The Oscar-Winning Film Queen Latifah Says Should Be Deleted from History – Here’s Why

Queen Latifah has been vocal about the problematic aspects of Hollywood’s history, particularly when it comes to racial representation. One film she’s made her stance clear on is the 1939 classic Gone with the Wind. The film, often regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, has long been criticized for its romanticized portrayal of slavery and its treatment of African American characters.

In June 2020, when HBO Max temporarily removed Gone with the Wind from its streaming library, Latifah expressed her thoughts on the matter, stating, “Let Gone with the Wind be gone with the wind.” Her comment reflected her strong belief that the film’s depiction of race, particularly slavery, is outdated and harmful. She advocates for the film’s removal from streaming platforms due to its historical context, which she feels misrepresents the painful realities of the era.

Latifah’s criticism extends beyond the film itself to the treatment of African American actors involved in the production, particularly Hattie McDaniel, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of “Mammy” in the film. Despite McDaniel’s historic win, she faced racial discrimination during the ceremony. Latifah pointed out that McDaniel was not allowed to sit in the theater with the rest of the nominees until just before receiving her award. Furthermore, McDaniel was forced to read a speech written by the studio, reflecting the racial prejudices that permeated Hollywood at the time.

Queen Latifah’s comments on Gone with the Wind are not just about one film but reflect a larger critique of Hollywood’s historical treatment of African American characters and actors. As a trailblazer herself in the entertainment industry, Latifah has used her platform to challenge the portrayal of race in film and advocate for more authentic, equitable representation.

Beyond her criticism of Gone with the Wind, Latifah’s own body of work showcases her dedication to telling powerful, positive stories. In the 2006 film Last Holiday, she portrayed a woman who, after learning she has a terminal illness, decides to live life to the fullest—a character far removed from the limited and often stereotypical roles historically given to Black actors.

Queen Latifah’s stance on Gone with the Wind highlights her ongoing commitment to confronting Hollywood’s past and advocating for progress. Her call for the film’s removal from streaming platforms is a reminder of the need for sensitivity and awareness in the stories we continue to consume and the representation we allow in our media.