So, Avatar the Last Airbender, a compelling story of a young boy and his friends on a quest to restore balance to the world in a setting steeped in notably authentic Asian cultures and themes. It was thoughtful, funny, and given excellent production values, launching it into a major success among critics and the public alike. Those few of you who read this undoubtedly appreciated it as well for similar reasons. Myself, I found it to be a unique, interesting, and compelling narrative that dominates my personal list of "best Television Series EVAR".

Paramount Films picked it up for a movie tie in. Several months ago they released the cast list for the main characters. They were, to a man, Caucasian. Later, one of the leads was replaced with Dev Patel. He's playing the antagonist.

There's been plenty said about the topic, so I'll only add what personal feelings I get from this.

Ok, its a few months late to the party, but I never really took the time to examine the implications before. I've been confronted with good, old fashioned, racism, the likes of which I've been lucky not to encounter before. And honestly? It feels like a slap to the face, especially as an Asian-American with aspirations to being a performance artist. "We don't want your kind in leading roles", Paramount seems to say, "But if you like, we can give a nice background role instead."

Well Fuck you, Paramount Pictures. I'm not paying you one cent for this travesty, I'm telling everyone I know not to see this, I'm signing the fucking petition(found here! [link]). You can take your yellowfacing and stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

This whole shtick does give me some thoughts about the nature of Asian racism in American history. Mostly, the extent to which Asian-Americans have made themselves heard as a cultural entity. Or, to be more precise, the complete lack thereof. It's cultural, really, based in the rooted values of community transcending the individual. It always felt like the advancement of Asian equality rode on the heels of the Black Power movement, gaining the equal rights afforded by the law in the appropriate amendments, but failing to seize the cultural heart of the nation. I could go on, but this is a subject I am woefully uninformed about, and too tired at the moment to elaborate further on.

Those of you who read this, do me a favor. Don't see this movie. For the future of Asian Americans as a cultural entity, I'm drawing my line right here.

We'll be back after these messages

(Any allegations that the reasons behind this outrage are centered around the fact that the deviant believes he himself would make a damn fine Zuko are entirely unwarranted, and well be denied with utmost vigor.)