Within media, certain people are credited for breaking down barriers and shifting change. One of these magnificent door-openers is Hattie McDaniel. As the first African American to win an Oscar, Hattie McDaniel was truly a trailblazer. However, her efforts weren’t always seen as successful.
McDaniel was born in Wichita, Kansas as one of 13 children. Her parents were both formerly enslaved and her father served in the Civil War. As McDaniel grew up, she and a few of her siblings knew a career in entertainment was for them. Eventually, McDaniel moved to L.A., joining her brother Sam and sisters Orlena and Etta.
McDaniel first popped around from radio work to uncredited film appearances as she also worked as a maid. Eventually, she gained notoriety and worked on many films, mostly as a maid, slave, or servant. Becoming friends with many mainstream white actresses, McDaniel had finally made her way in as a colored woman.
When McDaniel landed her most famous and award-winning role as Mammy in Gone With The Wind, she was still met with discrimination and controversy. In a time where the separation of race was still very prevalent, McDaniels wasn’t even allowed to attend the movie premiere in an all-white theater. When accepting her Oscar, she was placed alone at a “colored only” table to remain separated.
Within her own race, many African American’s did not appreciate the work of McDaniel. While they celebrated representation within the Oscars, many, including the NAACP, condemned McDaniel for taking roles that degraded or weakened the look of colored people. As mentioned, McDaniel played mostly maid, servant, or slave roles and portrayed herself as uneducated or complacent with southern living in most films.
When questioned about her stance on the criticism she received for not speaking out or blatantly supporting the fight for equality, McDaniel said this: "Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn't, I'd be making $7 a week being one."
Looking at McDaniel’s career as a whole, I would deem it very successful for the time period. While she could have certainly used her platform to be more vocal about change, I think she instead decided to look out for herself. We’re all a bit selfish at times and when success comes knocking, we sometimes surrender things to obtain it. Hattie McDaniel did what she felt was right for her and I think we should all remember her as the trailblazer she was.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hattie_McDaniel, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/oscars-first-black-winner-accepted-774335
