The releases of Marvel movies Doctor Strange and of the Avenger Series has strongly demonstrated the practice of white-washing originally Asian characters. Two examples are of the The Hulk who is Korean-American in the comics and of the Black Widow who can be Natasha Romanoff or Monica Chang.
Another classic example of white-washing typically Asian characters is the movie "21" a movie based on a true story of several MIT students who created their own Blackjack team and went on to steal millions from Las Vegas casinos. The team in real life is made up of four Asians and a white guy, but in the movie all the characters were replaced with white actors with the exception of one character (http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/21mitblackjack.php) Asian-American roles are hard to come by making it extremely frustrating and difficult when a non-asian character is picked for an Asian role. When we ask the question of why Asian roles are white-washed "the industry's usual response it that there are simply no Asian-American actors with the kind of marquee value needed to promote a major release." The reason for this is that unless you are a already well-known asian star in the asian industry such as Rain from Korea, Jackie Chan or Donnie Yen, there is little to no chance of an Asian-American becoming an A-List star in Hollywood. In 2014, the statistics of Asian-Americans being casted in speaking roles came up to only 5.1%.
The practice of white-washing counties because large entertainment companies such as Marvel continue it. To casting directors, directors, and producers, tere is still a GREAT need for Asian-American representation in Hollywood and across the U.S. in films and media. How long will Asian-Americans be pushed to the side? Enough is Enough! Why is Marvel replacing Asian characters such as the Hulk and the Black Widow with non-Asian actors/actresses?
PETITION
1. STOP whitewashing Asian characters in all Marvel films
2. STOP stereotyping Asian characters when they are given a role
3. ACKNOWLEDGE the diversity and beauty of Asian-American actors/actresses
4. Understand that there MUST BE more Asian-American representation
SIGN this Petition to support Asian American actors and actresses in getting the roles and representation they deserve!!!
For more information, please check out this article. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/are-asian-american-movie-stars-890755
