This past Monday, on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, on the eve of Barack Obama's inauguration, I discovered that the casting of the four leading characters for the upcoming live-action movie, "The Last Airbender" (based on the TV show, “Avatar: The Last Airbender”) had gone entirely to white actors. I want—no, need—to say something about this.
I'm going to take a tip from President Barack Obama, and begin this with a little personal story.
When my brother and I were in high school, our favorite class was Drama. While we were rehearsing for the next day's class or participating in a school play or dancing it up at the after party, I don't think there was anything we liked more. During such times, it even surpassed our love of—dare I say it—comics. But we never even entertained the notion of actually pursuing it as a career. Not because we didn't want to, but because we had too much pride to spend our entire lives pretending to be Long Duk Dong, or a Chinese food delivery boy with one line, or a Kato to some Green Hornet. Or even worse, having our hearts broken over and over going after roles that specifically call for Asian Americans like "Avatar, The Last Airbender" only to see them go to white actors. Back in my Drama days in high school, I used to dream of being white so I could pursue acting.
With discrimination like this "Avatar" casting continuing to happen uncontested in Hollywood, my future kids will nurse the same pitiful wish.
And it infuriates me.
If my future kids feel a passion for acting, I want them to be able to pursue it just like any other American. If they're forced to give up that passion due to a genuine lack of talent or hard work, fine. But I don't want their dreams to be clipped at the bud by some unassailable, universally accepted dismissal of their existence on the face this country.
It's not fair. It's not right.
Before I go any further, it behooves me to spill some information on "Avatar, the Last Airbender" for those people who have no idea what it is. 1) It's the greatest, most ambitious animated action adventure TV series ever hatched in the U.S. A cartoon series for kids in which one epic story actually spans 3 entire seasons. A kid's show in which the characters actually grow and change and evolve! A cartoon which actually respects a kid's intelligence and vast imagination. Imagine that! 2) It's wholly and inarguably built around Asian (and Inuit) culture. Everything from to the costume designs, to the written language, to the landscapes, to martial arts, to philosophy, to spirituality, to eating utensils!—it's all an evocative, but thinly veiled, re-imagining of ancient Asia. (In one episode, a region is shown where everyone is garbed in Korean hanboks—traditional Korean clothing—the design of which wasn't even altered at all.) It would take a willful disregard of the show's intentions and origins to think this wouldn't extend to the race of the characters as well. You certainly don't see any blonde people running around in "Avatar." (I'm not saying that would have necessarily been a bad thing, I'm just stating the facts of the show and the world in which it is set.)
Just take a look for yourself.
I was speaking with Gene Yang (author of "American Born Chinese" and National Book Award nominee) about the casting and he said it best: "It's like a white Asian fetishist's wet dream. All the Asian culture they want, without any of the Asian people."
J.R.R. Tolkien never specifically described his central human, and human-like, characters as being "Caucasian" or "European" (as far as I know) in "The Lord of the Rings", but it would be pretty stupid to think they weren't when the entire story and the world in which it was set came from an obvious extrapolation of medieval Europe. Why should it be any different for Avatar?
Or let me draw a closer parallel—imagine if someone had made a “fantasy” movie in which the entire world was built around African culture. Everyone is wearing ancient African clothes, African hats, eating traditional African food, writing in an African language, living in African homes, all encompassed in an African landscape...
...but everyone is white.
How offensive, insulting, and disrespectful would that be toward Africans and African Americans? How much more offensive would it be if only the heroes were white and all the villians and background characters were African American? (I wince in fear thinking about "The Last Airbender" suffering from the latter dynamic—which it probably will.)
Or imagine if they remade "Shaft" or "Zorro", but cast white actors to play the lead roles. It would be outrageous, right? Well, this Avatar casting is no different. But curiously, when similiar offenses are committed at the expense of Asian Americans, and Asian American men in particular, this sort of behavior goes mostly ignored by the press and the people involved.
To show you what I mean, here's a snippet from a recent article on MTV.com:
Due in theaters in summer 2010, "Airbender" has already begun to face a bit of controversy over the casting of white actors like Rathbone, Ringer and McCartney to play Asian characters — a concern the actor was quick to dismiss. "I think it's one of those things where I pull my hair up, shave the sides, and I definitely need a tan," he said of the transformation he'll go through to look more like Sokka. "It's one of those things where, hopefully, the audience will suspend disbelief a little bit."
If Rathbone had gotten the role of "Shaft," and got a perm and a "tan" to play that character (and I don't mean in a self-conscious, subversive way like Robert Downey Jr. in "Tropic Thunder"), there would be a shit storm of outrage from all sectors of America, not just the African American community. It would be a headline across every newspaper, and I highly doubt that production would make it to filming. But when Joel Grey taped his eyes "slanty" and colored his skin to play a Korean man in "Remo Williams" (in 1985! we're not talking ancient history here), it went virtually unnoticed. How was that even allowed to happen? How is it continuing to happen, here in 2009, at the eve of Obama's inauguration (as I type this.) Why this double standard?
Now if you're a progressive Asian American you might be saying that I'm barking up the wrong tree. That perhaps it's better not to perpetuate the stereotype of Asians being nothing but karate-chopping, fortune cookie wisdom spouting monks. But the fact of the matter is these kinds of films are going to be made whether we like them or not. It's a genre, like “Lord of the Rings” and its ilk—the western counterpart to films like “The Last Airbender” or “Forbidden Kingdom”, that's way too popular to ever go away. Almost everyone craves adventure and mythic grandeur. Films like “Avatar”, just in terms of genre, are dime a dozen in Asia itself after all. So since Hollywood is never going to stop making these kinds of films, I think we should protect them and make sure they're done respectfully, as well as pursuing intelligent independent movies that are reflective of Asian Americans in real life.*
And the reason this miscasting is particularly stinging when it comes to “Avatar” is because of the high quality of the source material. "The Last Airbender" has the potential to be something like "Star Wars"—something with lasting value that could give new heroes to your average household in America. And to have something for Asian American kids, and ethnic kids in general, to look up to. To let them know heroes can also look like them and speak fluent English like them. I think it could give immeasurable confidence and pride to these under-represented kids to have something like "Avatar" if it turns out to be as good as I hope. There's no reason Asian Americans should have to forsake "Star Wars" for "Citizen Kane." Both kinds of films have their merits and places in culture and it would be healthy to strive for both--to have Asian Americans and all minority Americans be a part of the entire spectrum
And many non-Asian Americans might be saying, "Relax! Things are getting better—hey, look at 'Harold and Kumar'!" But what they may be overlooking is that for every "Harold and Kumar" (as in 2), there are hundreds of "Avatar, The Last Airbender"s and "21"s.
The movie "21" (released last year!) was supposed to be based on the real life exploits of some Asian American MIT students. But of course, a Hollywood studio just couldn't bear to put an Asian American in the leading role. Instead the role was given to Jim Sturgess. To add insult to injury, Sturgess' sidekick friends were played by Aaron Yoo and Liza Lapira. They're both perfectly capable actors who could've pulled off the role just as well as Sturgess. But Yoo and Lapira were obviously just tossed in as a lame attempt to deflect accusations of discrimination which were sure to follow.
Again, let me repeat that this movie was made last year, in 2008. You may think it unbelievable, but things really haven't changed at all since the time Bruce Lee was tossed aside for David Carradine in "Kung Fu." How could this much time have passed and so little progress been made?
How? Because Asian Americans don't have the support of liberal Americans at large the way some other minorities do. The reason Barack Obama won the presidency, when so many African American politicians before him couldn't get a foothold, is because a candidate finally came along that garnered the support of everyone in America, not just his community (and deservedly so). Now I'm not equating the presidency with something as trivial as a movie role, but this issue is still something deserving of support from outside the Asian American community, as well as within, to help fight discrimination for everyone.
So if you're someone who believes in equality—if you want to see all of America reflected in our world's most popular and influential narrative art form—I implore you, particularly if you aren't Asian yourself, to write a letter of complaint to Paramount or show your displeasure in some form. If you have a blog, please post something to shame the producers of this film or feel free to distribute my little essay here. Especially if you're a professional in the arts or entertainment industry. With a strong enough voice, perhaps we can force them do what's right by recasting this movie. And lastly, if this effort fails, please boycott this film when it's released in the summer of 2010. Let Paramount and the rest of Hollywood know that this kind of blatant discrimination isn't acceptable to us. Not just for Asian Americans, but for all minorities in our country who never see themselves reflected in our country's media.
African Americans kids can finally, realistically dream of being president one day. Can't Asian American kids—perhaps my kids—at least dream of being something as relatively insignificant as central characters in some escapist Hollywood movie where everything is stolen from their heritage?
Can't they be a part of America too?
Derek Kirk Kim
01-19-09
-------------------------------------------------
Since the outraged fans seem to be getting ignored by Paramount, I am starting a petition for professionals in the arts and entertainment industry who want to condemn this move and boycott this discriminatory film if it isn't recast. If you're involved in the Film/TV/Animation/Comics/Literary fields in any way and you find Paramount's racist actions even the least bit reprehensible, please leave your name and occupation in the comments. Or email it to me if you know me personally. If you're a media or political figure who could also make a strong statement by adding your name to the list (Mr. President?), please do so. I will continue to collect the names as long as they come in and eventually make a comprehensive list to distribute publicly and send to Paramount. Hopefully this will pressure them to recast the movie or at least send a strong enough message so something like this doesn't happen again.
Here, Gene and I will be the first to throw in our names:
Derek Kirk Kim - writer, illustrator, cartoonist
Gene Yang - writer, illustrator, cartoonist, teacher
If Paramount won't listen to the fans, perhaps they'll listen to the professionals that actually make so many films today possible.
Letters of complaint should be sent here:
Mr Mark Bakshi
President Features Production
5555 Melrose Avenue
Shulberg Building
Suite 211
Room 115
Los Angeles, CA 90038-3197
and
Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall
Kennedy/Marshall Company
619 Arizona Avenue, Fl. 2
Santa Monica, California 90401
For more information on a letter writing campaign, please visit:
http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/
PS: I'd like to thank the wonderful people at aang-aint-white.livejournal.com for all their efforts and for providing me with such a handy source of screencaps.
*This paragraph was edited on 01-22-09 to clarify my points.
431 comments:
1 – 200 of 431 Newer› Newest»throwing my name in too...
Steve Rolston - writer, illustrator, cartoonist, teacher
Hi Derek,
As an Asian American, I understand and feel your outrage about things like these. I have grown up dealing with these issues all my life, from being called Jackie Chan to being viewed as impotent because of the portrayal of Asian men in media, I have heard and been called it all. I’m glad to see that something like this angers you, and while I don’t feel that boycotting this film is a bad idea, I feel that it is not enough. There needs to be a greater unity within the Asian American community in order for it to truly be recognized and its pleas heard. Awareness is the key component to problems like these. There cannot be a few writing dozens of letters in outrage, there must be many each voicing their opinion as one to have any effect. And because of this, I applaud your effort to spread awareness about this movie and casting, but I hope that your outrage does not end here. (I’m not sure if there is one, but I feel this may be a grand opportunity for the organization of something to further the goals of Asian Americans in the entertainment industry if there isn’t.) And I can’t help but notice that you said,”And normally I would agree, if the original source material wasn't so good.” I feel like you have to take the good with the bad here, you can’t say, “I’m going to be angry about this because it’s a good story,” but at the same time say, “I don’t care about this movie which should have had Asian people in it because it’s going to blow anyway.” Just some things to think about I suppose. I don’t know if you’ve read this book , Yellow by Frank Wu, or not, but if you feel this passionately about this subject, I definitely recommend reading it if you already haven’t.
Sincerely,
Ben
PS: http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-America-Beyond-Black-White/dp/046500640X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232582851&sr=8-3
that's a link to the book for all those interested
Steve,
as an avid avatard, as we like to call ourselves, can you reveal the names of said actors?
Put me down. I not only write comic books and novels, but I am a film reviewer who has reviewed all three seasons of the show for DVD Talk, which are referenced in the show's Wikipedia article.
Jamie S. Rich
Hey Derek. As a white male, I stand for the cause 110% and feel outraged as well. Please also reference the casting on the "Dragonball" movie due in theatres this year. You will be hard pressed to find any asian actors in any of those roles when clearly the cartoon demands it (again being so influenced by asian folklore and culture). This blatant show of disrespect to the asian community has to stop.
- Matt Grigsby
(Student, Illustrator, sequential artist)
Whether or not I qualify as a comics professional yet may be up for debate, since my first full-length OGN won't be published until later this year--but I'm certainly on the list of upset and offended.
I think we've been lulled to sleep a bit by less important casting decisions--Keanu as Constantine, for instance, since a British accent may be too alienating for Americans.
But the quote "I think it's one of those things where I pull my hair up, shave the sides, and I definitely need a tan" should immediately set off alarm bells for anyone thinking this isn't a blatantly messed-up way of thinking.
Jeff Johns
Comics Artist
I work in the FX industry, am white, and was really looking forward to seeing or working on this movie. Once I saw the casting I was not only disappointed in the racism alone but also in the fact that it's a sign that they will likely Hannah-Montana-ify the story as well. I real bummer.
Did you see that the Street Fighter Chun-Li movie stars Kristin Kreuk (half-Chinese)? Hardly on par with Airbender, but Paramount couldn't even go that far.
You would think Director Shyamalan (being Indian) would have SOME sensitivity to this issue.
The studio will listen to ticket sales more than industry people. Here's hoping.
As American media and the portrayal of people and cultures therein greatly influence, and make up for a big part of, media in the rest of the world, count me in.
Jan Bielecki
Illustrator, Comics Artist, Student
UK and Sweden
When you quoted your friend Gene Yang, who described the "white Asian fetishist's wet dream," it really struck me. Normally I wouldn't be too bothered by race (in fact, I make "racist" jokes all the time); however, when I read this post of yours today, something in me snapped. Not going postal, mind you, but it really sends my mind on a reeling circle of "why? Are you serious??"
It is actually funny, or just absurdly good timing, that you wrote this post when you did, since I actually have been talking with a friend about how it has been recently announced that Keanu Reeves would be cast as Spike Spiegel in the new live-action movie(again) version of Cowboy Bebop. Now, besides the fact that Mr. Reeves, though handsome, is not a very good actor, I was disappointed at how much the examples of a white person taking the role of what originally was Asian or Asian-influenced was stacking up. 21. Dragonball Z. Cowboy Bebop. Avatar. And the list begins to grow like a weed.
You'd think that America, for all its "political correctness" would notice that racism is a problem that involves all races, not just African-American, or just Hispanics, etc. I do realize that maybe my opinion falls moot because I have some "personal vendetta," being Asian, but I would have to basically agree with your sentiment that there is definitely an unequal trend on the silver screen. And maybe the silver screen isn't where it really matters: a man of mixed ethnicity being sworn in as President of the United States is where it really matters. But maybe one culture shouldn't have to be subjected to ignorance and stereotypes either.
Also, I end this unintentionally-long reply with this:
With fake buck teeth, yellowface makeup, and a horrendous accent, Mickey Rooney portrayed an Asian man in the classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's." That was 1961. Have we made any progress?
Rachel Dukes
- writer, illustrator, cartoonist
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Derek.
Fred Chung - storyboard artist, cartoonist
Grant Alter - writer, legal assistant, white guy
And Goku shouldn't be white either.
I hope hollywood casts an Asian as Clark Kent in the next Superman movie.
Hi Derek!
You can add the name Leanne Riding to that list.
Having been co-president of the Asian Canadian Writer's Workshop (publishes Ricepaper, an Asian Canadian Arts & Culture magazine... you know that one), and also having been a member of the Asian Canadian Cultural Association (a student organization of the University of British Columbia), pretty much this is a petition which I can't ignore!
I'll ask to have the issue added to some relevant agendas. We might have an opinion on it. :)
Oops.. that was “Asian Canadian Cultural Organizaton” not Association. Thought something looked funny when I wrote it.
Me too!
Debbie Huey - Writer, Illustrator, Cartoonist, Library Assistant
I support this 100%, but as to the question you raise about why this is still going on, especially with something like Obama being president is something I have an opinion on. As someone who is half-black (therefore seen as just black by most) I have known and dealt with stuff like this before and still will even after Obama. Granted, black people are portrayed better in films, but of course, they are still stereotypes. (Ex: the token black guy, or the fat black woman with an attitude)So, this notion of fair treatment with black people is not done yet. But, one of the reasons why you don't see a lot of negative portrayal of black people in films or just in life in general, is because of the fuss black people make about it. Many people, including black people do not like Al Sharpton, however, you can count on him to get on White America's nerves every time a word that just sounds like nigger comes out of a high profile white person's mouth. Black people make it a HUGE deal anytime we see something remotely racist and we make sure White America hears it. Basically, White America gives in because they just don't want to deal with it all, not necessarily because they have been enlighten. Truth be told, black face would still be in movies if black people did not make a fuss about it. They did do it a few years ago when Angelina Jolie played a black woman in a film. It has not happen again since. Except of course in Tropic Thunder, which was funny and not meant to be racist. Now, I'm not Asian, and despite being interested in the culture, I will never know what it is like to be Asian and never presumed that my struggles as a black person is the same as an Asian person. However, when it comes to situations like this, I don't hear much from the media, but I also don't hear much from the Asian community as well. I had this conversation (about the Avatar movie) with a friend who is Asian, and his comment was, "I don't see the problem. The characters don't look Asian." That is pretty much the attitude I see from the Asian community. Granted, I do know that there are a lot of Asian Americans who are angry about many of the injustices, not just this movie, and have done a lot to make things better. But as a whole, I don't feel that the Asian American community is angry enough. The Asian-American community basically has to jump at every opportunity to get on White America's nerves when it comes to these situations, in other words, stuff like this will have to continue whether this film is successful or not. That is how things will change.
I agree. I'm even more angry than Angry Asian Man.
-LeRoid David-
designer, cartoon guy, lumpia lover, father of 2
Only said one thing: Dragon Ball Evolution.
.
Jesse's current blogbpost refers to here. He says you make some good points. meh. Good as Lilly was upbeat, a positive message story. Thanks for that.
"RACIST" is offensive and wrong.
I understand your umbrage, and sympathize.
A Jew played the Al Capone character Little Caesar. A Jew played Arthur Fonzarelli, Fonzie on Happy Days. My Dad's folks came from Italy. (My oldest friend is Jewish and both his folks are from Italy, but ne'mind.)
Ethnic pride (my Italian half) makes me want to see Italo-American actors play Italo-American characters. I take a childish glee when Italo-American actors play Jews. Am I wrong?
Archie Bunker said sumpn like, "Hebes, Eye-ties, what's the diff?" And all east Asians have always been interchangeable in Hollywood wrt actors.
But I must say that your left-leaning diatribe here, wherein you favorably point to liberals as those you expect to sympathize with you, is most alienating to me. You take the casting personally. I take your comments personally.
As to your activist aspirations, you go, fella. I believe in free enterprise wrt economic organization, or politics, or social activism free speech.
I am not with you, though.
It's their movie, and they get to make the decisions they think will make them the most money.
It's not called "show fine art" or "show for the fan base." It's called "show business."
I never heard of this project, and it's origins are news to me. Most moviegoers may be like me. Or not.
Obviously, the movie company thinks their casting decision will be the most bang for their buck.
The moviegoing public will decide.
If the movie stinks, and bombs, too bad for the movie company.
If the movie is good, and succeeds, good for the movie company.
If the movie is good, and bombs, too bad for the movie company.
If the movie stinks, and succeeds, good for the movie company.
If your write-in campaign gets the desired effect, good for you.
If not, too bad for you.
Personally, it's not my heritage.
And if it were, whatever my feelings, I'm philosophical
And most of all, I respect the right of folks who want to spend their money making a movie to spend their money based on whatever matters to them. Usually the goal is to maximize profits.
When Hollywood sets out to make a movie with other criteria than maximizing profits, how do they fare? Most Hollywood "message" movies are lefty, and are rarely big box-office. They play at the cineplex for a couple of weeks, then straight to video. Even with big name actors.
So, wrt to your advising these film-makers on how to make (cast) their movie? Do what you want. Your "racism" charge probably plays well to Hollywood culture, which is lefty.
You preach to the choir. (Not my religion, though.) But I'd hazard a guess that your playing the race-card deity may be trumped by that other deity, the almighty dollar.
Bottom line? It's the bottom line.
Make your own movie.
.
"Jesse's current blogpost refers to here."
My reply there.
Ben, I'm really glad you brought that up actually. That sentence bothered me when I wrote it. I was having the hardest time trying to word what I wanted to say there. I just edited to clarify what I meant. I didn't mean I would blindly accept racial caricature just because the script was snappy or something.
And thank you thank you thank you to those of you who are supporting this, and extra thank you to the professionals that are willing to put their name down in support of equality.
I'm really heartened to know people care. I wondered if this would just fall on deaf ears.
Lea Hernandez, cartoonist, writer, editor, mother of two
Regarding the use of the unfortunate fannish term "Avatard:"
Hey, Anon, the show's creators aren't too crazy about the term "avatard." As the mother of an autistic son, and having an MR cousin, I loathe it.
It's a hurtful word, and Avatar fans aren't doing themselves or the show any favors by equating their enthusiasm for the show with a mental disability so severe that it entails a lifetime of being cared for as if one were perpetually in grade school. A reality my son and I face every day.
Here's what I wrote about it: http://divalea.livejournal.com/591337.html
If you are foolish enough to send a letter or make a post calling yourself an "Avatard" you are not going to be very convincing in your assertions that you are an intelligent person who objects to racism.
David, we all know how capitalism works, and all of its glorious benefits. But the difference about the American way is that we seek success but with a sense of dignity, conscience, and equality. You almost make it sound like its perfectly ok as long as it makes money. Obviously, many artists and moviemakers do not value profit over artisty.
I do not claim to say that Asians are free from this issue. In fact, I've been all over Asia and race issues are just as prominent in other parts of the world. the only difference is, America has succeeded due to and is celebrated for its diversity and sense of equality. Meaning, I don't feel as angry when I see it in other countries, but in our country, we need to move in the right direction, especially in light of such a historic time in our history.
I'll be honest, racism doesn't fire me up as much as it does a lot of other people. I believe people can overcome it to a certain extent, if they put their mind to it. I think it is due to the course I have taken in life, but I'm glad SOMEONE is PISSED OFF enough to do things about it, or else we would never make progress, and I commend Derek and others for that. If that is "liberal" or "lefty", then well, whatever.
Ok, I've said my piece. Well, I'm off to audition for "Braveheart 2: the Scotsman Strikes Back". I'm sure they won't mind an asian guy portraying him. Wish me luck!!
Oh, btw add me - Brent Kirk, US Air Force Crytologic Linguist, language instructor.
As a fan of Avatar, I was wracked with frustration when I heard the casting news. I had fully expected this to be a great opportunity for Shyamalan to give some unknown Asian child actors a shot. But apparently not, which gives me low hopes for the movie.
Colin Solan
ComicBookConventions.com
Of course I agree with your position Derek- but WHY did you have to make me remember Joel Gray!
Scott Hallett, cartoonist, software engineer, plain old white guy
My wife and I both really enjoyed the show, and both face-palmed upon hearing the casting choices. I agree that the Dragonball movie deserves some ire as well. The whole idea is ridiculous.
Ross Campbell- writer, cartoonist
i sent Paramount/Kennedy/Marshall a letter a while ago about this but it got returned to me! i mailed another one so we'll see what happens with that... i have a feeling not much. :(
well done post.
I'll be writing a letter. Cait Glasson, author and artist.
Thank you for your thoughtful and I'm sure personally painful post.
Has anyone heard a response to the casting from the cartoon show's creators?
I imagine it's out of their hands, and they may not want to say anything to endanger the box office.
But they can't be ignoring this.
Put me down, Derek. Sara I. Rosenbaum, cartoonist and journalist. This shit really ticks me off.
...
Isn't Keanu hapa or something?
Jodi Tong - Cartoonist/ Art teacher
In addition to writing letters, an appropriate form of protest would be to find Paramount's 1-800-number (one would imagine they have at least one). They pay for every call made. Protestors should call whenever they have a few minutes free, and nothing better to do, making it clear that this racist casting is unacceptable. I cannot imagine a good reason for it. The original characters look Asian, so one would assume it would not alienate fans if cast with all Asians. There have been successful movies with all-Asian casts (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). I cannot imagine a business concern that would make such a decision necessary. It seems to be bald-faced racism, which is what should be communicated in telephone messages. Advertising companies respond to these tactics, so it may work with a movie studio.
SEJ
Chee (Chee-Yang, Ong) -cartoonist.
Can I link your post to my facebook?
Oh and I love your comics btw.
Thanks.
Thank you so much for posting this, and count me in--
Rachel Edidin - editor and writer
Anna L. Stiffler - Artist
Kaylee Copeland - Writer
Count two more in.
ross, I heard about that! It's really disrespectful of them. That's why I wanted to start this petition of professionals in hopes of getting their attention in another, hopefully, stronger way.
SEJ, that's sounds great. I'll try to find the number. If anyone knows it, could they let me know here?
Here's the first wave of professional supporters:
Gene Yang - writer, illustrator, cartoonist, teacher
Derek Kirk Kim - writer, illustrator, cartoonist
Raina Telgemeier - cartoonist, illustrator
Hope Larson - cartoonist
Vera Brosgol - cartoonist, story artist
Steve Rolston - writer, illustrator, cartoonist, teacher
Ross Campbell- writer, cartoonist
Jamie S. Rich - writer, critic
Sarah Oleksyk - cartoonist
Lea Hernandez - cartoonist, writer, editor, mother of two
Bill Mudron - cartoonist, illustrator
Jesse Hamm - cartoonist, illustrator
Neil Babra - cartoonist, illustrator
Debbie Huey - Writer, Illustrator, Cartoonist, Library Assistant
Brent Kirk- US Air Force Crytologic Linguist, language instructor, cartoonist
Sara I. Rosenbaum - cartoonist and journalist
Elena Diaz - cartoonist, letterer
Matt Grigsby - Student, Illustrator, sequential artist
Jeff Johns - comics artist
Jan Bielecki - Illustrator, Comics Artist, Student
Rachel Dukes - writer, illustrator, cartoonist
Fred Chung - storyboard artist, cartoonist
Leanne Riding - publisher of Ricepaper for the Asian Canadian Cultural Organizaton
LeRoid David - designer, cartoonist, lumpia lover, father of 2
Colin Solan - ComicBookConventions.com
Scott Hallett - cartoonist, software engineer
Cait Glasson - author and artist
Jodi Tong - Cartoonist/ Art teacher
Chee (Chee-Yang, Ong) -cartoonist
Rachel Edidin - editor and writer
Anna L. Stiffler - Artist
Kaylee Copeland - Writer
We're off to a great start! But we can do a lot better. Keep 'em coming!
Ridiculous and offensive. My name's in too:
Jeff Zugale, Concept Designer/Illustrator
Just spread the word to everyone you know: DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE.
We've been linked here by several folks in the comments on aang_aint_white, and we just wanted to come over and thank you VERY MUCH -- for writing such an eloquent essay that not only describes the issue but puts in in context, for encouraging other professionals in your field involved, and for helping to raise awareness that this is happening at all.
We're still reeling from how callously and unprofessionally Paramount has been handling this issue so far. We can only hope that, if enough light is shone on it, they'll at least be forced to make an official statement and own up to what's going on.
Again -- thank you!
Jeff (Parker) I'm sorry if I opened any old wounds! ;)
So can I add you to the list?
"Saving The World" (do you have a name(s)?), no thank YOU! You guys really helped me to open my eyes to this issue, and got me off my ass to actually DO something instead of just complaining. Thank you again and keep up the great effort!
Andy Wang - concept artist, illustrator
It is definitely a sad state of affairs when such a quality story may end up tainted with such blatant miscasting.
You can count me in.
Ben Lee - writer, attorney
Jason Ho - animation fan in general
Not even one Asian actor/actress? Wow, how racist can Hollywood get? Nevermind.
Very well said. I'm tossing my name in the mix too.
Nat Lee - cartoonist, animator
While I'm not a professional, I am a writer. But moreso, as a person, I totally support everything you're saying here. I found it horrible that not enough people are outraged by this, when the problem would have escalated far more if committed against some other ethnicity. Why can Asian Americans be treated like this?
capntightpants: It should be pointed out that Hollywood did the same thing to Earthsea - it's not just Asian-Americans, it's *any* show whose base material was not about a pinkish person or persons.
Matthew Dinep - Analytical Counterterrorism specialist
'You can add my name:
Michael del Rosario, Editor
hey derek, great idea! i'm not in the industry, otherwise i'd put my name down.
to those who were complaining that keanu reeves was taking asian parts ... uh, dudes, keanu's hapa, like kristen kreuk. his father is chinese hawaiian.
i genuinely don't have a problem with hapas taking "full" asian roles, AS LONG AS the hapa isn't the only asian in a cast that should have been all asian, and as long as the hapa wasn't cast in the hope that the white audience would mistake them for white.
obviously, keanu is being used this way, but his presence in an asian role isn't, in itself, a problem.
The license holders have the right to make poor artistic choices. We have the right to point out how poor these choices are and what ugly cultural implications they have. Sign me on.
Steve Lieber, comic book artist.
Brendan Wright, comics: assistant editor
Count me in, Derek!
Samantha Robertson - Associate Editor at Dark Horse Comics, and a huge fan of the Avatar cartoon series.
Lucas Ackley just posted a link to this from bigshinyrobot.com.
They get thousands of comics-related hits a day, so hopefully that can help raise exposure a bit.
I was glad to help get some attention to the article.
Lucas Ackley - Admin / Designer
www.bigshinyrobot.com
While I agree with the sentiment here, the tone is not constructive. Insulting and attacking the people you're trying to convince never wins an argument.
The important question is: why does the studio think white actors will make them more money. It's a fact that people identify with those of their own race and gravitate towards them in film. It's a large part of DKK's point.
BUT Avatar is uniquely free from those constraints for three reasons. 1) It's a kids film and children are more colorblind than adults. Not only would they not care, the younger kids may not even notice.
2) It's based on a hugely popular property. Kids will go see it regardless.
3) And the global Asian film market is HUGE! How much more profitable could it be globally if it had Asian stars.
Not only is there no risk in casting Asian actors, it could be an advantage.
Anger and frustration are cathartic, not productive. Convince them it's in their best interest to do Avatar right.
ti couldn't agree more, i was both saddened and infuriated when i heard this news. i love that show, so any compromise of the source material would annoy, but this is different, this is bigger than fanboy fury.
there is something ethically wrong about this, and i'm stunned a man named manoj nalliyattu shyamalan feels comfortable with this. i wonder how HIS children will feel as they grow older...
Hey Jay, great points.
You're right, I totally should have added that into the essay.
I also agree with the sentiment of your first sentence. I didn't realize I "attacking" or "insulting" them. I thought I wrote it quite calmly actually. Are you talking about me calling their actions racist and discriminatory? I thought I was just calling a spade a spade.
I'm curious, where exactly did you think I was "attacking" or "insulting"?
I agree with what you wrote dkk. I didn't find it "attacking" or "insulting" at all.
Jiaxing Rong , illustrator
THANK YOU DEREK... for bringing attention to this issue!
We on the Facebook page have been trying to bring attention to this issue.
But it takes industry people to take it to the next level!
I just want you to know... I really appreciate it!
When I first read about your essay on The Beat, my thought was, the casting should have been made strictly based on acting ability without regard to either race or cuteness. But after reading your essay, I find I agree with you completely. It's an Asian story steeped in Asian culture and should be cast with Asians.
My name probably isn't worth as much as the others here but I'm throwing it in for you anyway.
Scott Bieser
Cartoonist, creative director
Big Head Press
My friends and I host a comics/fantasy show and when I brought this up 6 weeks ago they were shocked. Coincidentally D also brought up the African/Black film example. It a shame sir and even though I not in the business I am outraged as well. M Night let us all down...
Daryll Benjamin, Black comics and animation fan!
Please create a petition on:
http://www.petitiononline.com/
and circulate!
Good catch! I loved the cartoon as an adult. It is sad that our country is still where it is with regards to APA's inclusivity in the mainstream of American entertainment psyche.
Shyamalan for shame! And, for shame to the wonderful Avatar creators for not standing up to this crap!
I understand that in Hollywood, you need recognizable actors to get funding, but with a big-name director and such wildly popular source-material, this is just astoundingly ridiculous. I love Avatar, so I'll probably see these whack movies when they hit cable, but I'll be damned if I ever pay for them!!!
I'd have to say "anger" and "attacks" ARE the only thing that's going to work. It's not like you're going to have a rational debate with a movie studio and change their minds in the end. An outpouring of anger can certainly change things.
I don't watch Avatar, and probably wont watch the movie, but I hate movies that push aside minorities to be seen as more acceptable to a white crowd. Plenty of other movies have had massive success with an all Asian cast.
it's great that more people are getting on board, but it might be worth pointing out that the original letter writing campaign on http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/ is open to non-professionals too, and that they've been at this for over a month now, keeping tabs on the responses and news sources that have been slowly catching on. there have already been some indications that the letters are being ignored in favor of already-finished casting. i just hope it's not too late.
While I'm by no means a professional artist, as a fan of the series and a human being I find myself deeply disappointed with the casting news. I'll do what I can to let others know about this latest ugly sore, and the uglier infection it stems from.
letters written, boycott mode initiated.
I'm half-white half-latino, and spent the better part of my life with hopes of pursuing a career in acting (most of the colleges I applied to were conservatories). One of the things that galled me the most about acting (and eventually turned me away from it) was racial complications like this.
My girlfriend is a very talented actress, and an educated and articulate woman. Unfortunately, she'll have trouble finding work because (and I'm quoting a former acting instructor here) she's "a black woman who can't play black," meaning she looks out of place in big hoop earrings and doesn't speak "convincing-enough" ebonics (she's graduated with honors from many prestigious institutions).
She's since given up acting too, but a topic that always enters our conversations is how hard it is for Asian actors and actresses: ask someone to name as many white/black/latino actors and actresses as they can, and they can almost always name at least 10. Asians? "Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, and the guy from SVU. And Harold."
(of course, if we let them include martial artists, then they can triple their score)...
This thing with Airbender is idiocy. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, and keep fighting the fight.
THANK YOU, Derek. Please count me in.
Katie Moody: Associate Editor, Dark Horse Comics
You'll be hearing from more of us DH-ers, I promise you.
I'm in for sure.
Jim Demonakos: Organizer, Emerald City ComiCon
All I can say is "Bravo!"
Count me in Derek.
Rafael Kayanan - artist/fight choreographer
Sorry, I forgot to give info:
Paul G. Bens, Jr.
Writer
Former television Casting Director
Former producer, "hundred percent"
Petter Thomée - 3D artist
Hi Derek! Leanne Riding here again. Thanks for adding me to the list, I do want to make a clarification however, as I don’t want my fellow board members after me.... I can't call myself publisher (we haven't got the title available to an individual, officially)... The organization known as Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop is collectively “publisher.” The best way to describe me at the moment at ACWW is “chair of steering.” As for the rest of ACWW I don’t really speak for them, we have to discuss it. But I’ve asked to have it put on the agenda. Thanks eh!
Add me.
Joshua Smeaton - Writer,Cartoonist.
Okay, Leanne, it will be corrected. Is this okay?:
Leanne Riding - chair of steering - Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop
And it's great to see professionals outside of comics coming in too! The wider the range of fields this represents, the stronger the message will be. (I hope!)
This is great, everyone, keep 'em comin'!
Thanks Derek for saying this.
Ryan Hill: Production Artist, Dark Horse Comics, cartoonsit
Derek, you start, in the title, by calling the entire film industry racist. If you don't see how that's going to insult some people you're trying to convince, I'm honestly not sure how to explain it to you.
No, I didn't, Jay. If I say "It's a Racist world," that does not translate to "Everyone in the world is racist."
Derek,
Add me to the list, too:
Andrew Farago, cartoonist, historian
That's great to hear, Katie! Looking forward to adding more Dark Horse people to the roster.
Crap, sorry I missed missed you, Andrew! I'll add you right now.
Is there anyone who is in the Philadelphia area... who is willing to organize a rally to protest this movie??
I pulled this from aang-aint-white...
Look what I found...
The O.C.'s Jackson Rathbone has been named as Sokka. Casting folks are looking for extras to play soldiers, martial artists, dancers, gymnasts, athletes and families - specifically physically fit people from 18 to 65 years old. The open call will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (1/24/2009) at Bullies restaurant at the Wachovia Spectrum. You're asked to dress casually or in the traditional costume of your family's ethnic background. Info: lastairbendercasting@gmail.com or 215-574-7878
I called the number and it is legit...
It is this Saturday!!!
Yeah, this is offensive and unbelievable!
Please add my name to the list:
Robert Forrest - Cartoonist (Publishes under the name Edward J Grug III)
I'm sorry, I was just trying to offer something constructive and not aggressive since I find that works best. Please do what you feel is best, and good luck. I hope you succeed.
I've not seen Avatar yet, but I don't need to have seen it to know that this is pretty outrageous. Add me to the list.
Peter Tarkulich - writer, cartoonist, illustrator
Include me in:
Heidi MacDonald/writer, editor
There is nothing more beautiful about AMERICA than its diversity.
It is also our greatest strength.
Fantastic! I'm gonna link your blog and encourage others to sign as well.
I'll also encourage people to write letters! And contact their media or post in their own blogs, because nothing spreads word like word of mouth. Nummy!
Some media to contact - a list is here:
http://glockgal.livejournal.com/377745.html
Loraine Sammy, 3D and 2D artist, illustrator, concept artist.
Thank you for joining, Heidi, I really appreciate it!
Speaking of Heidi, there's an EPIC conversation going on about this over at her wonderful blog, The Beat, check it out:
http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/01/22/kim-condemns-hollywood-recism/#comments
And I really appreciate the feedback, Jay. I mean that sincerely.
Hi, Derek! Add me:
Tea Fougner, Editor
I've also passed this back on to a friend who is extremely active in the Avatar fan community.
Just wanted to say I agree with your post whole-heartedly. The casting on the Avatar movie is a joke, unfortunately one that isn't very funny. It's a shame that studios chose "safe" casting choices, especially with such misinformed actors, who believe they can pass if they "get a tan".
Also, apparently Shyamalan has cast himself in the role of Uncle Iroh. Which really makes me wonder about how he sees himself.
I loved the cartoon but there is no way I'm going to see this movie.
Go get 'em!
Josh Frankel, cartoonist, Yahoo! Sports
hum... this not a "trivial" issue as you are saying. A part from the fact that we are talking about a cartoon my mere concern is usual cultural robbery. I think what breaks my heart the most is that I supported Night shimalayan until now.IMO he literaly sold out.I have absolutely NO idea how he can actually look at the cast and read the script again.
some mid 20s bloke is going to play a 15 year old lad and a random pop singer is going to have a his 1st big role because he has a large fan base of teenage girls.Some subpar "actors".
I would like to see Einstein played by Jackie chan if all it takes is just a grey hair and a less "tan" .
If they go ahead with their plans they only thing I will see from the movie will be the posters in my hometown.
http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1820.html
Looks like there's going to be an open casting call in Philadelphia this weekend -- hopefully we can get some answers from the source, at the very least.
Hello Derek. I am an Asian born in Brazil and we see the same kind of thing here. Things are slowly changing in Brazil, as a few Asian-brazilian actors are being cast as "normal people" on the soap operas(which have some huge popularity). Still, there are places that I go and someone or usually a kid points a finger at me and says "look, a Japanese person!". Anyway, I just wanted to say that I support your cause, as I was outraged with Dragon Ball's casting, but didn't think of doing anything. I didn't know of Avatar's casting until I read about it here.
Cristina Eiko Yamamoto - animation assistant
I'll sign up! After all you don't have to be white to be a cute actor/actress, and I dearly want to see this movie done right.
Erica Reis (Currey)
comic artist and writer
Wonderful post! I'm glad to see this issue hasn't drifted beneath people's sight line. I'm totally behind what you wrote.
Leigh Dragoon
comic artist and writer
add my name, please: miriam libicki, illustrator/graphic novelist (i met you at comix+stories in vancouver).
great rant. i've never seen the tv show, but this cause is very worthy & way past due. the "21" thing really annoyed me, having read the book, & it pisses me off how asian men are never the romantic lead.
time to protest in person!!
who's in philly???
http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1820.html
Your hypothetical comparisons are really good for making your point. Actors used to play Othello in black-face. That's changed in the U.S. and I believe that's mostly due to the civil rights movement, i.e. people getting out there and making themselves heard. That's what's needed here.
I think what makes seeing racism difficult is that people often individualize it. "That's just one director." "That's just one CEO." Etc. That's why a list of all the times something like this has happened is useful. It shows that this is a real pattern. Call it racism. Call it institutional discrimination. Call it Bob. It's wrong and, as others have pointed out, it's counter to the ideals of this nation (although, not counter to our history, unfortunately).
I'm more of a comics flounderer than a comics professional, but put me on the list.
I do feel your pain, that Caucasians were cast as characters from a setting that is meant to be of Asian derivation.
But I think you're not going far enough with your protest. While you're at it, perhaps you should protest the way that non-Asians such as Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Jessie Flower, Greg Baldwin, Mark Hamil, Clancy Brown, Jason Isaacs, etc. etc. were allowed to provide the voices of Asian characters in the animated version. Why, if you look at the cast list in the Internet movie database, you'd find that Asian actors such as Mako and George Takei were actually pretty few and far between.
But it's all right if you can't see their real-life faces?
Doesn't that smack just a little bit of a double standard?
Can you add my name to the list? I'm not influential or anything, but this kind of thing really pisses me off, and one more name can't hurt:
Amanda Wall- cartoon fan
Joe Howard
Aspiring Writer
This is why I watch foreign films. Well, Bollywood films are a bit too eccentric even for me, but I feel that right now, Asian films, especially Korean ones are at a peak right now. Seriously, go out and watch "The Host" or "Natural City" or "Sex is Zero" for some amazing Korean films.
It seriously seems Hollywood is completely uninterested with Asian starred movies, the lone example I can find right now being the movie "Ninja Assassin" starring Korean popstar Rain.
But I completely agree that there is a complete double standard that it seems that discrimination is completely acceptable when used against Asian roles and actors, but completely frowned upon for black roles.
Audrey Wildhagen - Writer/Editor
Add mine to the list...and let me know when there's a march on the Paramount gates.
Marc Bernardin
comics writer/magazine editor
Please add my name to the list. And let me see if I can rally some librarians behind this! As a huge fan of the show, particularly because there was nary a Caucasian person in sight, I was appalled when I saw the casting notice. Here's hoping this will make a difference.
Robin Brenner
Librarian, Author, Comics Reviewer
Is "comics artist" incorrect English? Maybe I'm a cartoonist then?
Posted on my blog so hopefully some more Swedes might join. Haven't seen Avatar but this is obviously taking a stand for a grander cause.
Next step might be to inform Pixar and Dreamworks that women also can be funny, goofy, unattractive or just leads. But that's a (somewhat, not all too much) different matter.
If you think Asians have it bad, try being an Arab American and look for some positive role models. Check out Antonio Banderas as the Arab hero.
There are lots of roles for Arab actors, as long as we play terrorists or genies!
dan shahin
Hijinx Comics
www.hijinxcomics.com
Count me in: Jim Ottaviani, comic book writer
Dirk Deppey, online editor, The Comics Journal
I'm a Thai son of immigrants in his late 20's. Long ago I accepted that their would be no heros in my beloved cartoons that looked like me. I let myself become cynical of Hollywood and Pop Culture. I dismissed what I didn't like, didn't let sterotypes get me down, afterall my friends and people worth knowing knew me beyond the color of my skin. Your Post (forwaded to me by my best friend) made me re-think my self-ish "If I'm not hurt, who cares" attitude. It made me realize that I should take some stand. Just because some White Kid helped the 80's Transformers save the day, just because the only Asian GI Joe Hero was Quick-Kick doesn't mean the Asian kids at the corner bus stop has to have live with the same thing and accept heroes on all screens will never look like him. So...I'm writing my letter to the studio. I'm thinking up a demonstration sign. I'm witholding my $$$ from a movie ticket, and I'm encouraging others to do the same.
Count me way in, Derek:
Mariah Huehner, Comic Editor, Writer, Artist AND Chris Koeppel, Senior Game Designer.
And on a purely artistic note...I don't know how anyone can say these characters "don't look Asian" because of the eyes, hair, etc. Large round eyes denote innocence and wonder and are used on the young characters in the show to demonstrate that. Since it's an "elseworld" type of story hair color, eye color, and skin tone can vary as much as they like to distinguish between the different cultures. I mean, the eye color often seems to coincide with the Bending ability...blue for air or water, green for earth etc.
Besides, contrary to what a lot of people STILL seem to think...all Asians do not look alike. They vary in hair, eye, and skin tone. Not realizing that seems to be an issue of white privilege.
Good luck!
How about the fact that even the voices of the main characters of "Avatar" are white? I love the show, but I can't help but feel uncomfortable when I think of the voice casting and now the movie role casting. Go get 'em!
Celeste
Hi Derek,
Adding my name to your already impressive list:
Paul Taylor - Cartoonist and father of a little boy that shouldn't grow up in a world of racism.
Randall Kirby
writer, artist, publisher, editor
Thank you for posting this, I couldn't agree more.
Adding my name to the growing list as well:
Kelly Chen
- Graphic Designer, Photographer, Artist, Writer
I love Avatar, and though I wish the feature was going to be animated, it should at least have a cast that reflects the culture in the series.
feel free to add me to the list:
Alisa Harris- NY animator
I've never seen the animated show. Now I want to. You made it sound pretty good. Though, I'll boycott the live action movie of course.
Sign me up.
Greg Means, Editor, Librarian.
I'm with you, Derek.
Lisa R. Jonté
Artist, Writer, Editor
Derek-
I'm in:
Alec Longstreth, Cartoonist, Colorist, Self-Publisher.
Also, I've forwarded your blog entry to a friend of mine who works at Paramount, with the hopes that he might be able to bring it to the attention of someone who could do something about it.
Thank you, Derek, for reminding me to be angry about this like I rightfully should be. When I first found out the news I'd simply said "well isn't that the dumbest thing they could've done" and stopped thinking about it. I guess I was jaded by the well-established belief that Hollywood will take any successful Asian franchise (i.e. anime, manga) and shit on it.
I think that's the kind of jaded apathy with which a lot of Asians have come to deal with this kind of injustice. A previous commenter mentioned that s/he hasn't seen much anger in the Asian community over the casting. And I agree, especially now as I recall that my friend (possibly a bigger Avatar fan than I am) didn't seem nearly as infuriated or appalled as I was when I told her the news. But this is not the place to cross-examine the general psychology of Asians in America. The point I'm getting at is that, in the event that we can't save this movie from Hollywood whitewashing, it would at least stir up some very strong feelings across the country that might be a catalyst for a more united Asian community.
Hopefully Shyamalan and the producers will understand all this when they see the deplorable box office returns for Dragonball Evolution.
PS: Don't forget Prince of Persia. What a travesty. No amount of bronzing solution will make Jake Gyllenhaal look any less Caucasian.
Taryn Akemi Look - Actress
Thank you for this post.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Derek. I've seen this same crap going on ever since I was a little kid and nothing's really changed (hell, Brian Dennehy played Kublai Khan less than two years ago). I remember when British actress Linda Hunt got criticism from the Asian community for her Oscar winning role as an Asian man in "The Year of Living Dangerously". She defended her role by saying something to the effect of "I'm an actor, it's my job to play something I'm not." I'll buy that argument when they let Jackie Chan play the Queen of England. There's a double standard and it's got to go.
Anson Jew
Storyboard and Concept Artist
Don't forget who's directing this film. M. Night himself, who should be more sensitive about this issue, being a non-white guy himself.
Yes of course put me in there. "Beloved Marvel writer" will do. And also, just how many of these future kids are you planning on having?
YES!! JEFF PARKER IS BEHIND US!!
The creator of the AGENTS OF ATLAS and AGENT FREAKING WOO!!! An ASIAN-AMERICAN leader of a super hero team!!!!
One of THE best Marvel books in a super long time.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for supporting us!!!!
I think there's a good chance I'll have a comic published by the end of the year. Not a professional yet, I know, but in case you need one more name:
Chris Jones
Comic Book Writer
add me too.
Alice Herring, Artist
"Let's sit in judgment on the motives of people we doesn't even know."
WRONG.
People love to think they can set the world on its ear. They love to get all self-righteous and sit in judgment. Personally, it's not for me.
It ticks off some of my Christian Conservative brethren when I don't go along with their exercises in being judgmental. Honestly, I see the exact same thing going on here. It's not for me. Maybe I'm just not a joiner. I don't go along with the crowd.
But how amusing to see so many Lefty folks here embracing the tactics and attitudes of Fundamentalist Christians! Judgmental people undertaking write-in campaigns and boycotts of Hollywood.
See Jesse's reply in the blog-link he provides. (Jesse and I saw Main Hoon Na at the Sacramento Dome theater a few years back. Bollywood is fun! They make their own movies. Shaolin Soccer is fun. Children of Heaven is depressing. Etc. No kick against Asian flicks here.) My response to Jesse is this.
As to Jesse's "no choice" issue, I address that, conceptually, in my original closer, "Make your own movie." Not that DKK can or will make a movie, but that the alternatives which Jesse says do not exist, never exist. When was the last time the same movie was made twice at the same time? Spanish Dracula, 1931?
So, given that it is one version at a time, it is up to those who are in a position to make movies to make these decisions. And why is it that (as DKK points out) those who do (as I say) "make their own movies" make them (in Hollywood) with the casting decisions they make?
"Racism" says DKK and nearly everyone else on the thread. ("racist" What a word! Both offensive and empty of any really valuable meaning all in one. Lacking even the deity undergirding of "Sinner!" DKK, take the plank out of your own eye before you take the cinder out of your brother's eye. Oh, my bad: DKK is a secular prophet for the gospel of racial pride.)
So, "no choice"? The choice lies with the movie-makers' casting decisions. The logic of the DKK "racism" charge is that Hollywood, by its casting choices, seeks to stiff non-whites. I said in my post, and I say again, that they are motivated to maximize profits.
To the charge that their casting with an eye to profit-maximization will not further that goal, I addressed that in my post, as well. To wit, that anyone can offer whatever advice they want to, and more power to DKK to do so. With a caveat. My caveat is the one I just made above and in my original post (implicit): that those in the actual position to make those decisions (rather than kibitzers like Kim) are playing with real money, not Internet comments Monopoly money.
Predicting the future is a craps-shoot. Does anyone need reminding that Citizen Kane lost money? Hearst gave the movie caché, made it fashionably mysterious, by banning it from his theaters. Had he just let it die the death it deserved ( Joe Moviegoer sez: "Boring movie"), it might have a lesser reputation today.
Another example of tastes in the American market? I just was watching the Garbo box set bonus disc documentary, wherein they point out that Garbo was not a hit with mainstream America. "Greta Garbage." The European market was where Garbo's movies for M-G-M made money. WWII killed her career.
Some movies flunk because of better competition: Wizard of Oz flopped on initial release in 1939; but it was 1939, when a zillion great movies came out all at once.
Tastes. It's a Wonderful Life flopped with postwar audiences. It didn't hit until the '70s, when public domain kicked in, and PBS resurrected it, where it hit with '70s audiences. Tastes change.
The Garbo example dovetails with the speculation about foreign markets. Many a bomb (in the U.S. market) makes up losses in initial U.S. release with receipts from world-wide box-office. The casting decision-makers have to decide who foreign markets want to see starring in a Hollywood movie. It's not Monopoly money.
Do folks who make decisions with an eye to profit maximization make mistakes? All the time. Look at Detroit today. Look at Fannie May and Freddie Mac. Look at all the businesses that fail every year. Look at all the movies that sink and are pulled after a week or two.
THAT'S the free market.
If you think the casting decisions are sinful and wicked, say so. (But, oh dear! THEN you would sound just like those Fundies!) I don't think they are. I think they are decisions made by potentially shrewd but fallible business speculators who may be making canny business decisions. Or not. And I think that is ALL that is going on. No sin. No wickedness. Just trying to make a buck the best way they know how. And it's not YOUR money, so what do you have to complain about?
Let's put it another way. Whenever Joe Fundamentalist decries some Hollywood product or other, and Fundie leaders call for write-in campaigns and boycotts, the response of the "atheistic commie pinko fags" (as Mad Magazine used to put into the mouths of Joe Blowhard's characterization of them) is to all cry, "Bluenose! Intolerant! No-one is forcing you go see the movie. If you don't like it, don't watch it! WE'LL go see it!"
So. When the LEFTIES decry something about a movie? I say to them: "Right back at you!"
Rudy Ascott sez: "‘Anger' and ‘attacks' ARE the only thing that's going to work. It's not like you're going to have a rational debate with a movie studio and change their minds in the end. An outpouring of anger can certainly change things.
I doubt Rudy believes his own words when it is the Fundamentalist Christians whose anger is directed at Hollywood. (P.S. to Rudy: movie studios do not have "minds" -- they have "employees" and "Chief Executive Officers." Ultimately, they have stock-holders. I suggest you go out and buy some stock. Then you will actually have a voice with a stake, as a part-owner of the company.)
Steve Lieber's comments actually make sense. We may not agree on religion or politics, but his realism is refreshing.
Anonymous sez his girl-friend will have trouble finding work acting in Hollywood because she's a black woman who can't play black. I'd refer him to impresario Robert Townsend's breakout movie of over two decades ago, a wonderful flick that I was hip to in the day, Hollywood Shuffle. It presents the dilemma and has an upbeat attitude.
techiecl sez "I'm a Thai son of immigrants in his late 20's. Long ago I accepted that their would be no heroes in my beloved cartoons that looked like me." Hey, fellow: Lots of Asian cartoons out there. Asians in America? 4.4% of the U.S. population. Over a third are in Hawaii. So, in the continental U.S., not even 3 out of a hundred. If it wasn't for Hollywood, they'd be invisible. (Does anyone know the percentage of Caucasians in Asian countries? No, wait. Koreans emigrate from Korea to America. Westerners don't emigrate to Korea.)
Everything is regional. I have one black friend. One Asian-American friend. A bunch of Jewish friends, because I grew up near NYC and went to a school with many Jews. Only 2% of America is Jewish.
Hollywood makes movies in the hope that the average Joe will buy tickets, or buy the video.
"Let's sit in judgment on the motives of people we doesn't even know."
WRONG.
You can add me to the list if you like. Shaenon K. Garrity, cartoonist and editor.
Sorry I'm following the giant rant from the crazy guy.
Well said!
Add my name to the list as well.
Elbert Or -- writer, illustrator, graphic designer
DP, YOU are the judgmental nutsack. You seem to have no qualms about sitting "in judgment on the motives of people (you don't) even know." Must be lovely being you, so overcome with self-satisfaction.
Moving on. I knew that the live action movies were going to be a joke when I learned that Shyamalan was picked to direct. Sharlatan couldn't direct traffic well enough without a brain and a soul transplants. His films to date are lazy and incoherent.
Obviously, the higher ups at Paramount and Viacom believe that being Indian makes Sharlatan plenty Asian-y. Therefore, no other Asian-types need apply. Never mind that the story is rooted in Asian cultures.
I would be more outraged if I was actually surprised by this farcical outcome.
Lily Yang, writer
.
"crazy guy"
"nutsack"
Suck farts from dead elephants.
.
Don't let yourself be sucked into engaging with trolls, people. Like wrestling pigs, it just gets you both dirty, and the pig enjoys it. Just leave them some time, and they'll show off their intellectual deficit before long, and we can all have a good laugh-and-point session. :)
"Just leave them some time, and they'll show off their intellectual deficit before long, and we can all have a good laugh-and-point session."
Pff, "before long"? :)
And DP, defending the casting decision with the studio's desire to keep things lucrative doesn't make it any less racist (oh gosh, SUCH a lofty concept) based on the notion that not merely well-known names, but the MERE FACT OF WHITENESS, is a preferred and more valuable attribute. Institutionalized racism is still racism.
Derek, FANTASTIC post. It encompassed every thought this whole casting atrocity raised in me (including how if there's too few young acting hopefuls who are also people of color--Asian Americans in particular--it's because the film industry of America has given them NO GOOD REASON to believe that their efforts will be welcomed). So too the point about how blackface is well acknowledged to be an unsuitable option for casting--chiefly because it is immoral--and yet yellowface/brownface somehow continue to get a pass. (Notably, Actor's Equity, a union for performers in the US, was formed to regulate the portrayal of nonwhite characters to prevent things like blackface from happening. And yet they permitted Jonathan Pryce's eyelid taping and yellowish pancake in "Miss Saigon".) Probably because even today, the discourse on race in America is still limited to a black/white dichotomy, and nothing outside that forum really registers. How disheartening.
Dave Porta, okay already, I'll add you to the list! No need to beg.
Veijii, that's a great story about Actor's Equity. Sadly, it doesn't surprise me at all. And heck, the discourse of everything is black/white in this country (Axis of Evil, anyone?), and everything in between gets lost. Not that he's the Messiah or anything, but it's so refreshing to finally have an intelligent president who can think beyond "Mission Accomplished!" and actually consider things in grays and subtleties.
Jeff, as many kids as you want to carry for me. And thank you for signing up, I really appreciate it!
Mazuzu, yes, Mr. Parker is indeed awesome. And I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see Brad Pitt's performance as Agent Woo in the "Agent of Atlas" movie!
Alec, that's great. Here's hoping something comes out of that. And thanks for signing!
Hey Derek,
Feel free to add me to the list:
Keith Chow, editor Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology
I also linked to this post at our SI blog: http://secretidentitiesbook.blogspot.com/
I feel for you, but these people are simply trying to make a buck, and the way they go about it is their own business. I feel as though there is probably a different forum through which Asian American's can reach for equality that would gain them more ground than a movie based on a cartoon for children.
Anyway...the entire country of Japan cranks out a staggering number of shows in which Asians are not only the heroes, but the only visible ethnicity of any of their characters, and these are shows which have become HUGELY popular in America.
Also, I can name several shows just off the top of my head with one or more Asians as the main characters.
-Lost
-Heroes
-The Closer
And this is coming from someone who watches maybe one hour of television a week. Now, if I were to list movies with Asians in starring roles, the list would be even longer.
Honestly, I can sympathize, but I don't feel like this is as big of a deal as it is being made out to be.
Anonymous said "I feel for you, but these people are simply trying to make a buck, and the way they go about it is their own business."
Capitalism is not a valid excuse for a lack of even a modicum of social consciousness. Their are plenty of corporations that making socially responsible choices and making a buck can go hand-in-hand.
Anonymous said "Anyway...the entire country of Japan cranks out a staggering number of shows in which Asians are not only the heroes, but the only visible ethnicity of any of their characters"
Yes, but the fact is the vast majority of Anime is still produced for the Asian geographical) market
Is it to much to ask that an American product produced for the American market that was specifically crafted to be very Asian have at least some Asians cast in the principal roles?
I am hapa-haole, Japanese/Caucasian. I find this type of casting to be highly offensive. Count me in, too.
I'm the graphic novel selector for Brodart (national book distributor for libraries and schools) and for H W Wilson (library reference publisher), and school librarian.
Kat Kan
Anonymous, You know England, Germany, France, and Europe in general produce a lot of movies with Caucasians in the lead so why does Hollywood have to make movies with white people in the lead? See where your logic is heading.
This is a real shame. It would be great if you can organize Asian Americans to boycott the movie and not take crappy or extra roles. But I think this is a problem that can only be fixed if minorities in general get behind the screens and take part in writing and the over all creative process.
I talk about this issue on my blog.
http://hereismytwocents.blogspot.com. It's not as professional as yours but it would be great if you could post a comment. I would really like to hear you opinion on the subject.
As a white female, I find this absolutely outrageous, but not surprising. Avatar is such a good show... if they end up keeping their all-white cast I think the whole project is going to be very disappointing. This would be such a great opportunity to cement a multitude of good role models for young Asian Americans with aspirations in the entertainment industry... and once again Hollywood is squandering it in the name of easy money-making. Great article; thank you for your hard work on it.
I agree with every point you made in this essay, Derek. The cultural diversity is what made Avatar so rich, and I hate to see that become so carelessly "Hollywood-ized"
Katie Shanahan
(animator, designer and comic artist)
"Anyway...the entire country of Japan cranks out a staggering number of shows in which Asians are not only the heroes, but the only visible ethnicity of any of their characters, and these are shows which have become HUGELY popular in America."
This only goes to prove that Asians playing Asian roles isn't the box office poison that free market fundamentalists seem to imply.
And it's not like there's a shortage of Asians in California or something.
Thus, all the more reason to have Asians play the Asian roles in this film.
Anson Jew
Asian Storyboard Artist in Hollywood
Hey, derek:
Thanks for starting this thread! I've been bugged by this since I first read about it last month, but couldn't figure out how to explain what was bothering me. My basic argument was that, if they're going to adapt a movie from another property featuring characters with an established visual heritage, why not cast actors that actually LOOK like those characters? It was the 'Jessica-Alba-as-Sue-Storm' issue all over again. I'm not of Asian descent, of course, so this particular instance doesn't hit close to home for me like it does for you, but I can totally support what you're saying here.
And to Anonymous, I hope you were just being glib when you said "I feel for you, but these people are simply trying to make a buck, and the way they go about it is their own business." Would you say the same thing about people running sweatshops? Selling slaves? Profiting from a war? At what point is 'making a buck' alone not enough of a reason to do something?
Indigo Kelleigh
Cartoonist, Illustrator, Community Organizer
Jehu Campos - Cartoonist, Animator
I was so downhearted when I first read about the cast for the avatar movie. I'm with you 100%
Actually, anonymous, you just proved my point. Let's examine those roles, shall we?
(Unfortunately, I have to discard "The Closer" because I've never seen it.)
First of all they're not really "leading roles", they're supporting characters in an ensemble. I would consider "Harold and Kumar" leading roles.
JIN: Speaks 3 words of English, the character is Korean, not American (in real life speaks fluent English, is American)
SUN: Speaks broken English, the character is Korean, not American (in real life, speaks fluent English)
HIRO: speaks very broken English (or none at all? I've only seen one or two episodes) and screams thinks like "Yatta!", the character is Japanese, not American
Do you see a pattern here?
And it's not that these roles shouldn't exist if the story calls for it. But there's nothing to balance them out. There's no show where your typical Asian American that speak proper English is the leading character.
Anonymous, (and I'm assuming you're white here but feel free to correct me) when you watch TV, don't you feel comfortable seeing someone that reflects you? Isn't part of the fun pretending that you could maybe be that character? (Actually it's probably unnoticeable to you -- that's "White Privilege") Us Asian Americans don't really have that. We'd kind of like that too. Like other Americans. Like you. If it's okay.
If the character on The Closer is an exception to the other characters listed above, kudos for them! (But I can only assume it's a minor character.)
Now you may be saying, well the Avatar characters aren't "typical" Americans either. Well, in this case, that can't be helped because it's based on a show that already exists. And as I said in the essay, if this movies gonna exist anyway, it should be Asians playing Asians.
I'm not a "pro" in the sense that I get paid money for it but, so put me on the list or don't, but for the record:
Katherine Keller
Writer, Editrix -- Sequential Tart.
You can add my name to the list!
Jennifer de Guzman
writer, comics editor
Representing for the hapas. Poor Keanu, to have a name like "Keanu" and still be called white.
This was a very thoughtful and moving post, Derek.
Keep up the fight!!
And let all your stupid white friends know how they can help.
XOSO
Count me in.
Alex de Campi, director, writer.
This was so beautifully put that I really can't add anything to it except my name.
Elizabeth Manning, Teen Librarian
Throw my name in as well.
Stephanie Benvenuto, Assistant Professor of Film and Animation
Derek, thanks for this post. Just to say, I've seen "The Closer," and the Asian character is a well-drawn character in an ensemble cast-- Kyra Sedgwick is the clear lead, and he's basically one of the strong supporting characters.
The very fact that only four characters come up 'off the top of' Anon's head says something, and nothing good.
Please add my name also.
Jon George
Librarian/Graphic Novels selector
Very well put sir. As a big fan of Avartar I think it's a absolute disgrace to cast the film this way, I think it's especially strange since when I last heard M. Night was directing and being Indian I figured he'd stay true to it's Asian roots.
Alex Leighton-artist, character designer, avatar fan!
I will not be going to see this film if it is not recast. And, I will urge anyone and everyone I can not to see it.
Also, add me to the list. Eddie Perkins, comic artist. Atomicpanda.com.
Very well said Derek.
Please add me to your list of supporters.
Gillian Dawson, Young Adult Librarian
Please add me to your list. I've written to Kennedy and Marshall twice about this issue now. There are so many amazing and virtually undiscovered young Asian actors out there who could really own these roles in an amazing and groundbreaking way. This film, done right, could inspire generations and change the way Hollywood tells stories and reaches audiences. We have an African American president, is it too much to ask for an Asian Avatar?
Ruth Lampi
Writer and illustrator
Well said, Derek.
Leigh Walton
Publicity coordinator & web editor, Top Shelf Productions
Please add me to your list, Derek, and good work.
Joshua Middleton - Illustrator, Comic book artist, Concept artist, Writer
What it boil down to:
Higher Profits = All-White main cast
Lower Profits = Using minorities to accurately portray roles
Might as well say it and stop with the preaching. Might as well perpetuate the idea that an all-white audience hates seeing minorities in blockbuster movies. Dragon Ball, Avatar... what next?
Bottomline? Americans actors better brush up on their Engrish.
Good day.
Please add me too-
Steve Emond- comic creator, screenwriter, YA author
Please add my name to the list -- Barry Deutsch, Cartoonist/writer.
You're absolutely right about everything.
I do have one point of disagreement with your post: You seem to assume that African-Americans have the full support of white liberals, no one would dare to do something like this to black people, etc..
I think that's a bad approach for you to take for three reasons:
1) It's not true -- lots of Black people I know have a lot of complaints about racism from white liberals, and no one other than some fans and some activists cares when a study does something like film Earthsea but make all but one of the characters white.
2) The "why can't we be treated like Blacks are treated" arguments imply that if only Asians were treated as Blacks are treated, there'd be nothing to complain about; which in turn implies that Blacks have nothing to complain about.
3) I think many Black activists would read the references to Blacks in this essay and roll their eyes and wonder why this clueless Asian-American is making assumptions about how great Blacks have it. If you edited all that stuff out, those readers would be more likely to see this as a chance for solidarity with you.
Anyhow, thanks for writing this, and please do add my name to your list.
I'm Alex Fukui, a comic art student, illustrator, and biracial Japanese-American. I'm also a former actor who was discouraged by the lack of options for Asian actors. I'll be on a list, sign a petition, send a letter and do everything short of interpretive dance to get some positive Asian role models into media, especially stuff directed towards kids.
Hey Barry, thanks, I'll add you! And thank you for the constructive criticism, I appreciate it.
While I see your point as to how it could be misconstrued that way, I think eliminating the comparisons would pretty much render this article useless. There are things that just can't be crystallized in a person's mind until it's put next to something they're familiar with. As many people have told me after having read this. And I don't think all the comparisons have to translate to the implications you are stating. Many of the parallel are simply stated to clarify, not to compare. I think you may be bringing more to the table yourself than you realize. However, I do agree it could be misunderstood that way, but I think all that's needed is a simple paragraph or sentence clarifying what I'm NOT implying.
Also you unconsciously made a conceit that's common to white liberals that actually proves one of my points when you said, "lots of Black people I know have a lot of complaints about racism from white liberals" and "You seem to assume that African-Americans have the full support of white liberals" Now look _carefully_ at what I wrote: "Because Asian Americans don't have the support of liberal Americans at large the way some other minorities do. The reason Barack Obama won the presidency, when so many African American politicians before him couldn't get a foothold, is because a candidate finally came along that garnered the support of everyone in America, not just his community (and deservedly so)." I'm talking about the support of everyone, not just white liberals. You automatically translated it in your head to black and white. I think we're conditioned to think in black and white which is why lot of times minorities like Asians slip through the cracks. It's EXACTLY why I also need to make the comparisons to the African American struggle to make sure people get "what it's like."
Me, too !
Hey ! Can non-U.S. citizens sign up in this petition, too ? But, is just to say that I, an Asian, AIN'T PARTICULARLY DOWN with this corporate bullshit. And the world will, nay, should go down hard on this brimming travesty.
And that lead actor person is an idiot.
Right back at you too, meathead !
Screw your ' free market ' and ' money ' bullshit. It ain't no license.
I clicked on a link from Angry Asian man and I enjoyed your article. To be honest, I didn't really know about the Avator show but it seems kinda cool and now I'm bummed that they're casting it with only white faces. Not even one Asian in there when it's a show about Asians...messed up. Anyways, please add my name as well:
Rachel Chung, writer
This makes me so mad, and I've never even watched Avatar.
(Would it be worth copying the same message to the folks who are making Akira? Bleh.)
Anyway, add me to the list, please:
Christopher Leinonen. Animator, Illustrator
Hello. I was doing research for a writing project on the Monkey King I'm doing when I ran into this segment and had to stop and read it. I am also saddened and upset that once again Hollywood gets its head in its ass casting white actors when it would be much more sensible to just cast well able Asian actors! What gives!
Sadly this isn't uncommon, hence why myself I am working on writing a comic touching on the still ethic issues still going on even today (which the hero is Asian and has a mostly non-white cast) among other problems in our country and culture.
I am a student at the Art Institute of CA SF and would love to pass a petition around my school with others students and maybe even professors to help this cause. Every bit counts, right?
Let me know if I can help. koiplastic@hotmail.com
For the petition:
Rachel Manija Brown, writer with credits in books, television, and original-in-English manga.
www.rachelmanijabrown.com
I love the original cartoon, and the casting is a slap in the face to the original creators, fans of the cartoon, Asian-Americans, everyone who thinks white isn't the only race that counts and, most heartbreakingly and cruelly of all, all Asian-American kids who got to see people like them as heroes... but only in drawings.
Derek,
I'd just like to thank you for what you're doing here. Unfortunately, there is a limit to how seriously people will take us fans of the series, and while we had made a little bit of headway with that blurb in the last issue of Entertainment Weekly, I was beginning to worry that we had reached our limit with how far we can spread awareness of this issue. So truly, thank you for helping us spread the word on an entirely new level, it means a lot.
Cheers,
Xingba
One of our commenters just shared a story with us that hits particularly hard. She's Filipino and the mother of a young boy who auditioned for the part of Aang, and her experiences, while sadly not surprising, seemed worth pointing out:
http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1820.html?thread=322588
In part:
"Here's the kicker: my son now thinks Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Zuko are supposed to be White since that's what has been casted. You should hear us debate... Me and my husband debating our child who auditioned for Aang about how the cast is offensive to us and should be to him. Yes, some kids don't know any better. It sucks. Luckily, we sorta got to him and he "kinda" gets it. Our fault for being white-washed 2nd/3rd generation Filipino's I guess. We still watch Avatar every night. But the proposed current main cast still hurts."
Put my name on that list as well. I was so infuriated by the casting choice. I wanted to cry at Hollywood's disgusting hypocrisy.
-Faith Venning, artist, writer student and martial arts and culture enthusiast.
Kenneth Chang, writer, actor (who would have auditioned for this film), youth director, UCLA graduate.
Please contact me for any other information. I will help you mobilize a movement to get this film recast.
Thanks for responding, Derek. And good catch on my bad assumption -- I'll try to watch for that in the future.
hello derek where can i sign, i agree with you completely, i am white with some native american, which part of the main cast should be, the water tribe is obviously Inuit. but mostly white i am proud of my european heritage, though i am an honorary asian [dont ask long story] and i see how having white people play the charecters in an avatar movie would be insulting it would be like having aragorn black, or boromir asian in lotr, the only non europeans are the easterlings who are supposed to represent the islamic nations. i can see how that is an insult and would like to help anyway i can.
and i will note, im not one of those japanophiles my favorite asian cultures are china and india.
Thanks Derek, your aim is dead on with this. Please add me to the list.
Goh Nakamura, Musician
.
techiecl said... "Capitalism is not a valid excuse for a lack of even a modicum of social consciousness."
Milton Friedman said, "The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits." (New York Times Magazine, September 13, 1970)
The film company is spending the shareholders' money. The money to make the movie does not belong to the corporate executives. The film company execs' responsibility is to make profits for the shareholders in the company.
The shareholders did not hire DKK to spend the company money. They hired the execs, who are doing their best to make money for the stockholders.
++++
"I'm sick of David Porta" is a name?
"meathead "?
"Screw your"?
"bullshit"?
This merits an intelligent response:
You go suck farts from dead elephants.
++++
Identity politics is DKK's game, and it is ugly.
So the company has the movie rights to a property that is an elseworlds fiction steeped in Asian mythology, and the casting of it has reimagined it sans DKK's racial preferences. Because race is the make or break of the movie's heart? No, it's not.
DKK's hubris and hate-mongering are just too tedious. His brand of censorship appeals to the race-obsessed, and sets itself as the moral arbiter of entertainment. DKK is right up there with Joseph Breen and Frederic Wertham.
(Okay, maybe "moral" arbiter is wrong, since communists are atheistic. They have no morality. Let us say, "politically correct" arbiter, eh, Comrade?)
A bunch of Americans and Brits played elseworlds characters in LotR based on a non-American fiction. The American actors had American accents. They were not hobbits in real life. The director was from down under.
Jackson Rathbone, Jesse McCartney, Nicola Peltz, and Noah Ringer are cast to play the four leading Asia-based-elseworld characters in India-Hollywood director M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender based on Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko's TV show. The actors are not Asian-elseworlders in real life.
Margaret Sullavan and Jimmy Stewart played Hungarians in Hungary in German-Hollywood director Ernst Lubitsch's The Shop Around the Corner based on Miklós László's play. They spoke English with American accents (unlike Daniel Craig's current outing as a Pole). Sullavan and Stewart were not Hungarian in real life. (The Tom Hanks re-make, You've Got Mail, re-set the whole thing in America.)
Margaret Sullavan and Jimmy Stewart played Germans of disparate ethnic heritage in Salt Lake City, Utah-Hollywood director Frank Borzage's The Mortal Storm based on Phyllis Bottome's novel. They spoke English with American accents. Margaret Sullavan was not a Jew in real life. Jimmy Stewart was not a German in real life.
Margaret Sullavan and Herbert Marshall played Hungarians in Budapest in Alsace-Hollywood director William Wyler's The Good Fairy based on Ferenc Molnár's play. She spoke English with an American accent. He spoke English with an English accent. Sullavan and Marshall were not Hungarian in real life.
DKK says:
"built around Asian (and Inuit) culture. Everything from to the costume designs, to the written language, to the landscapes, to martial arts, to philosophy, to spirituality, to eating utensils!—it's all an evocative, but thinly veiled, re-imagining of ancient Asia. (In one episode, a region is shown where everyone is garbed in Korean hanboks—traditional Korean clothing—the design of which wasn't even altered at all.) It would take a willful disregard of the show's intentions and origins to think this wouldn't extend to the race of the characters as well."
Chew on this. By taking eastern cultural mythology and imposing western actors on it, the film will be engaging if a sort of reverse cultural imperialism, presenting western actors as apostles of eastern culture to western audiences. This should appeal to all of you who hate western culture and civilization, and who are dazzled by eastern culture.
Having westerners present foreign idolatry ("built around Asian (and Inuit) culture. ... philosophy, to spirituality") to a western audience makes the foreign idolatry more identifiable to that western audience.
Rejoice, America-haters! Rejoice in the casting of Caucasians as apostles of pagan Asian heritage.
Meanwhile, the one true faith, Christianity, is being embraced by Koreans in Korea, and Chinese in China. Plenty of Christian churches among the Inuit.
.
Thank you Derek for your thoughtful and well-written post. As I'm not in the industry I won't sign this petition, but I will send a letter. I'm also going to post this to facebook and send it along to friends to help get the word out.
Thank you again for so clearly laying out the problem with this casting.
People through this word racism around alot... but finally I see and instance were it's certainly not overreacting.
There are millions of people who have fallen in love with the show... And those are the people who are going to watch the movie. If they're worried about ticket sails they ought to get something like this straightened out.
Betsy Lee
Illustrator, Animator, Student
D. Porta-
I know I shouldn't acknowledge this troll but this is funny. You know David I went to a catholic university taught by mostly Caucasians and achieved a degree in history and sociology. Your statement is so full of inaccuracies, such as the equivocation of race and ethnicity, when the two terms mean two very different things. You are trying to sound intellectual but its obvious you've had a rudimentary education and are trying to extrapolate what you've learned and apply to the situation at hand but in reality you are failing miserable and only proving our point about the ignorance of the general American public.
anyway FIGHT THE FIGHT DEREK, If i was a professional in the industry I'd sign but I'm not there yet but will be.
hey derek,
count me in.
Andy Ristaino comic artist/illustrator/animator
thanks
-a
I totally agree with you this is outrageous. I am a white female and i take great offense at the fact they are going to destroy what could be a monumental movie b/c they have decided not to choose a CORRECT cast. I absolutley adore this show and I was so excited that they were makinging it into a movie but now my excitement has turned into a huge dissapointment. I am so upset they are going to take away from the culture of this show. I hope that all of our concerns change their minds!!
L. Mahn
Im asain/white and im not offended at all plus i have to say that the casting of this new project is not because of color or race, its who sounds more like the actual charecters. The casting list was put up of voices, not what they look like. We're not seeing ur skin color, we're hearing your voice. But all of us have to face that we really dont sound like them at all. Mike and Bryan who made avatar got the american actors to do it. And you can put it up to them. But it is no ones falt (especially the people making this) that our race determines how well we sound compared to one another.
I'm with you.
Rohayna Ashraf, aspiring artist :)
Put me down too - they wont ruin this like _SO_ many others!
Ashley Bailey - Student
DP, I think you mentioned preaching to the choir, earlier? Standing in a room full of people telling you to stop whatever rant you're on cos they disagree and will keep disagreeing must be the opposite and it's not a pretty sight.
In LotR most actors spoke different brittish accents and the comparison is wierd. The characters in LotR are from fictional nations in a fictional world. You think hobbits take offence cos Elijah Wood isn't a real hobbit? Skin color is another matter, if there acctually were hobbits and they didn't get cast cos the production company didn't think people would want to watch hobbits on screen, that would mirror rasist aswell.
And pointing out how many people that have played other nationalities also TOTALLY misses the point of skin color and "race". And it gets pretty tedious watching Swedish actor Peter Stormare play brutal unsympathetic Russians all the time.
And the whole thing with hating America if you don't think Hollywood should do whatever they like? Come on, be serious. Oh, innuits are Christian, that means Asian Americans shouldn't play in American movies?
Count me in!
My name is Jordan Naylor and I am a graphic novelist and avid lover of Asian culture.
This David Porta joker can go fight a platypus-bear.
Post a Comment