Transformers 2: Racist?

Shivalia - Lost City

Almost everyone who's seen the movie knows about the controversy with the characters Mudflap and Skids. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3o88DOj94I

Keep in mind I don't want this to be even close to a flame thread or anything offensive, so please keep it mature. Thank you in advance.

Many people have the impression that these characters are stereotypical of African Americans.

I want to know what other people think. Honestly, when I saw it, it didn't even occur to me to think of any specific race/ethnicity/cultural background or ANYTHING regarding these two characters. If nothing else, a mix of things. I've heard a couple suggestions that they remind people of hillbillies. Which I somewhat agree with if I was going to conclude on any of it myself. In fact I just read a post from an intelligent person on an article about the topic saying they aren't representing 'blacks', but representing the cultural ways of the 'ghetto'. Terms used lightly, of course. A very wise thought, I believe.

I want to see what everyone else seem to think. I'm curious, if its so obvious to everyone else that they are racist sterotypes against African Americans, why I didn't see that one little bit. What's the speculation? Do you think they're stereotypes? Do you think they're just funny characters? Do you think they are a bad choice on the part of the director? And for those who do believe its racist or offensive, why is that? b:question
If you don't believe it is, also tell us why.

Discuss b:victory

MagicHamsta - Lost City

Shivalia - Lost City wrote: »

Many people have the impression that these characters are stereotypical of African Americans.

Yes......The stereotypical African American be some type of cybernetic organism which be like 12 feet tall, made of metal, and has the ability to scan and transform into inanimate objects (Typically some type of vehicle).

o.o'
That be really how many people view African Americans?
b:chuckle

Shivalia - Lost City

MagicHamsta - Lost City wrote: »

Yes......The stereotypical African American be some type of cybernetic organism which be like 12 feet tall, made of metal, and has the ability to scan and transform into inanimate objects (Typically some type of vehicle).

o.o'
That be really how many people view African Americans?
b:chuckle

These forums would be lost without you, Hammy. b:pleased

Btw, glad to see you know your stuff. Maybe its because you're not human. Its easier for you to understand other non-humans. b:laugh

Lairian - Sanctuary

I didn't see African American stereotypes when looking at those two. I saw hillybilly robots. I don't know where people are getting Blacks and Ghettos from, but hey, people will see what they want to see.

Shivalia - Lost City

Lairian - Sanctuary wrote: »

I didn't see African American stereotypes when looking at those two. I saw hillybilly robots. I don't know where people are getting Blacks and Ghettos from, but hey, people will see what they want to see.

I didn't know what I saw when I watched it, personally. I was trying to figure it out the entire time and couldn't come up with an explanation. But doing some research into it and paying attention to the characters closely, I definitely see Mudflap as hillbilly, and if anything, Skids as 'ghetto'. I can't see how people are seeing African Americans in that, unless they think that A-A's are hillbillies and over eccentric 'gangsters'.b:chuckle It seems like the only people taking offense to them are racist Caucasians. b:shutup If they weren't stereotyping the twins' personalities as being that of African Americans, there wouldn't be a problem. b:chuckle I think all those people taking offense to it are the ones to blame for racism sticking around. The only ones who are innocent are the ones who are ignorant of stereotypes.

Lesthar - Heavens Tear

I don't get why Hollywood likes to make such stereotypes persist. And they try to make it look fun. *Shrugs*

Kyna - Lost City

Quite honestly, everything is all in how you view it. I doubt many people would have screamed racism if SOMEONE didn't make an effort to point it out. Quite honestly when I was watching the movie, it was quite obvious to me that they were put there to provide comic relief and any color person could act that way, it all depends on what you were brought up around. A lot of people in a 'ghetto' region would talk like that... regardless of race. -_-; I drive through those places and no matter what color, they're almost all the same.

Can people not just freakin' enjoy a movie anymore without searching for a reason to make it racist?

aryannamage

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