White washing in Hollywood

Rating: 7/10 (21 August 2006)

Some of you may already know about the controversy in regards to the true identity of one of the heroes portrayed in the Oliver Stone's film World Trade Center (2006) The portrayal Mr. Thomas as a white individual was a disservice. I truly believe that Paramount had to have been aware that he is African American. I consider this to be another example of Hollywood white washing! At the very least, the men he rescued knew he was black, the other marine knew that he was black. Plus I am pretty certain that that information was relayed to the movie makers. For this reason I am boycotting the film. Even if they could not reach Mr. Thomas while making the movie, I strongly believe that they were certain of one fact; Mr. Thomas is a Black man. Now before some of you send a little heat my way I will say this I come from a mixed home, my intention has nothing to do with playing any kind of "race card" I just feel that a film claiming to be "accurate" in detail should be held accountable. This isn't a case where they casted people to play the part regardless of race. They intentionally set out to hire a white actor. Unfortunately, America's views of what a hero should look like has never been what I would consider racially unbiased. Would you or wouldn't you agree that there are many qualified black actors that would probably have been elated to have had that part? Just look at the "Production Notes" for this film, quite a lot of detail is given to things like the accurate colors of things and shadows and the like. So how could Mr. Thomas's ethnicity simply have been overlooked? It would only make common sense that attention to the color of a man's skin would be accurate too? The fact Paramount and Producer Michael Shamberg did wrong is history, it's in the past. What can be done now to redeem it? To "remake" the movie at this time is not practical and they likely won't do that. What they CAN DO is add Mr. Jason Thomas' name AND PICTURE to the credits. And assure that any future remakes of the film will have a black actor for accurate portrayal. I urge some of you who feel as passionate about the situation as I do to find an address and or email, contact these people and tell them to set things straight!!! I, a Native New Yorker, watched as my friends fell apart after losing loved ones during 9/11. I felt the loss through them but could do nothing to cure their pain. I understand that this movie is an emotional one. I am in no way trying to dishonor what so many have suffered through. America should remember what happened on that day- I only wish that this story had been told accurately.

Nisa