Whitewashing in Hollywood has become more noticeable as each year passes. Every year, a new movie is produced in which Caucasian actors and actresses are cast in roles that may have been more appropriately portrayed by actors of other ethnicities. Award shows, such as the Oscars, produce results with only Caucasian winners. Many celebrities have spoken out against it and boycotted the Oscars because of the inherent racism. However, some actors were against the boycott, believing that it’s not the race of the actor that matters, rather the quality of performance. Others believe that the issue extends well beyond award shows, believing that the issue of Hollywood racism has existed for several years, calling for an end to it. Overall, the issue has become a controversial topic that has several people scratching their heads and calling for change.
The 88th Oscars were hosted by Chris Rock and spiked controversial interest because of the lack of black nominees. Actors Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith did not attend nor watch the 2016 Academy Awards in protest against the perceived white preference in Hollywood. In his opening monologue, Chris Rock pointed out that Hollywood’s always been racist, just not in the way most expect. In an Entertainment Weekly article, Jessica Derschowitz wrote, “Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs issued a statement saying she was 'both heartbroken and frustrated' by the lack of diversity among nominees."
Beyond the Oscars Academy Award show, recently whitewashing of Asian characters has also occurred and caused outrage among Asian-American actors and actresses. Caucasian actress Tilda Swinton was cast as the Ancient One in an upcoming film adaptation of the Marvel comic “Doctor Strange," according to an article in the Washington Post by Travis M. Andrews. Her character was traditionally Tibetan in the comic, and in response to the backlash received, a Marvel representative argued, in part, “The Ancient One is a title that is not exclusively held by any one character, but rather a moniker passed down through time, and in this particular film, the embodiment is Celtic."
Actor George Takei was outraged by the misrepresentation of the Tibetan character, and actress Constance Wu protested the choice of Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko Kusanagi in the upcoming feature film “Ghost in the Shell.” Wu argues that the producers allegedly ran CGI tests to make her look more Asian. “Some people call it ‘yellowface,’ but I say ‘the practice of blackface employed on Asians,’ because that’s more evocative." Paramount denied reports that they had performed screening tests on Scarlett Johansson in an attempt to make her seem Asian for the role.
Because so many different actors and actresses have spoken out against the racial unfairness inherent in the acting business, it is hoped that the future will bring the change sought by so many. Several call for future racial equality and admit nominees of other ethnicities. The outcry for change sought by so many worldwide must be heard so that this change can be brought into effect.
