I think that I came up with a solution to the problem that is the only realistic problem that satisfies all sides (although I'm sure would still piss off some people):
Hollywood, Hollywood's Elite, the big studios, Broadway, and the networks need to come together a fund a major well publicized and notorious non-profit that starts programs across the country to get at risk children from low income families in black and Hispanic children enrolled in programs that educate them on arthouse film and theatre and gets them involved creating short films and plays of their own.
The problem is not necessarily that voters are racist, the problem is that those who win awards at the highest level have been groomed for it by the time that they were children. And quite often, children in at risk homes are not into arthouse film or theatre. Additionally, those living in poor areas do not watch arthouse film or support local theatre or buy Broadway tickets, so the studios have no reason to make films for them.
My solution would create a talent base that would bring intense new ideas into both industries, and cultivate a huge customer base that was never there before. It would be expensive, but I think that the pay-off would be high, and would allow the elites to save face and offer a solution that people could sink their teeth into that wouldn't be affirmative action.
The cost would also be low considering that it would take funding from many sources, and eventually could also rely on federal and local government grants. I'd imagine that many corporate sponsors would love to have their name attached to it and love to have the free sponsorship with the elites.
One of the hooks would be for every Academy member to be to be a part of the 5/50 club, or the 50/50 club if you're an A-lister. The 5/50 club meaning donating at least $5,000 a year and 50 hour their time a year, and the 50/50 club meaning donating at least $50,000 a year and 50 hours of their time a year. The hours coming from promotional, operational, writing curricular, filming webcasts, giving speeches, running seminars, teaching classes, or making surprise appearances.
It would be a big project, but this is the kind of stuff that many of "White Sports" like baseball is doing to help promote their sport to lower income areas.
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