Comments on: Whitewashing Avatar – Yes, it’s possible.

By: “Oh my flying Appas! That’s gonna be amazing!” « theMaykazine

Wed, 26 May 2010 22:15:58 +0000

[...] Whitewashing Avatar – Yes, it’s possible. [...]

By: Rewinding back to WonderCon. « theMaykazine

Rewinding back to WonderCon. « theMaykazine — Tue, 11 May 2010 04:35:59 +0000

[...] Aang ain’t white gear, and hopefully learning a thing or two about Paramount’s upcoming exploitation of Asians. Billiam tried to get me to appreciate the pretty trailer that’s just been released [...]

By: Neapolitan starlets. « theMaykazine

Neapolitan starlets. « theMaykazine — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:31:56 +0000

[...] mean different things.) These are the same arguments I have against the next on my boycott list, Avatar: The Last Airbender. It’s not that there are no women of color pursuing acting, singing, dancing, or writing. [...]

By: WonderCon, in words. « theMaykazine

WonderCon, in words. « theMaykazine — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:06 +0000

[...] an AANG AIN’T WHITE T-shirt caused our table to erupt in cheer! Ya-ay! (I should have done something to further the [...]

By: Hollywood’s yellowface. « theMaykazine

Hollywood’s yellowface. « theMaykazine — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 07:59:08 +0000

[...] I think about yellowface and why I’m so incensed about the recent casting of Avatar, I think about the cinematic adaptation of one of my favorite books. It happens to be about [...]

By: TerrawindX2

TerrawindX2 — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:20:14 +0000

I don’t have a problem with a caucasian man playing Goku in DB Evolution, because I can see the logic in which he is an Alien, and therefore not necessarily Asian. However, cartoons like Avatar are very obvious in terms of their character ethnicity.

The Chun Li movie should get equal amount of attention regarding its main character as well.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:50:32 +0000

Michael’s comments were so stupid, I just had to respond.

Peter Parker has an American name. He goes to an American hi-school, finds American sounding friends (Mary Jane, Flash Thompson, etc) who LOOK very white, lives in a very suburbian American environment. According to your logic, he could just as well be a Nigerian/Japanese/Russian (insert your default here) living in America. Genius.

If ALL THAT doesn’t prove a character’s origin, I’m not sure what will. Should we revert back to “Gollywog” style markings to CLEARLY INDICATE to ignorant people like you what a character’s origins are? Clearly culture, hairstyle, dress sense and lifestyle mean nothing to you.

By: Cream Cheese Alchemy

Cream Cheese Alchemy — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:02:40 +0000

White is the default only because franchise movies get executives nervous about overseas markets (particularly Asia) not responding to non-Caucasians and US moviegoers not relating to Asian stars. This mentality is on its way out, but we’re still getting a white Speed Racer, Goku, Bulma, etc. with Asians in supporting parts instead of as leads.

The problem with Avatar is that this particular casting affects at least who can be cast as members of these characters’ families, if not their nation/tribe. In this scenario, Toph could be the most prominent Asian role in the film series since Ozai, Azula and Iroh have to resemble Zuko. And after that? Ty Lee and Mai? Bumi? Suki? It’s going to look like that Jackie Chan movie from last year.

By: lsammy

lsammy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:05:11 +0000

Michael – if it’s not Asian, then what is it? White? Why does it have to be white? Why CAN’T it be Asian, if everything in the show is visually Asian? Why is white the immediate default for you? And why should white actors be the immediate default for Hollywood?

If you care in any way to understand why people – of ALL races – are angry, please read some more on the subject:
http://www.geneyang.com/blog/index.php
http://theangryblackwoman.com/2008/12/10/m-night-say-it-isnt-so/
http://agualimon.wordpress.com/2008/12/12/avatar-white-cast-of-doom/

By: Avatar “action items.” « theMaykazine

Avatar “action items.” « theMaykazine — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:36:44 +0000

[...] “action items.” 29 01 2009 Background on the whitewashed Avatar [...]