And she would still be wrong and uninformed. Naming one example of a Black woman leading a show on a major network does not change the fact that there hasn't been many of those cases in many years, so the point she is making doesn't really refute what Viola was trying to convey in her speech. Every since Kerry broke through with Scandal there have been more and more leading drama roles for Black women, which makes their chances greater at being recognized by the industry. Before that, that wasn't really the case. Black women were mostly in supporting and smaller roles. It's not that hard to get and see why Whoopi is just trying to be the devil's advocate like she always does.
She literally doesn't make any sense. She should go back through her filmography to discover all the coons she portrayed over the years then let's hear her say "There's always been opportunities..."
Viola is specifically speaking about roles that are ripe with respect and dignity. Those that written with every intention of giving the actress every opportunity she can to display the talent she has in her. Roles that are worthy of prestigious award nominations and critical praise. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand this.
