Too Many White People: The Politics of Existing As the Only BIPOC Person in a Predominantly White Neighborhood à la Zoe Kravitz While Filming 'Big Little Lies'
In a highly relatable move, Zoë Kravitz gave an interview with The Observer, where she admitted to feeling uncomfortable at times while filming HBO's "Big Little Lies." The drama series, which also stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, and Laura Dern, centers around a murder investigation set in Monterey, California.
"The Batman" star, who plays Catwoman in Matt Reeves' latest interpretation of the caped crusader, said, "There were a few moments where I felt a little uncomfortable because it is such a white area. Just weird racist people in bars and things like that."
For context, "Big Little Lies" primarily shoots in Monterey, Malibu, Los Angeles, and other areas in California. According to U.S. Census population estimates for 2021, Monterey, in particular, is 78.6% white, well outpacing any other race or ethnic group. Of course, while not all white people are inherently racist, but as a BIPOC member of society, Kravitz's feelings of discomfort and unsafety are highly relatable. We can all think of times where we've been unsure where we stand in mixed company, and whether the environment is safe to be ourselves without judgment or possible harm coming our way.
In the same interview, it was also revealed that Kravitz's Bonnie Howard Carlson was originally written as a white person, leading to speculation that it was the reason the character was more layered than other parts offered to Kravitz at the time. And, while Kravitz has praised the show for not reducing her character's utility down to her race, some critics have argued that by not addressing Bonnie's race, the character is inauthentic.
However, in light of the demographics of Monterey, perhaps we should commend "Big Little Lies" for including a BIPOC character in the main cast, even if it was done retroactively. John Cho's casting as Henry Higgs in ABC's short-lived romantic comedy series "Selfie" comes to mind as another example of a character originally written as white going to a BIPOC actor. And, Cho got to ride in on a white horse for the first time in his life for that one! (An experience that Cho has praised as allowing him to finally participate in stories that involve "American mythology.")
Regardless, it's hard not to feel that there's been a missed opportunity in "Big Little Lies." How would a Black woman have dealt with a murder investigation going on in her neighborhood, where everyone's a suspect? Would her former neighbors have navigated the situation differently? I guess we'll never know.
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