Newsweek picks the top 10 captain candidates

[Spider]

Yeah, you gotta keep an eye out for those white people. They're friggin' everywhere.

 

[Shalashaska]

There are always people who argue that shows or movies shouldn't worry about casting characters of a specific race and instead should just cast "the best actor for the role." It's interesting how often "the best actor for the role" turns out to be white.

These shows usually tend to be American.

Only 13% of the American population is Black and only 5% is Asian.

Meanwhile, 72% of the population is White. Sorry to say, but there are gonna be a lot more White people up for a role than Blacks or Asians, which means they're going to be cast more often than not, unless the producers are purposefully looking for a minority to cast in the lead role.

 

[AviTrek]

These shows usually tend to be American.

Only 13% of the American population is Black and only 5% is Asian.

Meanwhile, 72% of the population is White. Sorry to say, but there are gonna be a lot more White people up for a role than Blacks or Asians, which means they're going to be cast more often than not, unless the producers are purposefully looking for a minority to cast in the lead role.

Since people tend to think of hispanics as a separate category, the US numbers are actually:
64% Non-Hispanic White
12% Non-Hispanic Black
5% Non-Hispanic Asian
16% Hispanic
3% Mixed/Other

While that's still a majority non-hispanic white, it's not as extreme as TV would lead you to believe.

 

[Oso Blanco]

I'm talking about the actors, not characters.

Too bad they couldn't get a real Vulcan or Denobulan to play the roles!

Maybe it's just me, but I find it deeply disturbing when people are being reduced to their race or skin color. Seems kind of racist to me.

 

[Tim Walker]

I would like to see different mentalities and neurological types portrayed in a positive way... i.e. things that are currently pathologized, such as autism spectrum conditions.

There is a slowly growing concept of neurodiversity in recent years, but it still does not have the mainstream acceptance or even the publicity of other forms of diversity. And it seems that most times when somebody of this kind of minority is portrayed in popular media, the basic idea is that there is something "wrong" with the character and not just "different."

Kor

The Bynars (TNG) could be considered an example of neuro-diversity.

Could a science fictional version of neuro-diversity serve as a metaphor? About the value, and acceptance, of someone who is different?

 

[Takeru]

Maybe it's just me, but I find it deeply disturbing when people are being reduced to their race or skin color. Seems kind of racist to me.

Noticing someone's skin color is not reducing them to it, it's not racist just like pointing out how many cast members were women is not sexist.

And I think that's important especially for a franchise like Star Trek, many fans think of Star Trek as incredibly diverse, progressive and inclusive when it never was particularly great about that.

 

[Oso Blanco]

Noticing someone's skin color is not reducing them to it, it's not racist just like pointing out how many cast members were women is not sexist.

I still think it's racist/sexist, because it shouldn't matter at all! Black or white, male or female ... what's the difference? I wouldn't care one way or the other, as long as it's a strong character and the storytelling is good.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

I still think it's racist/sexist, because it shouldn't matter at all! Black or white, male or female ... what's the difference? I wouldn't care one way or the other, as long as it's a strong character and the storytelling is good.

It shouldn't matter but unfortunately it still does.

 

[Shalashaska]

Am I a racist sexist for calling myself a white male?

Oh God, I'm a horrible person.

 

[Spider]

It shouldn't matter but unfortunately it still does.

The word "unfortunately" is key here. If we haven't gotten past our racial prejudices by now, what makes anyone think we will 200 years from now? Why do people still believe in fairy tales? There is homo sapiens and no more classifications underneath. We are all the same. When people get this through their thick skulls we won't be having this conversation any more.

Human "races" are political and geographical, not taxonomical.

 

[TwoJakes]

Only 13% of the American population is Black and only 5% is Asian.

The general population could be 99% "other then White" and the cast could still be cast with entirely White performers. The screen actors guild has over a hundred thousand members, not casting actors from any race or sex is never a matter of " we couldn't find anyone."

 

[Shalashaska]

The general population could be 99% "other then White" and the cast could still be cast with entirely White performers. The screen actors guild has over a hundred thousand members, not casting actors from any race or sex is never a matter of " we couldn't find anyone."

There's definitely more White actors cast in lead roles compared to Blacks or Asians than there should be, but I think some over-exaggerate a little.

There's people who are set to blow a gasket if anyone with a tint of White is cast in the lead. Those people are just as cancerous as these Hollywood producers who are guilty of Whitewashing.

 

[cultcross]

I still think it's racist/sexist, because it shouldn't matter at all! Black or white, male or female ... what's the difference? I wouldn't care one way or the other, as long as it's a strong character and the storytelling is good.

Because ignoring the issue proliferates it. You only get to ignore race if you're white, and ignore gender if you're male. Because if you're anything else, society won't let you ignore it. It's part of the privilege of being in a dominant group, the ability to hand wave away prejudice with well-intentioned statements about us all being the same deep down. We are, that's true, but that's not people's lived experience.
The only way to deal with these issues is not to be afraid to confront them. To point out the token woman in a superhero team, and her boob-armour costume, or note how few ethnic minority actors win Oscars.

 

[Kahless the Unforgettable]

Because ignoring the issue proliferates it. You only get to ignore race if you're white, and ignore gender if you're male. Because if you're anything else, society won't let you ignore it.

Excuse me a moment while I go over to this corner and vomit.

I'm sorry, but that mentality is so ridiculously stupid. I'm also sorry, but when you go around showing favortism to any race or any gender, you're being a racist or sexist. The whole point is to ignore race and gender and treat everyone like a human being. But that's impossible when people like you keep throwing around ignorant rhetoric like this. "It's okay to be racist and sexist as long as you're being racist and sexist to white males!" Do you even hear yourself? Seriously?

And yes, in reference to this thread, when people say completely racist (and/or sexist) things like "the captain should be black, Asian, or anything BUT a white guy!" you are, in fact, being quite racist (and/or sexist). It has nothing to do with a person's acting ability, on-screen charisma, or ability to successfully portray a captain. It is only about race (and/or gender).

There's no ambiguity about it at all.

Now if you were saying you think someone like Idris Elba or Maggie Q would make a good captain, and cited reasons for it that, you know, didn't mention their race or gender whatsoever, you'd have a point. But that's not what's going on. And it's embarrassing for you. Doubly so since you think you're actually taking the high road while doing so.

 

[cultcross]

Excuse me a moment while I go over to this corner and vomit.

So excused.

Your mind seems pretty made up. Ignoring race will solve racism. Noting it and promoting measures to counter it is reverse racism.
If there's any room for another opinion though, this article makes some of the points.

Plus there's always this old cartoon, but I imagine you've seen that one before.

 

[Shalashaska]

Because ignoring the issue proliferates it. You only get to ignore race if you're white, and ignore gender if you're male.

Are you trolling?

What?

 

[Kahless the Unforgettable]

Your mind seems pretty made up.

As opposed to yours, huh? Is that supposed to be some deep-cutting accusation or something? Because it's not. And yes, my mind is made up: I don't let a person's race or gender influence any decisions I make whatsoever. Apparently you do. But, somehow, that makes me the racist/sexist pig while you're the enlightened bringer of truth... or whatever it is you see yourself as. Despite, you know, actually being a racist sexist.

Ignoring race will solve racism.

Yes. It will. In fact, that's pretty much the only way it's going to happen, as racism, at it's core, is allowing the color of someone's skin to influence your decisions. Usually with negative connotations. You know, just like what you're doing.

...it is reverse racism.

There's no such thing. You're either racist or you're not.

Actually I take it back, there is such a thing. But it exists solely as a rationalization for people like you so you can feel good about yourself as you make your racist comments. "I'm not racist, but I think white males are scum and should be replaced by awesome people of color instead! But totes not a racist, teeehee!"

 

[cultcross]

I think we'll leave this side topic there, as we are straying into TNZ territory. Back to Star Trek Captains.

 

[Guy Gardener]

My personal order of preference.

Allison Tolman

Corey Stoll

Lennie James

Maggie Q

Olivia Colman

David Tennant

Christine Baranski

Angela Bassett

Jon Hamm

Patrick Wilson

 

[cultcross]

David Tennant would be an interesting choice, certainly casting against type for your typical Starfleet captain, but maybe it's time for a quirkier less straight laced captain.