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GOLDSEA |
ASIAMS.NET |
ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
Asian Men Deliberately Excluded from Star Wars?
ow that the fifth installment of the Star Wars saga has hit theatres, it's official: Asian men have no place in George Lucas's vision of the future. An Asian female Jedi was glimpsed in the most recent installment, but not one single Asian male has been spotted in any of the five movies.
The absence is all the more remarkable given that Star Wars borrows its themes and fight scenes so obviously from samurai and kung-fu flicks. On a purely demographic level, it's difficult to imagine a distant future in which Asians will not be the preponderance of humanity. Even on a mundane economic level, Asians account for at least a third of today's global box office and video revenues.
The utter absence of Asian men in the latest installment is even more glaring in light of the promises Lucas made in response to Asian protests over the omission of Asian actors coupled with suspicious attachment of Asian cultural traits to unsavory alien grotesqueries in The Phantom Menace. Lucas had even hinted that images of Bruce Lee would be used in the installment now known as The Clone Wars.
In The Phantom Menace Lucas used Asian martial artists both to choreograph and perform the kendo-inspired light-saber sequences. But as if wishing to take back the decision, in The Clone Wars Lucas's PR machine made a point of showing that the fight sequences were choreographed by a white man and performed by the actors themselves. That explains why they were so leaden and lackluster, but raises the question why?
Could it be that George Lucas wants to avoid calling attention to his large debt to Asian action films?
Is Lucas afraid that including an Asian man will invite critical focus on the new movie's sub-par swordfight sequences?
Is Lucus slyly inviting viewers to see wizened little Master Yoda as a winking representation of Asian men?
Despite his avowed interest in Chinese and Japanese martial arts, culture, literature and films, is Lucas a closet racist after all?
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
(Updated
Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025, 06:38:56 AM)
To huu76 and other:
Hey guys, I'm really interested to read about how you want more Asians in prominant movie and TV roles, but do you really have to blame african-americans too?
I mean, who creates to character roles in these movies? white writers. Who creates the budgets? white producers.
How come you lump blacks in with criticism against white hollywood directors. You need to keep your arguments balanced and stop beating up on other minorities.
African-Americans actors/actresses struggle for credible, positive cinema character roles too. In fact, some black actors don't work much because they turn down negative stereotypes.
Geoff DB
geoffdb02@aol.com
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 23:05:20 (PDT)
Hey guys,
I finally realized how race sensitive I've become since logging on goldsea a year ago when I spotted an Asian guy on the new star war movie. I think he appeared for half of a second at the earlier part of the movie when the jedi and his master chased the assasin in the city. Pay close attetion next time you see it because I'm sure of this thanks.
A Dude
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 20:07:20 (PDT)
"Perhaps. But, for that matter so is Ralph Lauren. There are no Asians in his world of Ralph Lauren, and yet Asians buy his stuff."
Tyson Beckford has a substantial amount of Chinese blood in him. Look at his eyes and his tats.
TSJ
Eric@KristinKreuk.net
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 11:56:15 (PDT)
Va fancuolo! Tue uno stronzo molto!
His hooked nose was based upon the long, large ROMAN nose and his accent is based upon the stereotype of an Italian organ grinder or Mafiosa with Anakin the kid as his money-making MONKEY!
Italians have also been accused of slave trading back in the day as well, not just Jews.
You are full of shit, pendejo. Lucas was making fun of Italians, not Jews!
Ur still wrong..ok!
Watto was a based on a JEW NAMED SHYLOCK from the Merchant of Venice.
Only Jews have been stereotyped for their droopy eyes, fat pot bellies and ugly deformed body, and most of all GREED.
Now when were the Italians ever stereotyped as being SHREWD dealers, I ask u?
Selbulba was the Italian Mafia dude.
Italians have been portrayed as DUMB and HOTHEADED in Hollywood.
whatever
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 10:55:35 (PDT)
"Why dont the Asians stop going to the movies?"
powerful the dark-side has become. irresistable their temptation are, young pawadan.
villageidiot
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 09:05:20 (PDT)
"Don't they remind you alot of those Confucian officials type of characters?"
that was the much agonized over WWII movies with japanese naval officers stereotype. it's been around in the critics' circle for awhile now.
villageidiot
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 09:04:04 (PDT)
"As far as blacks"
well, as it goes for AM, where are the angry black women jedis?
villageidiot
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 09:00:35 (PDT)
I think that saying "Well then I just won't see any more movies, so there!" is a very immature attitude to take. That's your choice, but you'll miss out on all the wonderful movies that come out, the ones that make us laugh, cry, imagine the future, feel sympathy for others, dream, learn, etc etc.
me
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 08:49:19 (PDT)
Yonsei:
The concept of Chi/Life Force/Aura is not limited to Asia and it's origins are not only Asian. The concept has been around for Milennia in the Celtic religions and it developed independent of that of Chi/Ki. Just like the use of Iron and metalworking happened separately and unrelatedly in different parts of the world, so was this concept developed too.
Druid
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 08:48:29 (PDT)
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