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INTEREST: Ken Akamatsu Comments on Casting POC Voice Actors in American Cartoons, Japanese Anime

For a whole generation of white kids like me, he defined our assumption of how SEA talked and acted. And while the SEA people I've talked to liked seeing someone like them in a major TV show, the constant jokes by white people using his accent were microaggression hell. I'd like to know what an actual SEA person, with input by more than just white writers and directors, would bring to the role.

However, I will say that the move to select actors on their race rather than their individual talents appears to go against the path that humanity has walked throughout history.

This whole Simpsons (and Family Guy) thing is ridiculous so I agree with him. When it comes to voice, the only thing that matters is the acting ability. And while I'm sure people here know how I feel about anime dubs, it's literally impossible to cast them all as Japanese actors that speak English. Simply impossible. As long as the person doing the voice doesn't do an obvious racist impression that caters to racist stereotypes, then there's no issue. The role just needs to be acted with sincerity.

For those speaking of casting choices being based on vocal talent alone, how do you judge who is best to voice a minority character? More specifically, how do a bunch of white people judge who would best voice a minority character, particularly when most/all of the auditioners are also white? You end getting Apu, probably the most famous SEA cartoon character in America if not the Western world. His voice and lyrical style is a caricature; and while I don't know what the casting decision was for Apu, but would it be surprising if the VA was chosen because a bunch of white people thought this white guy had the funniest caricature of a SEA accent?

For a whole generation of white kids like me, he defined our assumption of how SEA talked and acted. And while the SEA people I've talked to liked seeing someone like them in a major TV show, the constant jokes by white people using his accent were microaggression hell. I'd like to know what an actual SEA person, with input by more than just white writers and directors, would bring to the role.

Jeff Bauersfeld wrote:

For those speaking of casting choices being based on vocal talent alone, how do you judge who is best to voice a minority character? More specifically, how do a bunch of white people judge who would best voice a minority character, particularly when most/all of the auditioners are also white? You end getting Apu, probably the most famous SEA cartoon character in America if not the Western world. His voice and lyrical style is a caricature; and while I don't know what the casting decision was for Apu, but would it be surprising if the VA was chosen because a bunch of white people thought this white guy had the funniest caricature of a SEA accent? For a whole generation of white kids like me, he defined our assumption of how SEA talked and acted. And while the SEA people I've talked to liked seeing someone like them in a major TV show, the constant jokes by white people using his accent were microaggression hell. I'd like to know what an actual SEA person, with input by more than just white writers and directors, would bring to the role.

One thing to remember is in regards to western animation, it's not uncommon for actors to come up with characters themselves. Mike Henry has said numerous times he created the character of Cleveland Brown himself. There was no audition or casting for the character, it was an inhouse creation by Mike himself who was also a writer on the show. So in cases like that no one is denied a role or passed over for discrimination because there was never any intention that other people to voice the character to begin with.
Obviously dubbing established characters is a different issue entirely.

In regards to Apu, I don't think it would have mattered personally. Mr. Washee Washee in Family Guy is voiced by an Asian actor but he still talks in the most stereotypical thick Asian accent and his whole character is being the stereotypical Chinese laundry guy. Meanwhile the City Wok guy is the same for Chinese food restaurant owners in South Park, only he's voiced by Trey himself. So we have two huge stereotypical characters but one is voiced by a white guy and the other an Asian guy, does it really make a difference though? There's no reason to assume a character will be less stereotypical or criticized if their voiced by a minority. When FF7 Remake was announced people complained about Barret's new voice actor sounding stereotypical despite the fact it was still a black actor voicing him in the English dub. People will take issue no matter who's voicing the character if they want to.

Not sure that pointing out that white people made racist caricatures is the slam dunk you think it is.

I will say that the move to select actors on their race rather than their individual talents appears to go against the path that humanity has walked throughout history.

strawberry_milk wrote:

I will say that the move to select actors on their race rather than their individual talents appears to go against the path that humanity has walked throughout history.

[Edit]: I've identified who you've quoted. Please do that in future, so people can check out the context, especially when you abbreviate or edit the quote. Errinundra.

Jeff Bauersfeld wrote:

For a whole generation of white kids like me, he defined our assumption of how SEA talked and acted.

Hank Azaria was chosen to play Apu because the white writing staff thought his impression of a SEA accent was hilarious. Before they heard him do it they were considering getting an actual SEA VA to do it.

Ever since 'The Problem With Apu' we've focused on the negative aspects of Apu's portrayal (which I admit exist), but never on the positives: such as the fact that SEA characters were non-existent on American TV (and animation) in the early 90s... ...And yes, from our modern, "enlightened" perspective the character appears dated and caricatured now, mainly, if not entirely, due to his accent (the caricatured Indian-stereotype actually took a stronger form post-Golden Years, so in the 00s...

How about casting any person as a voice actor to voice any character just by the sole prerequisite of them being good at their jobs. Has anybody thought about that oooor...??

If it helps, that's not my quote, it's Ken Akamatsu's.

I pretty much agree with everything kotomikun wrote.

Jeff Bauersfeld wrote:

For a whole generation of white kids like me, he defined our assumption of how SEA talked and acted. And while the SEA people I've talked to liked seeing someone like them in a major TV show, the constant jokes by white people using his accent were microaggression hell. I'd like to know what an actual SEA person, with input by more than just white writers and directors, would bring to the role.

So... you yourself admit that SEA people you spoke to weren't offended by Apu, so you decided to get offended on their behalf?

Unfortunately, you are right. Hank Azaria was chosen to play Apu because the white writing staff thought his impression of a SEA accent was hilarious. Before they heard him do it they were considering getting an actual SEA VA to do it. That's unfortunate but it can't be changed now. We're talking 30+ years ago.

Ever since 'The Problem With Apu' we've focused on the negative aspects of Apu's portrayal (which I admit exist), but never on the positives: such as the fact that SEA characters were non-existent on American TV (and animation) in the early 90s. Apu broke barriers at the time. He ran his own business, was well-educated, a close friend of the family, very likable, and jokes specifically at the expense of his heritage were actually quite minimal. And yes, from our modern, "enlightened" perspective the character appears dated and caricatured now, mainly, if not entirely, due to his accent (the caricatured Indian-stereotype actually took a stronger form post-Golden Years, so in the 00s; before that Apu was one of the more multi-faceted characters). We as a society take baby-steps towards progress, and Apu was a step in the right direction. Seeing Apu in their living rooms every Sunday, a likable character average American families grew to love, created more racial tolerance, not less. He should be celebrated, not shunned. He was a character created with the best of intentions - in a show where EVERY character is a stereotype. 'The Simpsons' didn't discriminate, it mocked everyone, but in a jovial way.

Jeff Bauersfeld wrote:

For those speaking of casting choices being based on vocal talent alone, how do you judge who is best to voice a minority character? More specifically, how do a bunch of white people judge who would best voice a minority character, particularly when most/all of the auditioners are also white? You end getting Apu, probably the most famous SEA cartoon character in America if not the Western world. His voice and lyrical style is a caricature; and while I don't know what the casting decision was for Apu, but would it be surprising if the VA was chosen because a bunch of white people thought this white guy had the funniest caricature of a SEA accent? For a whole generation of white kids like me, he defined our assumption of how SEA talked and acted. And while the SEA people I've talked to liked seeing someone like them in a major TV show, the constant jokes by white people using his accent were microaggression hell. I'd like to know what an actual SEA person, with input by more than just white writers and directors, would bring to the role.

One thing to remember is in regards to western animation, it's not uncommon for actors to come up with characters themselves. Mike Henry has said numerous times he created the character of Cleveland Brown himself. There was no audition or casting for the character, it was an inhouse creation by Mike himself who was also a writer on the show. So in cases like that no one is denied a role or passed over for discrimination because there was never any intention that other people to voice the character to begin with.
Obviously dubbing established characters is a different issue entirely.

In regards to Apu, I don't think it would have mattered personally. Mr. Washee Washee in Family Guy is voiced by an Asian actor but he still talks in the most stereotypical thick Asian accent and his whole character is being the stereotypical Chinese laundry guy. Meanwhile the City Wok guy is the same for Chinese food restaurant owners in South Park, only he's voiced by Trey himself. So we have two huge stereotypical characters but one is voiced by a white guy and the other an Asian guy, does it really make a difference though? There's no reason to assume a character will be less stereotypical or criticized if their voiced by a minority. When FF7 Remake was announced people complained about Barret's new voice actor sounding stereotypical despite the fact it was still a black actor voicing him in the English dub. People will take issue no matter who's voicing the character if they want to.