So I was reading this article down at the Telegraph on the Prince Of Persia and it just sparked a few things - in particular this quote:
Jehanzeb Dar, an independent filmmaker, said: "This part really needed to go to someone who's Persian. It's not only insulting to Persians, it's also insulting to white people. It's saying white people can't enjoy movies unless the protagonist is white."Obviously that first part should go without saying - because it should be insulting to someone who's Persian - and anyone here that's from the API community - because it's White Washing.
And that last part - well - that should go without saying too - because it is true - it should be insulting to all the White People who say they're not racist - because they should love seeing anyone in a good role even if they aren't White because I like movies where the main characters aren't Asian or Asian American - that's fine with me - it's the fact that I don't see enough Asian faces on the screen in American film that gets me (stating the obvious here again).
But that is - well - what it is.
I'm really just writing this post because now that I think of it - if you take a role in a movie that's been White Washed and you're a White Guy - you know what?
I'm not really going to call you racially sensitive.
Say it till you're blue in the face that you're not a racist, that you have no prejudice - but when you take a role meant for someone that's Asian - you just told everyone else that they can only sit in the back of the bus and that you - White Male - are going to take your rightful place in the front of the bus.
You didn't do anything to usurp the status quo - you didn't give up your seat - you kept the system running which forces POC - and specifically Asian Americans - from having equal opportunity.
Sure - you didn't shout from a rooftop at the top of your lungs "White People Only" - but you didn't need too either.
Just the fact that you took the role, said it loud and clear.
