Cultural Appropriation is Never the Answer, Except When it is

Look. It’s really simple. Culture is a sacred thing. When a film hijacks the culture of a minority, it must not be tolerated. Let me explain with some examples.

Making a sequel to a live action remake of the Lion King, set in the African Sahara? Better make sure every voice actor is black. Filming a Disney Princess movie about Hawaiian people? Pacific Islanders are the only option. Making a film about any indigenous culture? Don’t even think about casting anyone who isn’t a Native American.

All of these films, and hundreds of others, depict a culture that is unique and integral to the world. To swap races in any of the cast members would be to spit in the face of an entire ethnicity. Such a crime would be nothing short of erasing the unique history of a culture. After all, we cannot portray history from the lens of modern American society. Authenticity demands that we remain loyal to the true history of whatever story is being told. That means being as strict about the cast as with everything else. Because if we at Hollywood are known for one thing, it’s perfect historical accuracy. From the costumes to the sets to the skin color of the characters, we are always—

Wait.

Hold on.

This is a Medieval movie? Like… Anglo European?

So, it’s about white people?

Huh.

Here’s the thing.

I know in Medieval Europe, people of color were few and far between and concentrated mostly at trading ports. But I really want to cast an African American in the role of the hero’s wise and funny mentor. In fact, the hero should probably have an Asian sidekick too. And we should definitely have a lesbian warrior somewhere in the movie. And the king should be… oh, I don’t know. Just put “P.O.C.” on the cast list for now. And the villain? Well, he can be white. I’d even prefer it that way.

In fact, I think the racial dynamics of this movie should match that of 21st Century America exactly. It’s only fair.

I mean, it’s not like white people have culture, right?

They do?

Seriously?

Like, they make art? They create mythologies? Write classic novels? Build civilizations?

I had no idea!

I thought they just… I don’t know. Sat around.

Anyway, I still think this Medieval Europe adventure movie needs diversity. I think everyone who goes to see it needs to be able to see themselves in this film. More specifically, I think everyone deserves to see someone who has the same skin tone as them. To feel represented. Casting everyone as white would just be a slap in the face to other cultures, ethnicities, and histories. Diversity is as crucial to a story as the script, the directing, and the intimacy coordinators. Without wide racial inclusion, how will people relate to the film? Do you expect them to recognize themes that transcend race, era, culture, and ethnicity? Are you telling me there actually are themes that transcend race, era, culture, and ethnicity?

That seems like a stretch.

I’m pretty sure stories can only speak to an audience when the racial breakdown of the characters follows the rules.

Yeah. That sounds right.

So, let’s review. Repeat after me:

Race swapping characters is never okay, because doing so erases cultural history, unless the race being swapped is white, in which case, diversity is essential so that all races can relate to the story being told.

See what I mean?

Simple.