The casting of a black actress as Hermione from Harry Potter

[Arima]

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I personally don't really like this idea, as I have always visualized a character as being white (due to massively popular film portrayals by Emma Watson) and it simply jars a bit to see Hermione recharacterized as black all of a sudden in a sequel.
Imo, you can't accuse people of racism simply because they don't like the recharacterization.

 

[Joshutsu]

Everyone has an image of what something is supposed to be and some will feel weird about change of course. But it's happening, and you can't please everyone. Some people are excited/open and some aren't. It's quite alright

 

[Punk Hazard]

Step back and ask yourself:

1. Historically, do white people have anything to lose from less representation in Western media

2. Historically, do black people have anything to gain from more representation in Western media.

Then you'll see why this isn't a problem.

 

[Umari Senju]

Okay...the issue shouldn't be about a black Hermoine but that they are making another Harry Potter.

 

[Arima]

Everyone has an image of what something is supposed to be and some will feel weird about change of course. But it's happening, and you can't please everyone. Some people are excited/open and some aren't. It's quite alright

Exactly. I'm sure there are some people who don't like it because they are racist, but there are also people who just don't like the change in character perception. But you cannot call all of them racist.

 

[patrickscott]

I hope I'm not being too naive about this but, if it's a fictional character being portrayed shouldn't the change of color be less relevant to those who simply enjoy the message the movie gives?

 

[Arima]

Step back and ask yourself:

1. Historically, do white people have anything to lose from less representation in Western media

2. Historically, do black people have anything to gain from more representation in Western media.

Then you'll see why this isn't a problem.

1. No
2. No

The problem is that you cannot call everyone who doesn't like the sudden change in the character (who was portrayed by white person for 15 years) racist.

 

[Gerkak]

Hmm, interesting.

White,black, it doesn't really matter to me. But I suppose change is good at times

 

[Arima]

Okay...the issue shouldn't be about a black Hermoine but that they are making another Harry Potter.

This is what they say about it.

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[JENchuuriki]

For me it's ok, I love Emma Watsons' portrayal to Hermione for the movie. And I don't see why it can't be played by any other actress, be it black or white or whatever, as long as she acts good. If anyone don't like seeing her, then don't watch. Easy breezy. Not an argument at all.

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[Chakra Wizard]

These double standards really make me sick. Everyone complains about the Major in Ghost in the Shell being whitewashed, but anyone who has a problem with Hermione suddenly being black is racist. And yes, it is sudden. Don't let anyone who says the books never mention her race fool you, Rowling absolutely envisioned a white girl when she wrote those stories.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

This is what they say about it.

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Its her franchise, you mad or na

 

[Arima]

Its her franchise, you mad or na

I'm not mad, but you on the other hand seem to be mad at me because of my opinion.

 

[ToshiZO]

Sorry that's just stupid. Won't be able to take that movie seriously.

I would have a problem with it the other way around, so don't get your panties in a bunch whoever decides to quote me on it.

 

[Pumpkin Ninja]

If the author approved it, what's the problem?

 

[Arima]

If the author approved it, what's the problem?

Author's approval does not mean everyone is going to be satisfied. The problem is that not all of the people who are not satisfied racist.

 

[DominiqueX]

Well, Emma Watson will always be associated with "Hermione Granger" in my head. But I don't have a problem with the new actress at all. Sure, it's different and lots of people have to grow accustomed to the new visualization, but that's it.
J.K. Rowling said Noma Dumezweni is the best choice for the role, then so be it. I support it.

 

[Made in Heaven]

I've never read HP, but I think Hermoine was always black, right?

 

[Angelic.]

She ugly

 

[PaperHERO]

Sorry that's just stupid. Won't be able to take that movie seriously.

I would have a problem with it the other way around, so don't get your panties in a bunch whoever decides to quote me on it.

Good news for you then, it's not going to be a movie. It's a stage play.