Final answer:
In early films, white actors often portrayed Latinos, Asians, and Blacks due to historical misrepresentation in Hollywood. Figures like Oscar Micheaux and Sidney Poitier pioneered more dignified representation in cinema, contributing to the eventual improvement of minority involvement in films.
Step-by-step explanation:
In early films, white actors often portrayed characters of different ethnic backgrounds, such as Latinos, Asians, and Blacks. This practice, a part of Hollywood's historical misrepresentation and underrepresentation of minority groups, contrasts sharply with contemporary norms where diversity and authentic representation are increasingly prioritized. During early cinema's formative years, significant figures like Oscar Micheaux emerged, spearheading what became known as the "golden era of black cinema." Micheaux was pivotal in creating 'race films' intended for black audiences, and his works stood out by featuring dignified characters of color in hero and heroine roles, countering prevailing stereotypes. This era also saw figures like Paul Robeson and Sidney Poitier, who broke barriers in the entertainment industry and provided more authentic portrayals of African American characters, establishing a legacy upon which future generations of actors could build.
Despite the contributions of these trailblazing filmmakers and actors, mainstream Hollywood films often lacked authentic representation, with minority characters being portrayed in stereotypical or unflattering ways if they were included at all. Progress in civil rights and shifts in cultural attitudes have partially corrected these historical oversights, paving the way for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of minorities in film.