I hear all the time from our audience about how it's nice to see a positive African-American role model for the younger kids out there that are watching.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I feel like kids in general, not just African-American kids, are influenced by what they see, both positive and negative.
Our children need to see and hear about more black role models in many fields so they can make better choices.
I've always gotten a positive reaction to doing African-American characters.
I think it is so great right now that we are in an age where there's an African American president in office. I think it is important for our generation to really witness that.
More Asians need to be on television as a positive role model.
I think a lot of African-American kids don't have fathers to teach them how to dress, so you end up being taught by pictures in magazine and movies. You see cowboys, Indians, old Hollywood films, Cary Grant. It has an effect on you.
I think it is important for young people to see other young people on television doing something positive with their life, making positive changes and growing. I don't think there is enough of that on TV. I mean, we've got 'Jersey Shore,' and I don't know what that teaches young kids.
I'd rather a young black actor read about success as opposed to how tough it was. I get these roles because I can act and that's it. Hopefully that's it.
I don't feel that I was often compartmentalized as an African-American actor, yet I am fully aware of the plight that actors, directors and producers of color face in our industry. I choose to focus on being proactive in creating opportunities for myself and others while acknowledging that we are not playing on a level playing field.
I can't talk about the education of black children if I ignored two of my nieces who were a couple of grade levels behind. I believe that charity begins at home, and I take seriously the role of a godfather to fill the gap when the parents aren't doing their job.