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TobuIshi β AtLA - Color-Safe
by-nc-nd
Published: 2008-12-13 17:12:44 +0000 UTC; Views: 21526; Favourites: 204; Downloads: 115
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Because 'tis better to laugh, than to weep.
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My first reaction to the casting list was mild annoyance.
Then I read the reactions of my fellow Avatards, the minority fans who found a touchstone in this series.
I am not the black girl who rejoiced to find--for the first time--a relatable animated heroine of a race similar to her own. I am not the minority parent who will have to explain to his children why their heroes don't look like them anymore.
But I can still be frustrated, disgusted, and infuriated on their behalf--and on my own behalf, at the realization that this choice was made "for" me and people like me, white fans who love this show for its diversity and yet are expected to avoid the movie if it displays the same quality.
(I'm leaving Shyamalan off the hook for now--directors often don't have much say in casting, and his brown daughters' love for Katara was what got him interested in the first place. I assume he's as crushed as we are by this.)
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For the record, yes, there is something you can do. The casting call ain't over till the Cabbage Man sings.
To folks with something to say--let's keep the comments on this as mature and sensible as you awesome people always do in this little gallery of mine. Peace, y'all.
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Comments: 246
when I found out about the casting I wanted to kill something 
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*sigh* I suppose we'll just have to see. If you feel like channeling that killing energy into trying to make Paramount shut up and listen to the fans, though, there's a good old-fashioned letter-writing campaign going at the moment! [link]
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yeah! I've heard about that too in GanXingba's profile on youtube, but I'm not sure how to do it. Have you done it already?
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Yes, I have! It was quite easy. ^_^ If you go to the website I linked above, they have all the instructions for how to write an effective letter, and the best addresses to send it to, to make a difference. Handy stuff!
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I think I'll go to check it out. thanks
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When I read that Jesse McCartney was going to play Zuko, I stared at the screen for like a full two minutes in pure shock. Seriously, it's just that, out of all the actors that they could have cast, he's honestly just the one I never would have seen coming. Don't get me wrong, I love Jesse. Well, I think he's really cute and I fell in love with his voice acting as Roxas from Kingdom Hearts. But does that guy even know how to fight? Still, I think he's a good actor, so maybe that was what they were going for over preexisting martial talent.
Now, I don't know anything about the girl who plays Katara, but according to Wikipedia, that Jackson guy was actually "born in Singapore and has lived in places ranging from Indonesia to Midland, Texas." I don't know what his actual ethnicity is, but his skin's white, so he's considered white. I do know that the kid who plays Aang won a competition or something and that's how he got the roll, so for him at least, the casting was solely on merit.
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i dont care what race they are, i care that NONE OF THEM LOOK ANYTHING LIKE THE CHARACTER THEY'RE PLAYING.
Im sorry but i want sokka to look like sokka, idc if the guy playing him is bronze or white or whatever, i care that the facial structure is waaaaay off. AND Katara. They BETTER dye her hair. Those actors better at least SOUND the part if they aren't cast on looks.
*crosses arms and huffs*
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*letter written, ranting done for now xD*
I love the expressions in the third panel
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Click the link to the cast list in my author's comments. 
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Why are they mak'in such a big fuss about that? They been doing that with well known anime(s), why with Avatar? Is it because it's a American program? -_-
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It's muder I tell ya!!!
PURE MURDER
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Or assault and battery at the very least.
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Jesse MacCarthney as Zuko, what are they thinking?
And the Bleach joke, haha, I think I got it.
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*sighs* I just finished a pro-gay/sterile marriage essay from a friend, and now this crap. *sighs* They're all IDIOTS. They should stay true to the story instead of mucking it up just to make an extra buck. *angery*
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Yikes, I didn't know about this... baddd casting choices, I would agree! I'm thinking maybe of writing a letter of my own 
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No problem! I think it's something not just Avatar fans, but film fans should know about--heck, anyone concerned about racism in America.
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oh shit, i didn't know about that!
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Crazy stuff, huh. :/ Check out the letter campaign, if you feel like it? ^_^
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...
I'm not going to kill myself because of the casting. But Jesse McCartney as Zuko? uhmmm yeah he better do a REALLY good job at acting.
Ow.
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Well, it's not really a whining, kill-yourself fan thing...it's a sense of real-world social injustice. That's three brown actors who'll never get a chance to shine because Paramount chickened out and cast the heroic roles white.
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Maybe they'll have them tanned or something. lol
but i think that ur statement is a lot more true if you make fun of naruto instead.
i mean, bleach has yoruichi and chad, but are there even like, any mexican people in naruto? yea... thats all :3
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*chuckles* The joke isn't about the characters in BLEACH, it's about the title. Think about it. ^^
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OHHHH!!! lol that took me a minute! sorry lol
its the hair dye 
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Is it odd to say I agree with both sides of this issue? O_o Not to be wishy-washy, but I can see the importance of both ethical correctness and giving those young actors/actresses a chance to shine, and with the casting crew's lack of concern for the ethnic issue and choosing to cast without prioritizing ethnicity. I suppose a lot of it, also, depends on how closely the movie world will be tied to the show's world, ne?
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I'm really not sure they did cast "colorblind", though. Every single one of the top three roles (we don't know Aang's actor yet) is cast as white as snow? It seems odd that--in three out of three roles--there wasn't a single actor of color who was "good enough" to beat out the auditioning white kids on talent alone.
Especially since, with names like Jesse McCartney and Jackson Rathbone on their shortlist, they clearly aren't just fishing in the dark here with open casting calls. They're making specific bids for known, popular teen actors...and those actors are white.
Hollywood is known for quietly pressuring studios towards more "marketable", "star-powered", white-bread productions. I have a sneaking suspicion that there may have been some of that going on here. >.>
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Ees possible. It might also be possible that race wasn't on the list of things they cared about in consideration, which could be seen as worse or better than making deliberate choices about it. *shrug* I mean of course, one of the water siblings is white, the other would have to be, too. Same if he/she were of color. Then there's scheduling conflicts, availability, desire to play, etc etc...I'm hesitant, with all possible variables and knowing firsthand everything that goes into choosing an actor from auditions, to say that it was engineered. Not saying it's not, I just take the idea with a grain of salt and wait and see. =3 I do love Jackson Rathbone, though, and I can toooootally see Sokka in his face, sense of humor, expressions etc. He's awesome! ^_^
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*nods* If brown actors were a little rarer, or if there weren't three roles in the running here (yes, Katara and Sokka have to have some resemblance, but even in the series he's often drawn with a darker skintone than her, allowing for animating inconsistencies that sometimes make them the same shade), or if this wasn't just one more example of an already-established industry-wide casting bias (how many non-white main characters in blockbuster children's films can you name? how does that number compare, statistically, to our actual population ratios?), then I'd be able to swallow that more easily. As it is, it still feels fishy to me.
I'm not saying a secret cabal of Paramount executives got together and swore in blood to deliberately put all brown resumes in the paper shredder, nor am I saying that Rathbone and McCartney are terrible actors. I just think there may have been some subtle nudging to the casting director(s) that encouraged them to cast lighter, that may have resulted in some equally talented brown actors being passed over. Probably for "marketability" reasons. Hollywood's got a history of cowardice in that direction.
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Srsly. :/
I forget, did you check out the letter-writing campaign?
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Mhmm, looked at it. ^^ Btw I linked your comic in my journal =O [link]
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Love the pics. Sokka looks fun as a blonde. hehe
I like sokka and katara's casting because they are probably good and they sorta have the visual feel of the personalities... then there's zuko's. but I'll get over it.
I really don't worry about the race unless it effects the quality of the preformance...
There's so much fuss going on about the casting and the movie's not even comming out for a year and a half (shit! I'm going to be in 11th grade by then )
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I actually think this complaint is pretty hypocritical.
Everyone is complaining the fact that they are casting an all white cast, when really, they did the same exact thing in the show. Almost all of the characters in the show were voiced by white people. Why didn't anyone care then? The only difference there is that they were animated to look of oriental descent, instead of using makeup.
If you're going to debase the movie for just covering up a person to project a certain ideal, then do the same for your tv show. The cartoon is guilty of the same issues.
To bring case in point, most American films set in European countries cast people from, whadya know, America. Not people from Europe. But does anyone care? No, because they mask their identity with their accents and acting skills. But no one cared then because their skin color was the same.
So from pure elimination, I think this issue just has to do with looks. Fans see that the actors are white; therefore, they will not look like their beloved characters.
I am firm advocate for bringing more spotlight to minority actors and actresses. But I think the fans are just angry because the characters don't look like what they imagined, judging by the actors/actresses' photos. I bet that most fans' feelings will placate after seeing the makeup on.
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In animation, a forty-year-old woman can play a little boy. It's all about how she sounds. Likewise on stage, there's some suspension of disbelief, though it only goes so far. But in film, there's a tradition of casting to fit the physical role as closely as possible.
Casting white actors as these characters is halfway to suggesting the characters themselves are meant to look European--or, if backed off in the other direction, towards makeup, it comes alarmingly close to the eye-taping and yellowface of 1930's film, before the civil rights movement.
Most American films set in European countries cast people from, whadya know, America. Not people from Europe. But does anyone care? No, because they mask their identity with their accents and acting skills. But no one cared then because their skin color was the same.
Exactly what I'm saying. I would be glad to see, say, a Latino or half-black or any sort of boy playing Sokka, if his own skin tone and facial features resembled Sokka's. The Water Tribe is based on the Inuit, but they aren't really Inuit, they're a fantasy race...but at the same time, they are definitely not, not, not white.
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Yeah, because how well she acts, right? So even though there's a drastic difference between the part she plays and who she truly is, there's not a problem, because she acts her part well. I'm just translating this into a physical movie. If the make-up artists are able to make the white actors and actresses look their part, then there isn't a big deal. I think fans are allowed to legitimately complain AFTER they see the make-up shots.
Personally, from the designs I see on the show, they don't look anything of Asian/Inuit descent at all, apart from hair and skin color. At least the on the young main characters, the designers did a better job of distinguishing facial features on the older characters. But I always thought Katara and Sokka looked white, only tanned. They don't have the Inuit facial features. Neither does Toph, Aang, or Zuko. So personally, I don't think it's that bad to cast white actors and actresses.
Implication, just like my own thoughts on the character designs mentioned before, are purely based on perspective. And I really don't think it's a step backward; that's just being a bit too dramatic there. But hey, each to their own.
When I made that statement, I was making the implication that these accusations are tinged with racism, because many fans are concentrating on the appearances rather than the cast's actual ability, which should be more important. Why a Latino though? A white person can achieve that color of skin as well; and a great majority of Pacific-Islanders who have that skin tone too.
I know I'm not going to convince you that I'm right, but I just wanted to put my point out there for some food for thought, that's all. You're free to be angry; it's a show you love and it's different from what you expected. I've been there, totally.
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Dear heart, if it was only a question of movie-series aesthetics, I would be slightly annoyed at worst. Read the Author's Comments again, perhaps--I think I stated it best there--but here it is, explained as clearly as I can make it:
The casting choices originally just annoyed me. It was the outcry of genuine heartbreak from fans of color that got me really looking at what this says to them (who ought to know best) about race in the real world.
It's not about whether Katara's nose should be a few millimeters wider or narrower, or exactly what First Nations race a "truly accurate" Sokka should be. For heaven's sake, my personal ideal actor for Sokka is half Italian and half black.
It's about the brown kids who look up to these characters as rare and precious role models who look like them for once. Those kids are getting a clear message that it's all very well to like these characters, but that they don't have a chance of playing them, because the heroic role always goes to a white kid.
It's about the Pacific Islanders, the Latino Americans, the Filipino-Americans, the black Americans, the Americans of every other brown and mixed race--all of the young actors who must have been so excited to have the chance to try out for leading roles...and then saw those roles given to white actors, just like every other Hollywood fantasy film.
Name for me three existing American fantasy films (involving some manner of magic or sorcery or otherwise supernatural adventure) with a non-white hero, a non-white love interest, and at least one other non-white friend or support character of approximately the hero's age.
If you can do that, then I will honestly consider this to be less of a tragically-missed opportunity for young actors of color.
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I know you take it more as movie asthetics [you made that quite obvious], but my point is that you really shouldn't, especially for this movie.
I think what you didn't understand from my post is that the fans are taking this issue far too seriously. If it was only the fact that many complained that the characters weren't of Asian/foreign descent, then that wouldn't have provoked me to give you this message. What has provoked me is that many of you think that somehow the casting of this singular movie will destroy the hopes and dreams of many young children of minorities.
Please. They're much stronger than that.
People do not give children much credit. As a person of minority myself, I faced the same disillusionment when I saw that I was the only Korean American in my classroom, or that I was made fun of because I never heard of a burger before. There were no Asian barbies or stuff like that. I never knew about a great Korean woman when I was young.
Did that stop my dreams? No. My experiences encouraged them. You're only offending the spirit of the young children by even claiming that they'll be faltered by such a silly thing like a cartoon turned movie.
I guess everyone forgot that the first time in history, a black man was elected president of the United States. But I suppose, judging by the reactions of the fans, that this movie will surely crush the young children. Because clearly, we're taking a step back and moving to the dark ages once more.
All children, whatever background they have, face through a period of disillusionment. It can be sparked by a silly thing like a movie, but it usually never lasts.
Racism goes all around, you know. The fact that you're discriminating against white people not because of their ability, but their appearance, is racism, no matter how valiant your reason may be.
Is this a "tragically-missed opportunity for young actors of color?" Maybe. But unless YOU were in the room, seeing the auditions with your own eyes, I shall give the benefit of the doubt. To assume would be childish.
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As a white woman myself, I would consider it no more racist to be turned down auditioning for a brown role, than I would consider it sexist to be turned down auditioning for a male role. It's just what the role requires. This feels more like...oh, as an imperfect but apt comparison, the old practice of casting men into female roles because women weren't considered fit for the stage.
I certainly don't believe it would "crush" minority children, who are--as you say--very strong, and I'm sorry to hear of your struggles...but wouldn't it be nice if you hadn't had to go through those struggles? If you had had an Asian Barbie and strong Korean women to look up to? That's what we were hoping for. In a world with a black president, it doesn't seem so outrageous to expect a few brown actors to get a chance.
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That's what I'm saying; it's racist no matter what side you're taking, because everyone is paying attention to looks rather than talent. But like I said before, each to their own.
Of course it'd be nice, but it's not like I never did get a role model despite my situation. That's my point. That experience made me stronger and more confident in myself. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way, and I know plenty of other people who would agree with me.
Yes, I would love for my little cousins to have role models they can relate to. And they do, so I'm happy. They learned not to relate to people just because they look like them, but because they aspire to have that role model's traits.
However, lets just agree that we need more ethnically diverse actors and actresses, but it just so happened that it won't be with this movie.
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*nods* I suppose it bothers me because a role model isn't just someone to look up to--they're a real-life example of what a kid can someday become. It's got to be terribly discouraging to kids who'd like to be actors someday to get this message from such a famous studio, that "people like them" are not wanted in major roles.
Personally, I went through a lot of stress and trauma in school as a child, and came out stronger because of loving parents who instilled me with good self-esteem. I wouldn't change my past--it made me who I am--but that doesn't mean I don't try to help those of my own students who have the same condition that contributed to my problems. Sadly, not everyone is blessed with parents or guardians like mine, and I want them to know that "people like us" can make something of ourselves. The troubles and pain of the last generation inspire us to champion the next.
That said, our experiences are different and I can't speak for your opinions. I definitely agree that we need more ethnically diverse actors and actresses, and I've sent a polite letter to Paramount pointing that out, but I realize I can't force them to change anything; I can only decide where and when to spend my money and support, and hope my two cents make some small difference. Shake hands and call this an interesting debate?
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Yeah, it will at first, but hopefully it'll only motivate them more to achieve their dreams.
Very true words, I completely agree. If it hadn't been for my parents' guidance I wouldn't have been the way I am today.
I actually think the letter idea is interesting, since every once and awhile these corporations need a good kick in the rear. I doubt they'd do anything with this movie, but perhaps in the future they'll consider more diverse roles.
Of course! Thanks for listening to my ramblings.
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*nods* Parents are incredibly important people, for better or for worse--we were so lucky that ours were the better sort.
And thank you! If you feel like giving Paramount a (polite, but firm) kick in the rear about this and future films, the letter-writing campaign is at [link]
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Hey, don't get me wrong, you have a good point as well.
But as a die-hard, asian, A:tla fan, I was seriously disappointed to see this casting. You may not have seen these kids as asian, but I did, and many others did as well. It just seemed to me that they didn't bother trying with the casting. If you see Katara and Sokka as tanned white kids, that's good because you'll be okay with this movie. I guess what I'm trying to say is, with a show I've followed and loved for so long, I just get nitpicky with the details.
The movie hasn't started filming and they did wonders with Olga Kurylenko in Quantum of Solace, so who knows. We'll just have to wait and see.
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Oh yeah, I can understand that. Like I said, my opinion of the designs are strictly my own and do not reflect the majority. There are many people who did see the characters as this ethnicity or that, so obviously, they'll be disappointed.
Anyway, I've always been somewhat apathetic to my favorite books/whatever turning into movies. I can see that people who are much more devoted to the series have a way different opinion than I do. I just wanted to point mine out anyway.
Good idea you have there.
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Yup, that's me 
I just hope they don't turn anymore stuff I love into movies. They don't do very well, especially when its fantasy or martial arts involved. I think I had a better reception to Twilight than the hordes of tweens. I didn't like the book and expected to dislike the adaptation all the while drooling over sexy Cedric Diggory in the main role. It quite surprised me with its humor and its downplay of Bella's ramblings. So if I don't love the thing, adaptations are fine.
Oh, with Olga? Yeah, if I didn't like her so much in Hitman, I would have been none the wiser. But she pulled it off, so good for her.
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