White actors have traditionally played parts of different races since forever.Momto2boys973 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 02, 2020 7:33 pm You miss the point. It’s not about the characters, it’s about discrimination and catering to a demographic because if you don’t, you’re accused of racism. If white actors were playing parts of a character traditionally portrayed as a different race, I’m sorry, but I’m thinking you’d be at the forefront of the indignation, crying racism an what not. So why is it something to shrug off if it’s the other way around?
Because as I said, I’m all for the best actor getting a role REGARDLESS of race as long as it’s a character with whom you can do that- and let’s face it, a 5th century king of England, he was surely white. But if it’s racist for an actor to get a part because he’s white, when race isn’t an issue in the story, then it’s equally racist for an actor to get a part because he’s black, unless the part demands it,
pinkbutterfly66 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 02, 2020 7:19 pm Only the right care. We on the left don't give a flying f**k. King Arthur is an imaginary person anyway. Just like Snow White. And Ariel. They're ACTORS playing a part.
All screen writers and playwrights have an image of what they want a character to look like. If they want that character to be a POC when in the past is was traditionally played by a white actor/actress, why not? If they think that the play or movie will appeal to a wider demographic, why not? If they feel that actors of color have not traditionally been given strong roles on the stage or in film and want to give them the opportunity, why not?
Theater especially has traditionally been a "white" profession with few roles and opportunity for actors of color in any substantial role and when you think about plays and musicals, they are meant to be a story told to an audience. No one for a minute believes that that is actually Alexander Hamilton on the stage so why does it matter if the actor is white, Black, or blue? Isn't the story still told?