Racebending.com

Welcome to this week’s supporter spotlight!

Every Wednesday, we’ll be spotlighting a different member of the community. We all believe in working to cure ignorance and celebrate the many faces of America – and the world. Now each week, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about other people in our network of supporters, who hail from all over the United States and across over fifty countries of the world.

Today we’re learning about Racebending.com supporter Siri Hana, Airbender fan and aspiring actress.

1. Who are you?
Siri Hana and by proxy Frank Randall. We’re a couple, but it was easier for me to answer the questions. So, these are mostly my opinions and my story.

2. What’s your story?
I wanted to be an actor when I grew up. I knew the moment I learned those kids don’t really live on Sesame Street, getting paid to play pretend was the job for me. As I grew I realized a combination of things: 1.) The entertainment industry was not going to be as passionate about me as I was about it. 2.) Fortunately, I was also passionate about work that did not have anything to do with acting. I went to college and got a BA in English. (Which is worthless to all except for the holder, beware kids.) Then I realized I wanted to be a Health Educator. And still an actor. No, they don’t have anything to do with one another.

3. Why do you support Racebending.com and how did you learn about us?
My boyfriend, Frank, and I have been super excited about the Avatar cartoon being made into a movie. We’ve been checking in on it periodically. When he looked it up on Wikipedia he saw that all of the main characters were Caucasian. It had never occurred to us that that would happen, because it doesn’t make sense. We were both really disappointed as fans and then disappointed again as artists. I figured there had to be some hullabaloo about it and I wanted to participate. I came across Racebending.com. Which is a great name. I really liked the work that you all do on the site.

4. What makes you passionate about The Last Airbender film controversy and similar Hollywood choices?
I was watching “Once Upon A Time In Mexico” as a teenager and saw Willem Dafoe playing Armando Barillo and all browned up. That was the first time I became aware that Hollywood still hires white actors to play other races, rather than give that opportunity to an actor of color. It’s creepy.

I understand that if an actor matches the character they are portraying exactly it takes the artistry out of it. But if every single thing about an actor has to change for them to be right for a part, it’s because they aren’t right for the part.

I love Avatar. Part of why I love it is that it’s not more of the same. The movie version definitely is more of the same. White people appropriating a culture and then vilifying darker people. Is it the 1940s still?

I’ve seen a resurgence lately in people getting a kick out of (insert face here)-face, like with paint and everything! It’s because it never really died. The entertainment industry perpetuates the idea of black face as entertainment. It’s disgusting. Skin is not a costume.

5. What other issues interest you?
Unfortunately, I care about absolutely everything. I take everything to heart. What is currently running through my mind is Health Education, Palestine, Education Reform, and Prison Reform.

6. What are your hopes for the future of American media?
I look forward to the American media being able to be honest in their portrayal of minorities with more frequency. Less sexualization of minority women, less demonizing of minority men, and no white washing. It’d also be nice if more actors took responsibility for their choices. Being an artist is no excuse.