Marvel is introducing an Asian superhero, to be played by Simu Liu, in an upcoming film, but there has been criticism over the casting of comedian and rapper Awkwafina in the supporting role.
Awkwafina was previously accused of the cultural appropriation of Black culture. Many critics on social media have taken issue with her adopting a "Blaccent," which is a form of speaking indicative of the stereotypical African American.
One Twitter user pointed out that Awkwafina "built her career using Blaccent," which she then "dropped" to "get into acting."
Another Twitter user accused her of "profiting off black speech and culture."
Much of the criticism was overshadowed by a positive response to Liu's casting as Shang-Chi in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."
Liu himself could not contain his excitement about the role. The Canadian actor is known for his appearance in "Kim’s Convenience" and publicly expressed his anger about the show's cancellation. However, his casting in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" was enough to lift his spirits.
"Whoever said that you could only RECEIVE presents on your birthday?" Liu wrote in a tweet that included the film's poster. "Today, I’m giving you your VERY FIRST LOOK at the teaser poster for @ShangChi and the Legend of the Ten Rings!! Coming to theatres September 3rd (trailer drops in a few weeks). WE’RE ALMOST THERE, PEOPLE!!!!"
The introduction of a lead Asian superhero comes at a time when anti-Asian hate crimes are on the rise in the U.S. Liu has spoken out against anti-Asian racism and last month wrote a column for Variety addressing the issue.
"I fear for my parents’ safety because of a virus, although perhaps not the one you’re thinking of. I’m talking about the hate crimes being committed against Asian people at an alarming rate over the past year," he wrote.
Liu noted that his parents would barely receive a second look because, "like so many immigrants, they are a part of an invisible minority that came to a new country and promptly proceeded to make themselves as small as possible."
They smiled and nodded at everyone, he continued, paid their taxes, and "never caused a ruckus and never wanted to be an inconvenience to anybody."
"And you? You looked straight through them as if they were not even there," he wrote, explaining how his parents would be greeted with "impatience, cold indifference and a total lack of compassion."
Liu went on to write about the death of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old Thai man who was violently shoved to the ground in San Francisco and later died in the hospital earlier this year. He questioned how many similar deaths were going to happen.
"When I see photos of these Asian elders who have been attacked, I see the embodiment of my own parents’ journey; their dreams and their struggles, their sorrow and their unwavering optimism," he wrote. "How many Vicha Ratanapakdees need to happen before you see anything at all?"
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Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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