In case people have forgotten or haven't heard...
http://www.derekkirkkim.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-day-in-politics-same-old-racist.html <--- This link leads to the most eloquent essay on the controversial casting of M. Night Shyamalan's adaptation of the beloved Avatar: the Last Airbender TV series.
http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/5156.html <--- This next page will take you to the production company's far too inadequate response to the outcry.
There's a long history of racism against Asians in America. Read up and learn something new today if you didn't know that.
Personally, the most insulting thing about this kind jack-assery is the obvious willful ignorance of the people involved. In this case when actor Rathbone suggests that all he needs to do to pull off this role is to get the same haircut as the character he's playing plus a tan, while the audience suspends disbelief. Or as the casting director, Deedee Ricketts, said to the actors auditioning as extras, "We want you to dress in traditional cultural ethnic attire. If you’re Korean, wear a kimono. If you’re from Belgium, wear lederhosen."
I'm not asking you to get angry. Just be informed. Maybe you'll find yourself wanting to do something about it. If so, then boycott this film. Anyway, if you're curious, there are other ways to see this movie without giving the bastards in charge of it your colorful Asian money.
http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/5156.html <--- This next page will take you to the production company's far too inadequate response to the outcry.
There's a long history of racism against Asians in America. Read up and learn something new today if you didn't know that.
Personally, the most insulting thing about this kind jack-assery is the obvious willful ignorance of the people involved. In this case when actor Rathbone suggests that all he needs to do to pull off this role is to get the same haircut as the character he's playing plus a tan, while the audience suspends disbelief. Or as the casting director, Deedee Ricketts, said to the actors auditioning as extras, "We want you to dress in traditional cultural ethnic attire. If you’re Korean, wear a kimono. If you’re from Belgium, wear lederhosen."
I'm not asking you to get angry. Just be informed. Maybe you'll find yourself wanting to do something about it. If so, then boycott this film. Anyway, if you're curious, there are other ways to see this movie without giving the bastards in charge of it your colorful Asian money.