Avatar: The Last Airbender petition

[elaby]

I haven't posted about this before, but I think it's high time, and there's something you can do about it that only takes a couple of seconds. The majority of people on my f'list may have heard about this and may have acted already, but in any case.

The backstory: Avatar: The Last Airbender, for those unfamiliar, is an animated series set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world. I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard from various respected quarters that it's one of the best animated series (or series at all) there is. Paramount and M. Night Shyamalan are currently working on a live-action film based on it. The problem is that they've cast white actors to play the Asian protagonists, and they've cast actors of color to play extras and villains. I've written letters to the studio, but they're starting a petition, and it only takes a second to sign it. Here's the link:

Sign the Petition

Even if you're not a fan of the show, I think this is important because the casting of white actors to play Asian characters is not only insulting, removes the chances of talented actors of color, and is unfaithful to the original series, it undermines the self-image of children of color who are fans of the series or who see the movie. The casting process itself has also been made of fail when it comes to cultural awareness.

More information can be found at aang_aint_white if you're interested.

I know my f'list is full of awesome people who would be interested in taking steps against this appalling crap.

Comments

[poelaramont.livejournal.com]

Heard about it, but knew nothing of the petition. I am signing it now.

On a related note, Avatar rules! You must watch it!

[elaby.livejournal.com]

I neeeed to! I've heard so many good things about it.

[poelaramont.livejournal.com]

Yes, you do. Do it. Do it NOW!

[alwaysneverland.livejournal.com]

Agreed on the 'Avatar Rules' and just signed as well. ^_^

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Thank you :) I SO need to see it!

[canellaphile.livejournal.com]

Signed it!!! And then some.

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Yay, thank you! You're awesome, by the way :)

[border-count.livejournal.com]

I'd be more concerned if I thought the movie was going to be anything more than crap. They did the same thing with the recent Street Fighter abomination, and the upcoming DBZ abomination. If I were an actor of Asian descent, I'd probably stay away form this project out of self-respect.

[elaby.livejournal.com]

I think it's the principle rather than a matter of how crap the movie is going to be. They obviously don't intend it to be crap (or at least they don't intend it to be a failure) and they're still casting white actors to play characters who aren't white. It's badness.

[canellaphile.livejournal.com]

Can I please gack some of your description here for my post about the petition?

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Sure! I'd be honored :) I'm not much of an expert on it, though. If you want any more detail, I would suggest glockgal's journal. That's where I get most of my information.

[canellaphile.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[the-arethusa.livejournal.com]

OMG, that's just ridiculous! Why would they cast white people in those roles? What is there to be gained from that? I don't understand! And people of colour as the villains? Surely we've moved past all that crap.

I don't know why I'm still shocked by all the stupid in this world.

[elaby.livejournal.com]

I know, seriously. I was surprised, too, and then kind of depressed that I shouldn't have been surprised. The idea, I assume, is that audiences won't go to see a fantasy movie where people of color are the heroes. I just... have no idea what they're thinking.

[coastal-spirit.livejournal.com]

Done. :) Someone on my f'list posted about it at the first of the week, but since I've been so behind this week, I'm glad you reminded me about it.

I have Avatar on my Netflix list. I hear that it's awesome, and this is a travesty.

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I've heard about how incredibly awesome it is too. If you see it before me, you'll have to tell me all about it!