The articles that have been written about that moment identify the symbolism for Viola herself and also for black women of color who have decided to go natural and take it a step further by eliminating the things that we think might make us superficial or pretentious. For different people its different things, it could be a wig* for me, and some fake lashes for you.
It could be layers of makeup for one girl, and a bad attitude that hides hurt and pain for another person. At some point we have to walk away from the layers and get raw and open.
One writer mentioned that Viola didn’t even have a twist out in her hair, she did not look like a typical black woman on TV, we all know the only time they show a black woman that stripped down no makeup is if she is playing a slave or something of that nature. We cant look like that playing a lawyer, doctor, or anything with any kind of social stature.
Should we feel slighted by that? Of course we should, it is just a fact that Hollywood isn’t the same for actresses that look like Viola, or me or Celie from the Color Purple.
So yes, when Viola removed the wig* it was an epic moment, when she cleaned off her make up and showed her real self, beautiful dark skin, gorgeous plump lips with soul and heart ready to let a fool have it, it was beautiful.
This not a slight against being cosmetic – by all means, put on makeup get glamorous when you can. Every woman deserves that, but we are layered characters like Annalise is. We are not just the pretty face that shows up to work every day with every curl in place or every piece of hair pinned to perfection. We can’t forget that person underneath it all.
People should have a chance to see you, the real you, so that there are no misunderstandings about who you are and what you stand for. People like to use our appearance as an excuse to act and feel a certain way, and if that appearance is flawed in anyway, they you have given them a false sense of yourself.
It is good to strip it away; enjoy what’s real at times, and use it when we want to feel raw and uncut. We loved when Viola bared her soul in that scene. We also loved that she was able to pitch the moment to the producers, and they accepted it.
Personally, I am glad she did it when millions of us were watching. Watch and learn girls, watch and learn! If you want to see the scene for yourself, check it out below.
Roxana Romero says
I felt a real connection
LaTynia Mitchell Taylor says
Ritual wrong Web site. ..u r looking for dates. ..this not your platform for boyfriends !!!!#
Healani Edwards-Brown says
Nichelle Banks! Wth!
Karla Renee says
I was like hell yeah!!! She’s real and I love it!
Sheila McInnis says
Yesss!!!! Fist pump!!
Alisa Crawford says
I loved this scene.
Auty Chanel Huerta says
Yess!!
Briana Rhèun Johnson says
this article just gave me life
Chantal Smith says
The wig wasn’t a BIG deal for me, it was after them lashes and make-up went away. LAWDDDDDD
Tyronza Smith says
It was ALL of it that made me say “WOW”!
Dawn Williams says
I’m trying to hold it in…….
Tammey Brice says
Yes!! The wig was one thing, but when she peeled “them” eyelashes off one at a time… slowly …and then wiped the makeup off in a thoughtful, circular motion and then turned to him and BOOM, delivered the #9words! I said, ” It’s on NOW!!”
Jada Thurman says
It was like a sista taking off her earrings to fight! Loved it!
Jamie Carter-Bailey says
Stuff just got real and I loved it!!!!
Crystal America Jones says
I love that part when she took her wig makeup and eyelashes off only anything I have to say is s*** got real Thursday night I love Shondra. Love it
Erica McNeil says
Yes but where was her wig cap?
Miriam Dugger says
Great, she’s beautiful and a great actress.
Karen Kelsey says
I felt when she took that wig & makeup off she said I am tired and I need to be me.
Karen Kelsey says
I felt when she took that wig & makeup off she said I am tired and I need to be me.
Dawn Williams says
Chantal Smith kmsl I can’t breathe cuza u. I tried. I swear I tried.
Brianna Spruill says
I loved this scene! I was shouting at the TV saying “Ooh!! Yes take it off!!” Lol then when her husband came in and she asked that question I was like “O.o” !!! I love this show!! Viola Davis is amazing!! 😀
T'ya Marie says
Can’t to see the next show!!!
Jasmine Alston says
Alicia Mason Marii Barnett I guess you girls were right
Edu Umoh says
She won my Emmy vote with that scene. I teared up and cheered. So much emotion in that moment
Angel Woodberry says
That was my favorite part! I knew it was about to go down when she started to do that, lol. Can’t wait for the next episode!
Jo Gibson Morebouncetotheounce Jeter says
She bared her soul in that scene,and she touched mine!
Ms Moneyca says
Love it
AngelaJenkins Brenneman says
I thought man! Wish I was that brave!
DotnDavid'sbaby Tol says
Me2
Girlie Lewis says
Looks good! Luv the NATURAL BEAUTY!
Deanna Merritt Ross says
Can’t wait until next week!
Rhonda Thomas says
Cool. Why this is such a faux pas. But in some respect it is.
Jamila M George says
She had d look of don’t mess with me speak d truth
Joy Patrick says
I loved it… It shows the struggle of someone who must assimilate in her work life and the end of her “assimilation” with her spouse. Very powerful #tgit #shondaland #addtowomensstudy #phd
Chrissy Rachee' says
Chloe Vallot
Tee Cee says
Best scene in tv ever! That shit was raw.
Laujean Wilson says
Why is a picture of your penis in a dead girl phone.
Bernadette Moseley says
Loved it!
Sonie Markham says
Shit just got real!
Monica Burney says
I’m glad she was bold enough to take it all off.
Nia Hayes says
This scene was the best! When that wig came off I knew it was going down. Those last 9 words had my mouth on the floor.
Seleta Faust says
Only me!!! One of the best scenes ever
Mannie West says
Love this show
Retina Rascoe says
I love Mrs.Davis , she is courageous, strong, beautiful.
Shonda Watkins says
Crystal Jarvis says
I thought that part of the show was epic. Finally a scene that felt natural to me. Shondra Rhimes has a way of showing us hidden messages in her shows and that’s why I love to watch!!
Saundra Robinson says
Very powerful scene, good for you Viola!!
Tomeka Justice says
I DON’T KNOW WHY PEOPLE WEAR ALL OF THAT CRAP ANYWAYS
Raim Alberto says
Love herrr!!
Sarah Tucker says
It did surprise me this scene as it isn’t typical of a series such as this, but it was a very powerful.
Kentavia Johnson says
I loved every moment of it!!!!
Harriet Jones says
Courageous. A very soul baring intense moment. Can’t wait until next week’s episode.
Linda P. Lyles Scott says
I commented her for being who she really is. Praise God
Bettina Griffin-Johnson says
It got real in that scene.
Sahara Ware says
The wig really didn’t mess me up too much but soon as those brows went bye bye and she ask him about the penis on the phone….I was like Dear Lord baby Jesus!
Terri Ruise says
She is a Real Actress,,
Anja Blaauwgeers Garrick says
Best written series!!! Viola Davis is amazing.
Debra Clifford says
Loved that scene, keep on keeping it real Ms Viola. You are beautiful.
Smith Belinda says
She was getting ready to go to bed!!! She took her wig AND her make up AND her lashes off! Dag yall natural hair women be doing too much! Relaxed hair women wear wigs too, but you don’t see us feeling some type of way because she’s in a straight hair wig. Dang, calm down! She was going to bed or you could say by the last 9 words she was going to battle with her husband! Now, if she wore her natural hair THROUGHOUT the show then you could be all “curly girl” happy. It’s just not that serious. There is no struggle….it’s all in your mind people.
Chimere Clark says
Candace Clark
Nagadya Nsub says
Beautiful ..
Lynda Wilder Williamson Burrell says
Was just talking to friend about this. Viola went raw. Does anyone understand the show? Did the students kill someone?
Ron Moses says
Lynette Moses here’s what I was telling you about.
RéNéa Fox Goodson says
Its so great to see a woman expose herself like that, beautiful! We women should be embracing our natural beauty, not downgrading, lets build each other up ladies, stop judging each other, we are our own worst critic, lets try to do better ladies!
Kourtney Monique says
Ready for next week!!!
Lora Craig-Porter says
I loved that scene. That showed some of her talent.
Jewel Terrell says
It sure did…..
Felma Hudson says
@ReNea Fox Goodson…I concur
Shalmeka Sweet says
Man that was a powerful moment …i so relate!!!
Michelle Latimore says
Juicy….Are it Up….!!!! Bring me More…
Thelma Emanuel says
Beautiful
Leo Virgo says
That was a great scene. Can’t wait to see the next episode
Karen LeShea Jones-Boyd says
We can’t show all our secrets Erica lol
Jalyssa LovelyLocs Whitaker says
So powerful. She was preparing to whoop some ass. Took the “pretty” off and got raw with her husband. I was YES DIVA
Thalia Tee Simpson Nevels says
Yes…i loved that scene!
Jalyssa LovelyLocs Whitaker says
*I was like
Easter Areyouserious Curry says
that was the center piece of that episode….I LIOVE HER FOR THAT!! makes me want to re-watch that episode
Carolyn Elaine Estes says
Powerful moment…such a wonderful actress. Awesome show! http://www.carolyndaughterofmarie.com
Thedra Renee White says
She just keeping it real, and she was and is not afraid of what Hollywood think is beautiful is beautiful God made us in his image …
Doni Palmer says
That was really amazeballs. She was powerful, sexy, beautiful and confident all without saying one word. True actress!
Ava Tucker says
I was feeling some type a way about that scene & that’s when I finally realized…that’s pure beauty… No question… To be bare with nothing artificial… I’d never seen a more beautiful actress at that moment… Big ups to Viola Davis!!!!
Ava Tucker says
I was feeling some type a way about that scene & that’s when I finally realized…that’s pure beauty… No question… To be bare with nothing artificial… I’d never seen a more beautiful actress at that moment… Big ups to Viola Davis!!!!
Ndidi Okeke says
The scene certainly moved me but I couldn’t figure out what the message was that was trying to be conveyed.
Monchell LaFaye says
lol! she was about to whoop her husbands a** once she saw what was on that phone!
Chloe Vallot says
Chrissy Rachee’i jst watched this today .. I’m telling you , you have to watch it !
Donald David says
It’s about to go down. Dope TV show.
Erika HoneyBee says
What a amazing and beautiful sister .
Debbie Parker says
She totally looks better wo the wig
Peggy Earnest says
DRAMA, BUT I LOVE IT!
Jacqueline Willis Harris says
Viola Davis is a beautiful woman with or without hair. Many women are.
Amy Luda says
What is the name of that movie please??
MsD says
ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder” is a TV show written by Shonda Rymes the writer of the acclaimed “Scandal”. I can’t think of a time in history when 2! Two! 2! Powerful Black Actresses rocked our worlds on this level. I will not spoil the storyline by revealing too much, but, both stories are well worth a view-a-thon if you have been out of touch. In the future we will speak of these shows in the same revolutionary awe that we reserve for “Roots”, and “The Color Purple”. The quote will be go down in history as one of the alltime greats that can transport you to a moment in cinematic history. We had, “My name is Kunta! Kunta Kinte!” and “I loves me some Harpo but I will Kill him dead … A girlchild ain’t safe in a houseful a menfolk” and a personal favorite “Love is when he brings the groceries instead of eating yours” (Diahann Carrole in the movie Claudine). Now we can add #9Words “Why is your penis on a dead girls phone? This was a watershed moment.
Francine Brown says
Amy Luda it’s a television drama on tnt called, “how to get away with murder”.
Capri Zuri says
Annalise Keating, Viola Davis,was slow, patient, meticulous almost ritualistic in performing a daily task. It was as if I were watching a warrior prepare for battle. Annalise knew it was coming; she would have to deal with husband’s involvement in a murder case. She let him know she was ready, she didn’t need her armor for this fight she could go bare knuckled. <3
Natashia Olive says
Loved that scene!!!
Lynn McAllister Kellum says
It was EVERYTHING!!!
Sheila McInnis says
In my opinion this was a power move!!! TRANSPARENCY IN FULL EFFECT!!!!
***And one of those times when you know ish is about to POP OFF!!!*** 🙂 I love it.
Shericka Presley says
WTH, when did this happene?! I must be missing an episode.
Caroline Sawyer-Anderson says
To me she was taking off her makeup roughly and snatching off earrings. I bet the next scene while he’s trying to explain, she’ll be putting on Vaseline for the beat down.
Vicky Reed says
Capri Zuri, brilliant analysis! Now I understand and I believe that is exactly what she was doing. Many of us have had to prepare ourselves and our minds for a confrontation with a cheating spouse but a murderer too…oh my, this is really gonna get good! Go Shondra Rhymes!
Angela Rhone says
That’s so powerful I can’t even really put into words. But I do understand wanting to be seen and really heard.