Is Whitewashing Still A Problem In Modern Film? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Is Whitewashing Still A Problem In Modern Film?

“What great acting is, a magical transformation of one person into another.” — Roger Ebert, American film critic

90
Is Whitewashing Still A Problem In Modern Film?
Salon

Whitewashing. It's a term that some people are not familiar with, while others are all too aware of its meaning. According to the Sociological Cinema, whitewashing is "the tendency of media to be dominated by white characters, played by white actors, navigating their way through a story that will likely resonate most deeply with white audiences, based on their experiences and worldviews."

Recent examples of what is known as whitewashing to many include but are not limited to:

1. Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez, a Latino CIA officer, in "Argo"

2. Liam Neeson as Ra's al Ghul, depicted in the Batman comics to be of Arab descent, in "Batman Begins"

3. Justin Chatwin as Goku, the main character from a popular Japanese manga, in "Dragonball Evolution"

4. Jake Gyllenhaal as Dastan, the title character of Persian descent, in "Price of Persia: Sands of Time"

5. Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One, depicted as a man from Kamar-Taj, in the upcoming "Doctor Strange"

6. Scarlett Johansson as Motoko Kusanagi, the main character from a popular Japanese manga and anime, in the upcoming live-action "Ghost In The Shell"

There are many other examples I'm leaving out here, but you should get the idea.

Many of these casting choices have been met with uproar and called out as "modern day racism" and "too much appealing to white audiences." It is reasoned that, by casting a Caucasian actor to play an explicitly ethnic role, a disconnect is created between the character being portrayed and the message being conveyed.

However, what if these actors still manage to convey the message? Is "racialbending" justified if the actor still manages to do the character and the story justice?

Some believe that, by casting the wrong race, that the original race of the character or figure may be offended by the casting choice. But is this really true?

In the video below, a few Japanese adults are asked about certain "whitewashed" casting choices, including Scarlett Johansson's casting as Motoko in "Ghost In The Shell."


As seen in the video, they don't appear too bothered by it. Some of them even believe that Johansson looks enough like the character that her casting doesn't seem out of place. Why is that, we wonder?

Maybe we should think of it this way: if Japan were to make a reboot of a popular American movie or novel, would it be odd if they had a Japanese actor playing what is typically seen as a Caucasian role?

Some may argue that, for a country called a "melting pot" of races, finding an actor or actress of the correct race shouldn't be difficult. And that may very well be true. But from a casting standpoint, it could be difficult to draw an audience if the actors are not already well-known. There aren't many movies that showcase a cast made up of characters who are not as well-known in the U.S.

So if a movie did decide to cast ethically correct actors, they could suffer in terms of box-office sales due to the audience's lack of recognition of the actors. Remember, the entertainment business is still a business, first and foremost...so if putting in well-known actors will garner a larger audience in the United States, then it's going to happen.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

141834
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

34442
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

30872
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments