If you thought the deep-rooted racism and sexism in Hollywood had eased up in recent years, wait until you hear Mindy Kaling’s story.
During a recent interview with Elle, Kaling spoke about playing the role of Molly in Late Night, a “diversity hire” who has to prove her worth amongst a mostly white, male staff room.
Kaling told Elle that that experience is “so universal,” and something she experienced in real life during her time on The Office. According to the actress, when the TV show was nominated for an Emmy, she was told there were “too many producers” and she would be cut from the list.
In order to receive recognition for her efforts on the show “they made me, not any of the other producers, fill out a form and write an essay about all my contributions as a writer and a producer,” she said. “I had to get letters from all the other male, white producers saying that I had contributed, when my actual record stood for itself.”
While Kaling’s name was eventually added to the list, it was just one of the many times she’s experienced racism and sexism during her time in the film and TV industry. “It really doesn’t matter how much money I have,” she said. “I’m treated badly with enough regularity that it keeps me humble.”
Instead of being angry or bitter about it, Kaling said she’s “grateful” for it. “I do think it keeps me feeling like an outsider, which is helpful as a writer.”
It’s a sad state of affairs that even in this day and age an accomplished writer, producer, comedian and actress like Mindy Kaling has to fight so hard to prove her worth in an industry full of power white, male counterparts.
We can only hope by speaking out about the inequality and injustice, positive change will follow. Kaling deserves all the respect for speaking her truth.