I think the author's quote at least partially stems from the belief that "race shouldn't matter anymore" and that's why it doesn't matter whether the actress is white or black. I've even heard the argument that making a fuss over white actors playing non-white roles actually perpetuates racism (because why should we care if the person is white or black).
And in an ideal world, it's true that race wouldn't matter anymore and that actors would be hired purely based on their skill and suitability for the role. But the fact of the matter is, the current world does not at all match up to that ideal. Caring about race representation is completely justified because racism is still very much alive.
Seeing how certain groups in given societies have been marginalized for ages (finding examples on this continent alone isn't a difficult to do), I find that phrase about "superficial indicators" like "skin color" to sound...historically uninformed.
Last edited by Pleiades Rising at 2:20:24 AM EST on February 9, 2013.
"it pisses me off that Hollywood studios are so afraid of losing money that they can't take the small risk of casting a non-white actress in a supporting role." - Hear Hear! *nods*
bellpickle
Pickle of the Year (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/09/13 | Reply
@Pleiades Rising:
I think the author's quote at least partially stems from the belief that "race shouldn't matter anymore" and that's why it doesn't matter whether the actress is white or black. I've even heard the argument that making a fuss over white actors playing non-white roles actually perpetuates racism (because why should we care if the person is white or black).
And in an ideal world, it's true that race wouldn't matter anymore and that actors would be hired purely based on their skill and suitability for the role. But the fact of the matter is, the current world does not at all match up to that ideal. Caring about race representation is completely justified because racism is still very much alive.
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/09/13 | Reply
Seeing how certain groups in given societies have been marginalized for ages (finding examples on this continent alone isn't a difficult to do), I find that phrase about "superficial indicators" like "skin color" to sound...historically uninformed.
Last edited by Pleiades Rising at 2:20:24 AM EST on February 9, 2013.
Kaerlyn
Tea pixie (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/07/13 | Reply
"it pisses me off that Hollywood studios are so afraid of losing money that they can't take the small risk of casting a non-white actress in a supporting role." - Hear Hear! *nods*