TV Shows That Cast White Actors in Traditionally Non-White Roles

Jay Silverheels famously played Tonto, but most other Native American characters on the show were actually played by white actors. These actors used dark makeup and wigs to portray members of different tribes in the Old West. The series often showed Native Americans as side characters or villains, relying on tired stereotypes in both how they looked and what they said. This type of casting was common at the time, as television shows relied heavily on well-known actors. Today, these episodes are often cited as examples of the poor and inauthentic representation of Native Americans in early television.

Games Where Fans Demanded Removal of “Politically Correct” Dialogue

Players were unhappy with how ‘Fire Emblem Fates’ was translated for Western audiences, specifically changes made to the conversations between characters. Nintendo and the game developers received criticism for rewriting or removing romantic storylines in the English version. Fans felt these changes watered down the original writing and were an attempt to avoid controversy around sensitive subjects. A particular storyline involving the character Soleil became a focal point of the debate, with many accusing the companies of unnecessary censorship.

Celebs Who Turned Political Losses Into Hit Documentaries

After losing the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore dedicated himself to raising awareness about environmental issues worldwide. He played a key role in creating the film ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ which powerfully illustrated the serious threat of climate change. The film’s success, including two Academy Awards, established Gore as a prominent voice for protecting the planet. Through his efforts, he reached a vast audience and helped change how the world discussed global warming.

Anime Dubs That Straightened Out Obvious Queer Relationships

In the first two seasons of the original English dub of the show, the villains Zoisite and Kunzite were altered from their original Japanese portrayals. The English version changed Zoisite’s character to female to create a heterosexual relationship with Kunzite, as both characters were originally male and depicted as a couple in the Japanese script. This required a female voice actor and changes to the dialogue to conceal their true identities. This kind of alteration was common in early anime dubs to avoid showing same-sex relationships.

Games Accused of Tokenism with One Minority Protagonist

This game, created by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix, tells the story of Frey Holland, a New Yorker who suddenly finds herself in the fantastical world of Athia. It sparked debate among players and critics about how Frey, a Black female character, was written – specifically, whether her story and dialogue felt genuine or forced. Some conversations focused on whether the ‘stranger in a strange land’ storyline unnecessarily simplified her character for wider appeal. Despite these discussions, the developers wanted to deliver a story-rich game focused on character development and exciting magical battles.

TV Shows Where Black Characters Were Added Just for Diversity Points

Aisha Tyler joined the cast as Dr. Charlie Wheeler in the ninth season, a move that came after years of criticism about the show’s lack of diversity. Initially, her character had romantic storylines with both Joey and Ross. However, many critics felt her addition was a response to the show’s predominantly white cast, and the storyline didn’t ultimately lead to lasting changes in the show’s main group of characters or overall diversity.

Black Celebs Who Satirized Policies in Stand-Up Bits

Richard Pryor was a groundbreaking comedian who used his performances to expose the hidden prejudices within the American legal system. He often joked about how unfairly people were treated by the police and courts, particularly highlighting the illogical nature of drug laws at the time. Through his comedy, Pryor brought important attention to serious problems within the justice system and cleverly mixed humor with a call for government responsibility.

Here Are the Best TV Series to Stream this Weekend on Apple TV+, Including ‘Palm Royale’

‘Palm Royale’ is a glamorous period drama taking place in 1969 Palm Beach. It centers on Maxine Simmons and her efforts to climb into the upper crust of society. Starring Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, and Laura Dern, the show examines how far someone will go to feel accepted and gain status among the wealthy elite. Viewers can expect stunning costumes and a beautifully detailed look at Florida life in the late 1960s.

Movies Where Token Minority Characters Felt Completely Forced

This new version of the well-known series features an all-female team of leads. Leslie Jones plays a character who works for the city’s transportation authority and is the only member without a science degree. Some critics felt this role relied too heavily on familiar stereotypes, especially when compared to the more educated characters played by white actors. Some viewers thought the film could have avoided these tropes. The movie received a lot of criticism upon release because of its casting choices.