Yeah I know, I take a jab at her because I'm an aspiring actress who's Arabic, so naturally I feel more annoyed seeing her play it. Of course that comment resonates with whoever isn't Arabic in it :)
Isn't it the performance that counts? If she's unconvincing as an Arab character, then fair criticism would be that she's unconvincing, not that the actor is not Arab. Imagine if all actors were only allowed to play characters who shared their ethnic backgrounds. Imagine if a formidable Arab actor were refused the role of a Spaniard - despite mastery of a convincing accent, depth of character, etcetera - because he or she happened to be born of Arab parents. Wouldn't that be unfortunate?
Of course it's about the performance. I'd never like to think that the only roles a person is allowed to have is dependent on his/her ethnicity. If someone is talented and convincing they should be fully supported to conquer the world. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.
Naturally, people get excited to see actors of their own ethnicity represent them in Hollywood. I have nothing against Freida Pinto; she probably put in more work than an Arab would have put in for that role in order to nail it. Whether she's convincing in it or not really wasn’t my point or what my comment stemmed from. I just assumed people would be able to read between the lines.
My comment stemmed from me wishing more Arab actors are given a chance to represent their ethnicity in Hollywood productions. It stemmed from me wanting the world to know that not all Arabs have dark hair and dark skin. It stemmed from me wanting all the talented Arab actors to be given the opportunity to shine and be recognized for their hard work. It stemmed from me wanting to be proud to see more Arabs being accepted in our world where for many we're just troubled terrorists. Most of all it stemmed from me wanting to believe I can see myself up there one day, representing where I'm from.
Thank you for sharing your opinion, I wish more people would question my thoughts like that xx
Yeah I know, I take a jab at her because I'm an aspiring actress who's Arabic, so naturally I feel more annoyed seeing her play it. Of course that comment resonates with whoever isn't Arabic in it :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the performance that counts? If she's unconvincing as an Arab character, then fair criticism would be that she's unconvincing, not that the actor is not Arab. Imagine if all actors were only allowed to play characters who shared their ethnic backgrounds. Imagine if a formidable Arab actor were refused the role of a Spaniard - despite mastery of a convincing accent, depth of character, etcetera - because he or she happened to be born of Arab parents. Wouldn't that be unfortunate?
ReplyDeleteOf course it's about the performance. I'd never like to think that the only roles a person is allowed to have is dependent on his/her ethnicity. If someone is talented and convincing they should be fully supported to conquer the world. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.
ReplyDeleteNaturally, people get excited to see actors of their own ethnicity represent them in Hollywood. I have nothing against Freida Pinto; she probably put in more work than an Arab would have put in for that role in order to nail it. Whether she's convincing in it or not really wasn’t my point or what my comment stemmed from. I just assumed people would be able to read between the lines.
My comment stemmed from me wishing more Arab actors are given a chance to represent their ethnicity in Hollywood productions. It stemmed from me wanting the world to know that not all Arabs have dark hair and dark skin. It stemmed from me wanting all the talented Arab actors to be given the opportunity to shine and be recognized for their hard work. It stemmed from me wanting to be proud to see more Arabs being accepted in our world where for many we're just troubled terrorists. Most of all it stemmed from me wanting to believe I can see myself up there one day, representing where I'm from.
Thank you for sharing your opinion, I wish more people would question my thoughts like that xx