if you think that you're strong enough

Something I've been meaning to post about for awhile now: the Avatar: The Last Airbender movie casting. I know I mentioned it awhile back, when I first heard the news, but I think it could use some elaboration.

If you've never watched Avatar, I highly recommend it. It's not only one of the best cartoons I've ever seen: it's some of the best television I've watched, period. It has a large cast of well-developed characters; notably, a sizeable number of kickass female characters, who are "kickass" in more ways than just "they are hot and punch people." (I mean, female characters with character.) It has a gripping plot, completely fantastic worldbuilding, it's both hilarious and serious, doesn't talk down to the kids who are its intended audience, and is certainly complex enough to hold adult interest. (It also has several adorable canon het couples, and plenty of slash and femslash potential.) Oh yeah, and it's a fantasy world more or less entirely based on Asian cultures (the way so many of the high fantasy worlds I grew up were based on England/western Europe).

Frankly, this is the kind of show, the kind of storytelling, that we desperately need more of.

So of course, for the live-action Hollywood adaptation, white kids have been cast to play the heroes. All of them. (One of those kids has been heard to comment that he'll "need to get a tan.") More recently, they've cast actors of color in all the major villain roles.

I can't say my expectations for a Hollywood version of this brilliant show were ever exactly high, but this is truly abominable. It's so blatant, I . . . honestly, it's hard to find words. It inspires a visceral, sick-to-my-stomach kind of anger.

For much more thorough information and actual, you know, eloquence, check out this website. The site was established by fans who have been working their asses off to raise awareness and bring their concerns right to the studio, and it has all kinds of resources and suggestions about how to help. Speaking of which!

Even if you're not an Avatar fan, I hope you'll consider signing this petition in protest of the whitewashing. This isn't an issue of fannish entitlement, this is racism in action; and while I don't usually put much stock in online petitions, I doubt it can hurt. (Particularly since it's meant to be delivered physically; these people are dedicated, they'll get it done.) It's so easy to do, too.

and I want this night

I have some reservations about the Decemberists' new album, but for the life of me, I have not been able to get "The Wanting Comes In Waves" out of my head since Saturday night.

So I'm thinking that I'd like to participate in Sweet Charity (not before time, as this is apparently my last chance). I've never signed up before because I'm kind of uncomfortable with the idea of doing commissions in general; I don't see myself as having the chops to do illustration I haven't specifically chosen myself. (Particularly since drawing romantic/sexy art can be really hit-or-miss for me, much as I wish otherwise.)

But, I had a brainwave! I could offer to make a short comic out of someone's drabble (or just a description, or even a script). That's more in my line, and something I've wanted to try again since doing that Eroica comic based on mosellegreen's ficlet. I'm thinking I'll limit it to My Chemical Romance (with optional Pete Wentz, Lyn-Z or Alicia, if my bidder wishes), since that's the fandom/band I feel most confident about right now.

I'm kind of stuck on what to put down for a minimum bid, though! I see a lot of people putting $1-$3, which seems low for the amount of time and effort I know I'd need to put in. Then again, I've never tried to put a price tag on my art, and this is for charity. (I'm kind of worried that this is too specialized or random an offer, anyway. :/ And I'm nervous about being able to live up to the expectations of a generous person who is actually willing to pay for my work!) Guess I'll sleep on it, as sign-ups are still going for a few more days.

Time to go ink to an episode of "Being Human;" I've watched two episodes so far and I love it. :D