Actor Tweets Petition Link Against Akira “Whitewashing”

Japanese-American actor “George Takei” (Star Trek TV series 1966-1969, Heroes TV series 2007-2010) “Tweeted” a link to a online “Facebook event” (created by “Racebending.com”) to petition against a shortlist of actors reportedly up for the lead roles of “Tetsuo” and “Kaneda” in the live-action film of “Katsuhiro Otomo’s” manga “Akira”. The list of all white actors includes “Justin Timberlake”, “Robert Pattinson”, “Joaquin Phoenix”, “Chris Pine”, and others. Over 11,500 people have signed the “Facebook event” started by “Racebending.com”.

“Racebending.com” was formed in 2009 to support entertainment equality advocating for underrepresented groups in entertainment media. On March 29th 2011 “Racebending.com” sent a letter(letter link) to “Warner Bros. Pictures Group” President “Jeff Robinov” regarding the concerns over the list of all white actor shortlist. The letter was signed with support from the following Asian American community organizations:

-Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (a coalition that includes organizations like the Japanese American Citizens League and East West Players)
-Asian American Justice Center
-Media Action Network for Asian Americans
-National Korean American Service & Education Consortium
-Organization for Chinese Americans – Greater Los Angeles
-Taiwanese American Citizens League.
In addition, the following organizations recently voiced their support of their letter:
-Korean Resource Center in Los Angeles
-Korean American Resource & Cultural Center in Chicago

For those wishing to support the cause here is the “Facebook” link. petition link