Comments on: Protest the whitewashing in “The Weapon”

By: mythicagirl

mythicagirl — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:16:32 +0000

I just found out about your site, after reading on another blog about the movie The Last Airbender. I agree with the poster who stated “we need more people of races other than Asian to make a statement.” With solidarity we all become stronger, so that the powers that be who make these bigoted decisions have to listen. Just recently internet bloggers got Bloomsbury to listen, when two books with white models on the cover (LIAR and Magic Under Glass) were finally replaced with covers reflecting the main protags of color. As a black artist and writer, I have two paranormal webcomics featuring diverse protags, including those of Chinese and Japanese descent. I feel strongly that authors and creators of projects featuring characters of color should not be so quick to sign on the dotted line when a studio approaches.
Hold them to task, and get it in writing that the cast will reflect the original vision. That’s one of the ways to stop this, as it just gets harder once the rights are signed away.

By: Ferra Falkan

Ferra Falkan — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:38:31 +0000

And isn’t it funny that in reality, there are Asians everywhere in the OC?

Aside from that, we definitely need more people of races other than Asian to make a statement, because people never listen when Asians are speaking out for Asians, unfortunately.

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:36:23 +0000

Hi Dariane, I’m an Asian American, and I saw it on PBS (I missed the first half of the documentary). I recorded it to show to my sister (she wasn’t surprised) and some of my friends. I showed it to my friend Dave who is white and he was very disturbed by the documentary, he’s a moderate liberal. He was depressed when he saw it. We both agree there has been a history of discrimination towards Asian Americans in Hollywood. I am dumbfounded that there is still a lack of positive Asian American images in the U.S. all because Hollywood doesn’t think asian actors will bring in any money. I remember watching the movie Dante’s Peak and seeing Tzi Ma as a volcanologist and I just thought this was so cool because he didn’t do any martial arts or speak with an asian accent. I agree with Mr. Ma that he was seen as an American, and it was interesting that he said his character wasn’t even written in the script, he just tried out to read a line. In the show “The O.C.” (I never watched a single episode) I didn’t realize there was a story-line that was supposed to introduce some new characters with an ethnic background but the show-run changed it to all white actors which I find really lame. Not to keep rambling, even though I agree with the documentary, I just think the White Americans will have to decide since they make up the majority and maybe things will change.

By: dariane

dariane — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:42:28 +0000

The history of male Asian American actors is addressed very eloquently in Jeff Adachi's documentary film, The Slanted Screen. I definitely recommend it. There are some clips on Youtube you can check out. The official website lists some ways you can watch it in its entirety. If (or when) you do have the chance to see it, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

By: Trey

Trey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:57:01 +0000

I quietly walked out when “Forbidden Kingdom” featured two of east Asia’s most prominent movie actors only to be overshadowed by Hollywood’s desire to give a white boy his Asian-ness through love of Kung Fu. I sat quietly when “21″ hit theaters because they’d at least gave it the honor of changing the title. I stood up a little when they decided to change the ethnic roles of “The Last Airbender.” But I’m tired of seeing this trend of downplaying Asian actors, in particular, roles for Male Asian-Americans!

It seems that, since Mortal Kombat, there has been no half-decent role for a male Asian American actor!