During the interview with Larry Madowo, Djimon Hounsou discusses his experience with being underpaid, despite consistently demonstrating his solid acting skills in global blockbuster movies. Early interview clips shared by Larry Madowo on his X page led some people to misinterpret his remarks of "Still Struggling To Make A Living" as if he had financial problems, was destitute, or was another entitled Black man who had not managed those big acting opportunities well. However, watching the entire interview reveals a different story.
I think there are too many people and articles are focused on the "struggling financially" part rather than the issue of systemic racism and the importance of speaking up when you have the opportunity.
If you have not watched Djimon Hounsou's interview with Larry Madowo on CNN's African Voices, please do.

When actors claim they are underpaid, they are referring to the context of the effort they put into a role compared to their compensation relative to others. Additionally, when your pay is small and you have agents to be paid and taxes, what will be left? This issue is not confined to Hollywood; this context applies to nearly every sector. Often, factors like gender, religion, physical appearance, ethnicity, and other uncontrollable aspects are used as criteria to limit opportunities.
Hounsou, known for starring in multiple popular blockbuster films, including Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad,” ”Blood Diamond” Along side Leonardo DiCaprio, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”, A Quiet Place and DC’s “Shazam!”
Many articles are circulating online as people are surprised by the situation involving someone of his reputation. However, there are others, like me, who are not surprised by the realities of systemic racism. Well, thanks to him being candid in the interview.
Taraji P. Henson discussed the wage gap in Hollywood, and numerous accounts across various industries highlight how skin color can be an obstacle in many areas. As a person of color, there are numerous situations where you are assessed based on your skin color before you have the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities. The benefit of the doubt given to others is rarely accorded to you, and there are hardly enough opportunities for you to even attempt to demonstrate your abilities... you know those types where you want to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes as you go...
You are subjected to unfairly high standards due to your skin color. You are constantly cautious, afraid to make any mistake, to ensure that the little you have isn't taken away from you. The door is shut, and the bar is set at a level that prevents you from advancing beyond where you are expectedto exist.
Hence, at times, you must struggle to be noticed and heard to say basic things or be scared of being taken out of context. See how some people were quick to say his challenge in Hollywood was his fault? That is how difficult and exhausting systemic racism can be. Too many people play it down.
OPEN YOUR MOUTH
Watching Djimon Hounsou's interview reminded me that we should seize the opportunity to speak our truth whenever we can.
When you have a significant platform to speak, don't supress the little voice on your inside urging you to speak up. That fire telling you to shout, sometimes, you have to let it burn. Younger actors, new to the field, might be cautious as they learn the ropes, much like any other industry. However, for someone with two decades of experience, it becomes a matter of "What do I have to lose at this point?"
Moreover, by speaking out, he is paving the way for better standards for future African actors interested in Hollywood. The ensuing discussions and remarks will facilitate better education and being enlightened on how contracts for roles involving African actors are drafted. These things matter.
When there is nothing left to lose and you have repeatedly tried to prove yourself, remaining silent benefits no one, not even yourself. It is like when older individuals decide to live life to the fullest and express their thoughts freely, realizing that years of silence have caused more harm than good.
Being timid and afraid to express oneself may seem safer, but who truly gains when you look at the bigger picture? At some point, you reach a stage in life where you understand that speaking your truth is the best thing. The sky will not fall. Write that book, start that podcast, sing that song, or pursue whatever it is because playing it safe has already cost you dearly.
Put yourself out there to be seen and heard. Obsession with perfection will continue to rob you if you are not willing to fail and grow with the process.
At the very least, the CNN interview has generated additional articles and pushed the conversation about systemic racism and pay disparity to the forefront of numerous media headlines. This interview might open more opportunities for him, placing him in the spotlight to be noticed and heard. Just in case someone forgot that he is there, somewhere. Picture him sitting in that interview, being all pleasant and inspirational, as if he had everything sorted out...in a manner that confirms whatever assumptions about his success in Hollywood.
When you don'twant to ruffle any feathers, continueto play nice in the face of injustice, in the end, your silence does not serve any purpose. Whether you speak or not, systemic discrimination is a stronghold that keeps being sustained. Systemic racism does not need your permission to exist. The rest of the world only finds ways to cope with the system, just as Djimon Hounsou said in that interview. We all have our tales about this system.