It's that time of year where movies get good. Of course, I don't have time right now to watch movies, but that doesn't stop me from viewing trailers to see what's coming out and what I might like.
Imagine my surprise upon seeing a picture of an Asian man next to the button for the Green Lantern trailer. "WHOA," I thought. "We're finally getting an Asian lead in a major movie." I quickly clicked on the play button.
Imagine now my disappointment upon seeing that the lead wasn't Asian, but white, just like every other movie Hollywood produces. My disappointment wasn't too great, since it's Ryan Reynolds, but I was disappointed nonetheless.
I started going through my mind to determine how many minorities were in these major super hero action films. ... ... ... Halle Berry. Oh, and I guess Will Smith. ... ... ... There are others, but they're either villains or their roles aren't even memorable enough for me to know their characters' names.
I suppose I should celebrate the fact that Asians are no longer portrayed by a buck-toothed Mickey Rooney, and blacks are no longer relegated to the positions of household servants. I do recognize this, but I'm not satisfied by it. When do minorities play lead roles? When the role itself requires a minority, or is targeted to that minority population. I realize that the majority of America is still white. Census estimates whites at about 65%, Hispanics around 14%, blacks around 13%, and Asians around 5%. We mixies are about 2%. One would think that on the west coast, these Hollywood power houses could realize that there are other races running around.
The fact that a minority isn't playing the lead doesn't mean that I won't watch the movie. If it looks good, I'll watch it, and if it's any good, I'll enjoy it. Putting a minority as a lead probably won't garner more money, or turn a mediocre movie into a blockbuster. But, perhaps, if we put more minorities in lead roles, roles that could be filled by people of any race, all Asians wouldn't have to look alike. Perhaps blacks wouldn't have to be athletes. Perhaps minorities can be accepted as entrepreneurs, accountants, bums, doctors, farmers, heroes, jerks and nuns. Perhaps they wouldn't have to be placed in their predetermined roles.
Come on, Hollywood. Minorities can fill lead roles in films that don't involve kung-fu, barbershops or Disney. You have a whole color palette to work with; learn to use it.
