Comments on: Why is there still a trend of white people portraying Asian people in movies?

By: Xuttuh

Xuttuh — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:59 +0000

The thing is Asians like many other groups of people had a rather rough history of being treated like bird droppings on a new car. Also you must take into account their warlike history where the victor always assimilates the loser well this is what we see now.

The young Asian women raised up to marry only white guys or the feminine portrayal of Asian men in media it is a result of the "we are conquered" mind set. Sadly there are is much blind eyed racism aimed toward Asians why won’t they say anything? Its because they want to be accepted by white people.
References :
My fiance is Asian she told me this herself.

By: cocoa butter

cocoa butter — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:39:59 +0000

I can only speculate, as every one else- why most Asians stay hushed on the matter. But, Bruce-Lee for one, spoke on it- and began to cast real Asian people in his movies. I think it all comes down to leadership- the leaders have to step up and speak on it. It may not be something most of them are all that concerned about- but I know for a fact, it hinders other Asians trying hard to make it in the film industry.
References :
Bruce Lee & Jet Li fan. Also loved that girl in Rush Hour & crouching tiger- she was a bad B*tch.

Would like to be exposed to more.

By: Zumaria

Zumaria — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:03:59 +0000

Racism, simple as that. It’s also done to Native Americans, they will usually just get someone white to play their role, or they will actually change the character and make them white, like they did with that movie 21, the real characters are Asian, and they got someone white to play the lead role. http://asiammedia.wordpress.com/2008/02/15/racist-casting-process-for-upcoming-21-hollywood-movie-about-mit-blackjack-team/

It’s not right. Maybe Asians are not more vocal about it because of different culture.
References :

By: Lee

Lee — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:43:59 +0000

Good question. I was actually discussing this with a friend of mine the other day. First of all, I am Asian and I’ve thought about this before. It appears that Asian men and women just aren’t that marketable as leading men or women in American movies. Money has a lot to do with the decision making process of who gets cast. I mean in Hollywood, are you gonna get the best actor in China or Russell Crowe? Who’s gonna draw a bigger audience? The answer is obvious.

Other than that, Asians make a very small percentage of the U.S. population, roughly 5% (as of 2008). So when there is a casting call for a movie, it’s very hard to find Asian American actors who also fit the role…there’s just too few of them. Having them imported from overseas is a lot of effort because prior to the 1990’s, you’re not gonna find too many international Asians that can speak fluent English with little or no accent. That means English lessons and a language coach. Most of the movies you listed were 20+ years ago.

I’m sure there are other reasons but I think don’t think its a question of ethics, but rather business. Although it doesn’t mean I don’t sit there and scratch my head over their decisions.
References :

By: Neo Draven

Neo Draven — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:53:59 +0000

Goku was a Saiyan. Not Japanese. I agree, though; he should’ve been played either by the cat who was Liu Kang in the Mortal Kombat movies, or the lead guy in Kung Fu Hustle.

WAY too many of your proofs are from too early in American history for them to really count. After the 60’s, your argument has merit. Before then, it wasn’t just Asians, it was ALL races, so it isn’t really fair to single out the Asians.

Don’t get me wrong here; I applaud the fact that you are drawing attention to a race other than your own; no one on Yahoo does that. But, consider as well that whitey in America shat on ALL races, and still does. So, it wasn’t just the Asians getting picked on.
References :

By: Armywife2248

Armywife2248 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:41:59 +0000

They don’t want to seem "too pushy" like people consider black people to be because we would not take that shyt lying down, lol. So they begrudgingly accept this in order to keep "the establishment" happy. Seriously though, that is pretty messed up. I was especially upset with them giving Bruce Lee’s part to David Carradine. I used to love to watch "The Green Hornet" when I was little….Kato (Bruce) was my favorite character.
References :

By: MELANESIANBOI

MELANESIANBOI — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:20:59 +0000

The answer is that they’re aren’t enough Asian actors in Hollywood, which is why you see the few portray each and every Asian nationality.
Also Hollywood probably feels a movie will flop with an Asian cast.
But there are some big Asian stars in Hollywood whose movies are successful such as: Jet Li, Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh.
References :

By: Wind On The Water

Wind On The Water — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:41:59 +0000

It is for a white American audience. It goes for my people as well and has only just started to change. They used to use so many italians and greeks as native americans, that whites think they can simply wear braids and get a tan to look like us. The whole business gives you a funny feeling inside doesn’t it?
That Kung Fu series fiasco with ugly David Carradine about drove Bruce Lee insane considering it was his baby.
I was very very disappointed with the way they changed Ged and his co-horts in the Earth-Sea Trilogy. In fact, when I saw what was happening I could not even watch it.
References :

By: GMan™

GMan™ — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:35:59 +0000

When me and my Asian friends heard Goku was going to be white we were kinda of in a state of "WTF"
Anyway I know exactly what your talking about, and I’ve noticed when ever a white guys portrays an Asian guy he is always nerdy and goofy looking, and very clumsy.
References :

By: ღAustralienne petite amieღ

ღAustralienne petite amieღ — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:18:59 +0000

I think its funny not racist. And whites have their own stereotypes in asian media too. Should whites get ''vocal'' too? If black people didn't complain that much probably they would have a better ''fame'' in this world. Rather than the racism they face now.
References :