear that it was for the Black community. Meanwhile, the Disney movies in which Zendaya was casted could be for White, Black, and other audiences. Her roles could have been played by White actresses. So, that fact shows that their skin tone plays a part in how they are casted, and therefore which audiences know them. Even being on Disney did not help Keke cross over to mainstream because they still casted her in a Black movie for Black audiences.

[@ban1o]

I also wanted to add. Hollywood does not view Zendaya as white. I think we need to dead that narrative. WE can say she benefits from colorism without acting like she's a white girl. I think people think she is bigger than she is because of her mainstream celebrity status but despite her fame she is not getting leading roles like her white counterparts. She gets small roles in blockbuster film as the "token black." Her role in Spider-man was not substantial until the 3rd film. Euphoria was her breakout but part of Euphoria's success was luck. It could have easily been a failure or just a middling success. The cast was basically completely unknown, and it was an unknown IP.

[@Madeyaalook]

She’s leading challengers but that’s not the point . You keep commenting the same thing on every comment . Nobody said zendaya is white. She’s biracial. And euphoria wasn’t luck at all. So idk what narrative you are trying to spin. But it sounds like a lot of discredit

[@ban1o]

@@Madeyaalook Multiple people said that Hollywood sees her as a white actress.

[@ban1o]

@@Madeyaalook Euphoria was part luck. Gossip Girl Reboot which is also on the HBO and targeted to the same audience (and has a familiar IP) is nowhere near as popular as Euphoria. Euphoria wasn't even SUPER popular when it first came out it (it was successful but nowhere near the level is is now). It blew up during quarantine really. Also it is extremely rare for actresses to win an Emmy for a teen show. I don't think Zendaya took the role thinking it was going to get awards attention. She took it because it was a lead role that gave her something interesting to do.. She said she wasn't getting any before Euphoria.` Luck isn't a bad thing. Luck plays a part it literally everything when it comes to acting.

[@Madeyaalook]

@@ban1o it’s not a teen show that’s why. Pretty little liars is a teen show. Stranger things is a teen show. But a show with copious amounts of sex, drugs and statutory rape isn’t a teen show. That show has as much sex as YOU the show on Netflix. Teen shows don’t show literally penises and blow jobs on screen. So that’s why she got an Emmy. Ozarks barely has sex in it. And it showed no obvious nudity

[@redsunflower8999]

All am saying is that biracial people should have their own category.

[@debrabelton3161]

Why?

[@DC-sh7ud]

@@debrabelton3161 why should they not?

[@debrabelton3161]

@@DC-sh7ud How would you classify bi-racial? What percentages? How far back? What races lump together? Will Frederick Douglass, Eartha Kit, Thurgood Marshall, Barack Obama, Andrew Young, and Vanessa White be considered bi-racial and why? Will we then go back and rewrite history to have a biracial, tri-racial history? Excluding bi-racial people has the potential of creating a caste system more divided as we see already existing in other countries. It also denies a big part of our history including the rape of black women which accounts for our hues. Children of different races should be able to classify themselves as both if they choose to be.

[@DC-sh7ud]

@@debrabelton3161 I worked in Research and History. This discussion has been debated for at least the past 10 years. Textbook authors are already working rewriting books because indeed Biracial is two halves of a whole. Genetically bi racial means that you are 50%-60% of two races (since genetics are mostly not exactly down the line 60% is the marker) If any of those people mentioned were over 60% black they would indeed be black, but as far as genetics is concerned they are not. And as far as children classifying themselves as they choose, the facts are facts. I could say I’m a purple flamingo but that doesn’t make it true. If your genetics are within the markers listed above you are who you are, and that’s okay. The one drop rule is outdated and based in slavery so it’s sad to see black Americans hold on to it. It is also sad to see that our history is a lie, but the victors write the rules and change them as they see fit. That’s what happening right now.

[@debrabelton3161]

@@DC-sh7ud I’m old school and if I remember correctly during the 1980’s census the issue of biracial classification was toyed around. As a college student in the latter 70s in my women’s studies classes self identification including race was hotly debated… by mostly white women. Creating a separate class for biracial children reminds me so much of the colored classes of South Africa and the caste system in India. I agree the one black rule is a throwback and to make it more gentile by officially separating the field hand from the house slave is insane. More government intervention as droves give blood test to determine their genetic makeup because there will be benefits given to official biracial. Insanity on so many levels. Identify politics on steroids! Edited to say I know personally people who look Pure African but genetically are white. Are we going to then administer a new test with every census? Insane!

[@newworldlord643]

Hair yesss girll😍😍 ! U can even get away wit sum blonde highlight! Thats how mine is now🥰

[@sytunsyn]

Both things can be true. Keke has has great opportunities and is good with that. Zendaya has been offered bigger, better and/or more opportunities and is a "house hold name". Keke is satisfied with what she has but, that doesn't mean the industry hasnt limited her opportunities.

[@pearsonphd1711]

Interesting. I think Keke is more successful despite being less "mainstream" than Zendaya. Btw Isn't Keke a co-host on Good Morning America?

[@catmangrove]

I think people take Keke for granted because she has been in the spotlight for a longer time. Keke has been there like a trusted friend that you don't always remember to call or hangout with because you think she will always be there. She deserves better because she is multi-talented, gorgeous and unproblematic!

[@soupafleye]

i think it’s okay to say it very much so is colorism while also acknowledging that they have been socialized completely differently and present visually differently in proximity to whiteness. keke just does not get anywhere near the same love or attention zendaya does from her very vast and wide fanbase of white and poc people etc. add on top she’s literally model material and has your very typical average relatable personality that everyone aka white people feel familiar and proximity with. unlike kekes unapologetically “urban black” experience/personality that many can feel othered by because the black experience in that regard is exclusive. like u said keke is a household name for black ppl 100% but degrees of blackness def determine your range of marketability

[@Pagesandperfumes]

Keke is an Emmy winning actress.

[@Model_Roe]

I said the same thing about Ryan Destiny no offense to Zendaya but Ryan runs circles around her beauty wise sis is drop dead gorgeous similar age to Zendaya and can sing and dance like her but noticeably hasn't gotten the same push Zendaya has it does break my heart because this colorism issue in showbusiness has been going on since the beginning of time ever since the infamous Cotton Club in Harlem who would only hire showgirls that were light skinned racially ambiguous black women the complexion of cotton I'd also add I just don't see Zendaya as a black girl she's not genetically but she is basically a white girl with a tan lol in that sense she's definitely more palletable to non black audiences but it's just sad darker skinned black women can't get that same push

[@indivisuals]

Right, like Zendaya is biracial based on her parents genetics but a White Latina or a light haired Italian is about as ethnic as she gets by phenotype. No one. NO. ONE. would even guess she has a black parent if she didn’t say it and show her parents. She does not show up as black in any physical capacity. Simple as that.

[@Model_Roe]

@@indivisuals exactly!!!!!! I said the same thing 😂 Zendaya is a white girl that's just how I and I think the majority of the public sees her I think Stephco made a good point that Hollywood doesn't see her as black which is why she gets the push that she does it's just weird they keep trying to market her as a black girl I'm like she's not black I low key suspect she doesn't identify as black and why would she? If she grew up in a mostly white environment with mostly white friends she's not gonna have any connection to the black community I have nothing against her I just would love to see more darker skinned black women getting more shine that's why I always root for the Ryan Destinys and Lupita Nyongos because they always get overlooked

[@seeia1673]

Yea the sad truth is people would rather see lsbw on screen than darker skinned women.

[@paigelovette8156]

Agreed, but I must say as a fan of Ryan she is a very mediocre actress. Very very pretty and talented but her acting is not at all in the range of Zendaya.

[@ml5923]

this is screaming misogyny.

[@chinyelundubisi9985]

What's funny is, when I think about Angela Bassett (who is brown skinned) I think of an "actress". I honestly think KeKe pulls to many "stunts" for recognition versus letting her range and GROWTH as an actress speak for itself.

[@TomikaKelly]

Part of me feels that way too. I've had times where I've cringed when she spoke in AAVE, not because Ebonics is bad but because it feels like she's putting on and adding extra sauce. You know that person who is "the Black friend" in the group of mixed/non-Black people? That's how she can come across sometimes.

[@nicolettec6681]

Yes how she talks makes me cringe. It's like she is constantly 'acting' it doesn't seem natural. Very stage like. Idk what it is but I don't like it

[@rajanne2116]

@@nicolettec6681 ok thank you. I low key felt bad feeling this way. Something about her never jelled with me. She’s just a lot and is not my cup of tea. Very cringy for me.

[@WanderlustHomebody]

Yo, I feel each and every one of yall! I thought it was just me who felt like she was always "on". Always just doing too much.

[@goldengirlgains]

You put this perfectly

[@Codename_Dee]

Zendaya has said herself she knows that she has an advantage over darker women but she still as a women of color feels they should all have a chance and shouldn’t be overshadowed cause of the skin color. Reason why she said she takes the roles of white women and make changes to make way for women of color to be more noticed cause at the end of the day she is still apart of the black community and still does what she can to lift us up. She is only one person so it’s going to take a lot more then just her influence to help black actors become more recognized. Both her a keke are talented and use their talent to support so what’s the issue why are people comparing? We all know colorsim exist and literally comparing doesn’t bring nothing but negativity especially when it’s to women of color. The issue shouldn’t be about what neither of them can change which is the skin. But should be about how can we help getting more and more of the black community out there

[@Turtle12o992]

I blame us if we wanted black women to be where expect them to be as a community we would support them to be there yes there is a difference in treatment and opportunities but who cares if we supported our people we wouldn’t have this problem it’s more blacks than any other race they have money why not make their own platforms for us to support. Non of this even matters she is successful and usually that’s all black people care about they just wanna be seen and they are. We are the colorists and white people are running the show and the narrative. Can’t blame white people for black people falling for the bs. If you favor light skins as a black person that says a lot but o well nobody really cares. If they did there would be change can’t complain about something she not even complaint about.

[@Arian-vf6jo]

However much you skirt around the issue, colourism is a big part of the difference between these two young womens' careers. Keke is unambiguously black and Holywood is not ready to have DSBW as leading ladies or love interests on a consistent basis. Which means that Keke's career is not on the same level as Zendaya's. Whichever way you look at it you always have to come back to colourism. Its there right in your face.

[@ashafreeman2730]

I’m Confused. Keke has an amazing career.

[@Arian-vf6jo]

@Lockdown Banter No one is coming for anyone. We are all just commenting on their respective careers and how hard it is for someone who looks like Zendaya to make it in Hollywood. It doesn't have to be a negative thing.

[@Arian-vf6jo]

@@ashafreeman2730 Just because Keke has an amazing career doesn't mean she has not faced colourism. This is why it's good to make comparisons, in this instance with Zendaya who appears more successful and I believe has earned more money.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

@@Arian-vf6jo Zendaya doesn't take roles meant for dsbw. she goes for yt women roles. what more do you want?

[@Arian-vf6jo]

@@marie-francoiset9402I am not criticising Zendaya, she is hardly to blame in this situation. The fact that there are separate roles for DSBW and white women is the issue here. I am a fan of both these women, I think they are both speacial talents.

[@ayanna6327]

Zendaya had a hand in her Disney show, "K.C. Undercover," and I remember her saying something along the lines of that she would only remain with Disney after "Shake it Up" if she starred in a show that centered a black family and had more black people in the crew of the show. She didn't have a good time on "Shake it Up" for numerous reasons, including some racially charged ones. I agree that "Euphoria" needs to elaborate on that aspect of Rue and her mom (but "Euphoria" is a whole other discussion in and of itself and it's very obvious that S*m Lev*nson ain't gonna take any criticism in that department.) Keke is forever a legend to me. I'm from Chicago, she's from the area. I've stanned her since "Akeelah and the Bee." Watched her from Tyler Perry movies, "Jump In", loved her songs on Disney channel, loved "Tru Jackson V.P", "Scream Queens" ect... so when I heard about people just now hyping her up, I was like "huh?!" You raise a good point about black actors vs black actresses. Black actors tend to be loved by both the mainstream and black communities, however black actresses tend to be loved by either or. The only cases I can think of for black actresses are Halle Berry, Angela Bassett and Viola Davis. That being said, if Keke doesn't want this discourse during her time to shine, then that should be respected.r EDIT: How the hell does Issa Rae not have an Emmy already?!?!!?!

[@emmas9928]

Steph, this pleated orange top, this hair and your radiant face? Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. Not particularly interested in Keke or Zendaya, so I just wish them well. I live for your commentary. On everything and anything. TikTok? No thanks.

[@mbalenhlebuthelezi3198]

Keke is just Phenomenal!!!

[@evangeline1983]

Keke was good in Akeela and the Bee. I’m probably spelling that wrong lol. She acted alongside Laurence Fishburne. That was a big deal IMO.

[@NallahBrown]

Very big

[@epichollywood2011]

Honestly Keke has the personality that can attract millions to her. That’s why Keke Palmer is in the talks to having her own late show with a 10 year contract. Only the best personalities get this offer!!! 👑

[@mumuquyen]

I just wanted you to know that I love all your videos and I watch every video no matter the topic even if I’m not interested in it. I love the way you speak and you make everything entertaining ! Thanks for being raw and real, I wish there were more content creators like you :)

[@emmanuella8269]

I am second ! And Omgg I love your hair !

[@destinydivine8465]

Zedaya takes roles from white women (Euphoria and Spider-Man) instead of taking them from black women or dark skinned women (Playing a character like Nina Simone). That is how she is helping. She knows she is a shoe in for black roles bc she is mixed..so she doesn't go for them.

[@Aritul]

Another video of yours that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you for including the links to the articles. I'm off to read them.

[@Metonymy1979]

Great take. This is going to sound harsh but when you are an actor you need to promote yourself to be universal because the competition is harsh. To be that .01%, you have to be the most sellable across all demographics. It's not only about colorism but universality. Amazing actors all have something in common. They make the viewer see themselves in the character. Now, if you take someone like Rosie Perez, her personality is so strong it will not translate well to the Chinese market. At the end of the day, it's about money. It's a business. And, if Zendaya makes more money, they will always pick her

[@sweetdoc1472]

However......you actually boosted the colorism point because....is there any way that keke can NOT present as black? No matter how polished she sounded she would still be seen as a black actress. She is 10 yrs older than zendaya but zendaya is making that much more money than her? She is also pretty and model thin, have we seen her in any designer label campaigns? Even so called black labels. The fact that she was iin Tyler perry movies doesnt mean she is leaning black, it means it was a job. Zendaya's career rose so astronomically that she probably was already past tyler perry stage or never even have a tyler perry stage window. But the fact that Zendaya can even CHOOSE to not lean black is itself the essence of it And that's not her fault, she is a sweet persom from what I see and very talented but that's the truth.

[@khwezik3894]

I definitely knew of Keke before I knew of Zendaya. My first intro to Zendaya was Dancing with the stars (& I totally think she was robbed). I do finds it surprising that Americans or the black community doesn't see her as a 'black actress' when it seems the rest of the world totally does. Especially when either being made to be very small on posters or removed entirely when you're one of the main characters. Take Amandla for example in the hunger games, her character was supposed to be very dark according to the book, but the horrible things people said about a little girl playing a character in the book, even as light as she is shows that to everyone else (white people) , it doesn't matter what shade of black you are,you are just black and without dimension beyond that. And to be fair to Zendaya with euphoria, the character she is playing is technically a white boy surrounded by other white folks maybe that's why their race isn't mentioned. And also in my day to day life in general I don't talk about my race as that is not the sole encompassing factor of my being. It doesn't come up, in euphoria, drugs are the issue so that's what will be focused on more than her race as it's not really a factor, it's not the reason she does drugs. Don't get me wrong though, I'm from the UK and we definitely have racism and colourism here too. But I do feel we see a lot more dark skinned actresses on our screens in soaps, in reality TV in TV dramas and movies and especially theater/Broadway. And I think there's a lot more development or chances to showcase talents like Micheala Coen(? Of bubblegum and I may destroy fame) for example who is just super acceptional and quite dark and gorgeous. There's a lot of ands but you get what I mean. And she's not the only one. Hopefully we'll soon get to a point where they're not the only ones in a sea of white faces in a movie or show though. Perhaps we'll have a show that has all the shade of black in a movie or show that's not just aimed at black people

[@TamelessKinks]

Very good breakdown!!

[@Ms_Timmie92]

I think KeKe has been type casted tbh. I just can’t accept the colorism argument in KeKe’s case. I think it’s more so the roles that she accepts.

[@raisaa1537]

maybe she accepted those roles because that’s all she could get.

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

i can agree with you on this & that's basically what Oh StephCo said too , just without using the word "typecasted" , but yeah , seems like what it is

[@ziondeleya3992]

you ever thought that maybe she only get these roles beacause she is a DSBW....

[@Ms_Timmie92]

@@ziondeleya3992 no because Viola Davis, Lupita N’yongo, half the cast of Orange is the New Black (even though they were playing inmates, their characters weren’t stereotypical), and many other DSBW who haven’t been relegated to these roles. Yes colorism exists, but KeKe Palmer - in her younger days - played other types of characters.

[@Ms_Timmie92]

@@raisaa1537 maybe, but I feel like she’s been in the game long enough to create her own roles, or work with other creators to take on better roles. I say this because other actors/actresses do this too.

[@PaperMario64]

I think loads of people love Keke because she’s effervescent and radiant. She’s a big ole vitamin D alka seltzer. You can’t help but love her. To be honest, I feel she would outshine any white costars. Her role in NOPE seems like it was made for her in particular. I love Zendaya too. I feel like her push to the spotlight was the result of her growth spurt. She went from being a skinny kid dancer on a Disney show to being this very tall and slim girl and it was fashion designers who helped her gain more national coverage. I don’t think it’s fair to Zendaya to boil her success down to skin lightness when she has talent that shouldn’t be dismissed. Being a light skinned (not mixed) black person, I get offended when my hard work and praise is dismissed as “oh they just like you because you’re light”. Because the bottom line is, no matter how light a black person is, white folks know you are not white. And when they decide to be racist, my shade won’t make me less of a target.

[@marlak4203]

exactly. The total obliteration of someone by reducing them down to something so..so...tiny as that. The folks don't get that because they are caught up in being angry and having something to talk about. And thank you for pointing out the fact that other races aren't focused on this color so much as those of the same race would be. That is with any group.

[@andreyamatthew2035]

Great breakdown!!

[@fantabarry7948]

you explained this clearly !!!!!

[@Cici_Promised]

Oooh, girl you look goodT