Why Can’t a Black Actor Play the Joker?
Why is it so often perceived that a black actor can't play the Joker merely because his skin has been chemically bleached white? This question extends beyond the character's skin color to encompass broader racial identities and societal prejudices. Interestingly, it also reveals why black actors might not be portraying clowns in media, hinting at underlying biases in character choices.
Racial Identity and Character Alteration
Everybody knows the racial identity of the Joker character. Altering a known character dramatically shifts the identity of the character, making it feel like a completely different role. This concept raises the question: why can't we accept a black actor as the Joker without changing the character's racial origins?
My main objection is not just about the race of the actor but about the abundance of Batman/Joker movies already made. It would be innovative to explore entirely new narratives rather than rehashing the same storyline with different actors. This can lead to more original stories and fresh perspectives on the character.
Flexibility in the Joker Character
None shall deny that the Joker evolves beyond his initial identity. Typically, the character reaches a conclusion that his past doesn't matter anymore. This freedom in the Joker's character means that he can embrace any identity. Therefore, a black Joker is not inconceivable. He could have come from wealthy stock, be the son of immigrants, or any other background. The common constant in all portrayals is his comedian persona, clown makeup, and homicidal behavior.
Moreover, the interpretation of the Joker in various media—comics, TV shows, and video games—demonstrates the flexibility of the character. What remains consistent is the comedian's persona, clown makeup, and the persona of a killer. This openness in character interpretation allows for a wide range of possibilities, including a black Joker.
Racial Politics in Batman
Exploring Batman through a real-world lens reveals some underlying racial politics. Bruce Wayne, a wealthy white billionaire, is the man who uses violence to combat the poor and mentally ill. Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight series garnered much criticism for its conservative undertones. The movie The Dark Knight Rises pushed this idea further, where Batman led an army of police officers to crush the Occupy Wall Street movement. Even when Batman tried to implement a solution, like providing free fusion power to Gotham, it backfired disastrously.
Introducing a black Joker in a post-Black Lives Matter (BLM) world could further highlight these social inequalities. Batman represents police brutality, the militarization of law enforcement, corporate interests behind policing, and the protection of the status quo from those at the bottom of society who desire real change.
Conclusion
A black Joker could be a refreshing take on the character. It would allow for a more in-depth exploration of the racial and social inequalities that Batman confronts. A black Joker would serve as a natural extension of how Batman's failures to combat social inequality are compounded by the character's own racial implications.