To Scarlett Johansson, The Raging Role Thief | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

To Scarlett Johansson, The Raging Role Thief

You have way too much credibility and money to be acting like this.

86
Dwight from The Office with a sign on his forehead that says "Asian"
YouTube

Dear Scarlett Johansson,

...seriously?

I just don't have any other words to say other than just...seriously?

First, you started off your pattern of stealing marginalized people's roles by playing an Asian woman in the American adaptation of "Ghost In The Shell." Hollywood already has a problem with whitewashing the mess out of every single non-American thing they touch, so that they decided to whitewash this bestselling franchise is the least surprising bit of information to pretty much anyone.

It's not even just the fact that you took on the role of an Asian character. It's the fact that when you finally decided to address the controversy, your answer was of the haphazard "I wanted to take on a powerful female role" variety. How lazy is this? But that's not even the main point of this article.

So the news broke recently that you were set to play another character to add to your resume: a trans man. Yes, readers, if you've been out of the loop, you definitely read this right. A cisgendered woman was just cast to play transgendered man Dante "Tex" Gill in the upcoming mob drama "Rub & Tug."

Of course, nobody is happy about this choice. Why? In case you're still too oblivious, it's because rather than just let a trans actor play this role instead and give them an opportunity to provide a better representation of one of the most marginalized groups in Hollywood, you basically decided to rob them of this opportunity.

And then when asked about it by Bustle, you really had nothing more to say other than, "Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman's reps for comment." What does this even mean? Just forget about having a fruitful discussion, huh?

The fact that this was your second time taking on a marginalized role as a white woman is awful. I've even speculated that you will probably take up a role of a Black woman, but in blackface. Knowing you, I have no doubt this isn't too far off the horizon.

Honestly, you have way too much credibility and money to be acting like this. I get that the last "Avengers" movie is coming out soon and once that ends you'll be wanting to find other roles to take on. But if you're really this desperate for a movie role that you'll resort to playing a whole other race and a whole other gender identity (that already gets enough flack as it is), maybe you just need to take a break from acting for a while. Find a new hobby, read up on intersectional feminism, and just enjoy a break. I promise you will benefit from it.

...well, unless they make a Black Widow spin-off movie or something like that. But until then, I'm serious about considering a break from acting. Maybe (and hopefully) you'll end up being more like your unproblematic colleague Jessica Chastain.

Sincerely,

The outraged general public

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

3689
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1876
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1421
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1296
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments