You can’t sit on the sidelines while people are picking up their pitchforks and torches. At a recent book signing, an author took issue with my white skin and claimed I was “racist”.
The “leah jeffries” is an author of the Percy Jackson series. The book “You’re Racist!” was released in 2013.
Jackson, Percy “You’re Racist!” says the author.
Television
Round 2 has begun! After the praise and outrage for “blackwashing” main female character Annabeth Chase for the upcoming Disney+ exclusive live-action Percy Jackson program, Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan has spoken out. Let’s dissect his claim from his own website.
Starting with the one part of Rick’s statement that I agree with:
I completely agree. Leah Jeffries should be left alone. After all, she is just a youngster who has taken a job. It’s not her fault in the least. I agree with Rick that this is all his responsibility. He’s claimed that Annabeth has been white for over a decade, and now, “lols, joke’s on my fans, I’m going to induce lazy entertainment!”
It’s also worth noting that Rick does not respond to angry fans in a courteous manner. He had the gall to label everybody who disagreed with him as a racist. Take a look at what he had to say:
In other words, everyone who disagrees with Rick Riordan’s casting and wants Annabeth Chase to stay her canonical self is a “racist.” A classic Disney (and woke) move! He also encourages us to leave Leah out of it, but then brings her up again to use her as a shield and say she’s a fantastic actor, before telling us to appreciate her skill and worth. “Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase,” as the title of this statement suggests.
Leah has the potential to be a fantastic performer; I’d never heard of her or watched any of her work until this casting news. I’ve also yet to hear anybody question her acting abilities, because guess what? No one is! They are questioning her appearance since she does not resemble Annabeth from the literature. Is it possible that the books will be altered to make Percy blond and Annabeth black? I doubt the guy portraying Percy will dye his hair to match the character’s depiction in the novels. How do you persuade your audience that she is Annabeth when she has no physical resemblance to the character? The same may be said about Percy Jackson’s actor, although at least he can colour his hair. Annabeth was characterized as a normal blonde with grey eyes from California. Leah isn’t blonde, white, or has grey eyes!
Is Rick unaware of how racist he sounds when he adds, “She is a Black[sic] girl portraying someone who is depicted in the literature as white?” Leah was his choice. “This white lady is definitely racist, and it’s time to rectify that,” he thought, implying that her racial color was the only thing that counted. People complained that Alexandra Daddario in the 2010 picture didn’t even have blonde hair! Annabeth’s hair color was criticized so harshly in the second picture that it mysteriously transformed to blonde! Because Alexandra was white, no one was labeled a racist or other “ist” or “phobe.” However, since this actress is black, criticizing her is suddenly considered racist. It’s quite acceptable to want book accuracy. After all, why alter skin tone in the first place if it didn’t matter?
So, in response to Rick’s obnoxious comment, I have a few questions for him:
- What are the benefits of replacing a canonical white female with a black girl? Apart from seeming “beautiful and daring,” when it’s really lazy and unoriginal?
- Why wasn’t Annabeth black from the start, if casting a black girl was so important?
- As you stated:
Are you suggesting that the previous two films were “racist” because Annabeth was played by a white actress?
4. If you’re going to put this on your website, Rick:
Is it alright if you cast an Asian, Middle Eastern, or even white actress to play Piper McLean if Leah has all of Annabeth’s characteristics? Wouldn’t that be considered racist? Wouldn’t you be outraged if you hired a white actress to replace a black girl in your program, despite the fact that you’ve just done the same thing? Only personality traits; no physical features? Didn’t you say you’d make this exclusive Disney+ show as authentic as possible after the two prior films offended you? I don’t think it’s very authentic to go out of your way to cast a non-white actress.
Friends, if we are to achieve equality among all races and walks of life, treating races EQUALLY may be the best way ahead. What doesn’t work for one race (casting a white lady to portray a black role) shouldn’t work for others.
If you don’t agree with this, you’re a racist! Did I understand correctly? https://t.co/N1nydCJ8sH pic.twitter.com/XiuY55NOWp
May 11, 2022 — Ryan Kinel – RK Outpost (@KinelRyan)
Finally, Riordan reminds his detractors that they never got Percy Jackson’s theme.
Finally, if we fail to see this lazy racial switch as spectacular and daring, we have never comprehended Percy Jackson’s notion of “everyone can be a hero.” Rick feels compelled to inform us that, yes, even black people can be heroes. As if we didn’t already know! A complaint about honoring the legend has devolved into open bigotry and hate… Where did we hear that one from? Fans of the Lord of the Rings have joined the conversation.
“You’re Racist!” is a quote from the Percy Jackson author. The quote was used to describe racism in the book. Reference: percy jackson author.
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