Idris Elba responds to criticism over why he doesn’t call himself a “Black Actor”: “It’s my prerogative”

nme.com:

Idris Elba has further addressed his thoughts on race and why he doesn’t call himself a “Black Actor”, telling critics it’s his “prerogative”.The actor had originally discussed racism and his thoughts on it within the scope of his career and life last month.

Elba said while “racism is very real,” he said that he believed people gave it too much power and allowed it to hinder their growth and aspirations.“If we spent half the time not talking about the differences but the similarities between us, the entire planet would have a shift in the way we deal with each other,” Elba told Esquire. “As humans, we are obsessed with race.”The Suicide Squad star continued: “And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth.

Racism should be a topic for discussion, sure. Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be.

I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realised it put me in a box.”He added: “We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to.