The idea of 'whitewashing' is when a film uses Caucasian or 'white' people in characters that are of another ethnic background.  Hollywood has had a pretty bad history when it comes to doing that, especially during the early part of the century when segregation was still very much in effect.  Many of the times the films ended up laughable.  The most ridiculous of these examples is John Wayne playing the part of Genghis Khan in The Conqueror.

In recent years, as prejudices abated and many of our biggest stars come from a wide range of ethnicities, it seemed as if 'whitewashing' was no longer an issue.  However, two big Summer blockbusters have revived the old term and brought the debate about again.

Prince of Persia and The Last Airbender have been coming under a whole lot of heat lately for supposedly 'whitewashing' with their lead roles.  The argument being made is that Dastan (the titular Prince) is supposed to be of Persian descent and Aang in Airbender is supposed to be of Asian descent.  The problem is the actors playing those roles are definitely white.

This has caused a lot of uproar and many organizations have threatened/are boycotting these films.  Discrimination is a terrible thing, and any sign of it in this industry should be fought tooth and nail...However, I think these films are getting a raw deal.  At which point does casting become whitewashing?

The one thing these boycotting groups haven't seemed to mention (they might not have thought of it) is the possibility that actors of the proper descent didn't fit the bill.  Directors these days have pick the best actor for the job, regardless of their background.  What many people don't realize is that no matter who you are in Hollywood, if you want a certain role, you will have to audition for it.

Directors can be misleading sometimes in their interviews.  You always hear them say, 'I always wanted this person for the job' or, 'He/She immediately came to mind for the role.'  Even when those things happen, the actors still have to audition.  A filmmaker may want a particular actor for the job, but if he's terrible for the part, they won't cast him.  Actors really aren't just given a role (with the exception of returning characters in sequels).

For the most part critics have generally praised Jake Gyllenhaal's performance (even if they didn't like the film), and he surprised many people by portraying an action hero with a quick wit.  All-in-all he did a great job with the part and performed beyond most people's expectations.  It's hard to say whether or not another actor of Persian ethnicity (good luck finding one) would have done any better, but should an actor who does a great job be totally excluded from the film because he's not the right color?  That in itself sounds like a form of discrimination doesn't it.

The arguments against The Last Airbender, really just crack me up.  Claims that M. Night Shyamalan is whitewashing really make me laugh, because if you couldn't tell by his last name, Shyamalan is an ethnicity himself.  I feel those claims are totally baseless, and he gave the roles to the actors best suited for the job.

Imagine the quality of movies where the filmmakers would have to purposefully exclude good actors in order to avoid these ridiculous accusations.  If an actor is right for the role, and helps make the film better, why on Earth would you choose anyone else.  There are several phenomenal actors of all different backgrounds, and the work hard for the roles they get.  If they're the best for role, then they should be encouraged, not shunned.

Believe me when I say, I understand whitewashing is a serious issue for some films, but accusing a film of it right off the bat, is jumping the gun.  And before you accuse me of being racist and all other sorts of bad things...I too am of a different ethnicity. 

-Jordan