American Success - Merit and Hard Work

By Glenn Mollette

I saw the movie Concussion and personally believe Will Smith should at least be nominated for best actor. The movie is also worthy of a best picture nomination. I am not basing this opinion on the color of Will Smith's skin. Smith is a brilliant actor who happens to be black. I didn't watch Concussion thinking this is a good movie because Smith is black. Concussion is an extremely well made movie with a star actor.

The only reason I can see that Smith should have been nominated for an Academy award is because of his performance. He should not have been nominated because he is black. Actors and actresses should be nominated to receive Academy awards based on performance and not the color of their skin. Why was Will Smith excluded from nomination? Was it prejudice? Was it pure stupidity? Or, did the scorecards simply not tally in Smith's favor?

I have hundreds of African American friends who I have worked closely with for years. However, I am not for promoting anyone for a nomination because of skin color. Nor, am I for excluding anyone because of skin color. Jobs, nominations, promotions and attainments should always be based on merit, skills, ability, training and hard work.

America is rapidly changing. Multi nationalities and religions are flooding this country. What will happen in America? Will the Muslim population band and protest against Hollywood? Will Asians boycott American theaters?
Will every color and nationality eventually have it's own awards show. For example will we have an Academy for Asians only or an Academy for Muslims only?
I don't think the current Academy should exclude anyone because of color nor should they nominate anyone just because of color. Nominations should be based on merit. This year they missed an appropriate nomination in my opinion, but that's just my opinion.

America has to operate on merit and hard work. We are a multicultural nation. Jobs and promotions across our nation on all levels must not be based on reaching a numerical quota of any certain race or nationality. Law abiding, hard working citizens should never be passed over because of race or religion.

We have a long way to go in America. Everything we do must be inclusive of all. Every beauty pageant, television network, sports team, election, factory, grocery store, market place and subdivision must be open to all who abide by the rules and work hard to be good Americans.