The Hunger Games Racists Who Can't Read

SPOILER ALERT:  APPARENTLY THERE ARE A FEW PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO HAVEN'T READ THESE BOOKS AND ARE PLANNING TO SEE THE MOVIE.  I TELL YOU IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE BOOK AND/OR MOVIE, SO READ WITH CAUTION.  JEN


Wow.  I just have to start this post off with that word:  Wow.

I knew there were racist people out there, but I always imagined they were lurking in the background and they covered up their racism with words like "hoodies" and "fumbling at his waistband."  I'm always amazed when racists just come right out and say what's on their minds.  Like these assholes did on Twitter.


Supposedly these dummies read "The Hunger Games," but somehow they missed it that one of the central characters was described as having "dark brown" skin.  Anyone who read the book and actually paid attention imagined Rue as a small, black girl.  Nope, not these idiots.  So when they sat down to watch the movie this weekend and saw that a black actress had been cast to play Rue, these people were shocked and outraged that their beloved tale of youth killing one another in cold blood on live television was sullied.  One guy even tweeted he wasn't as sad when Rue died because she was black and another person called her the "N" word.  Wow.



I don't what I'm more horrified by though.  The fact that they tweeted this racist bullshit or the fact that these fuckups can't comprehend what they read!

Yeah, it's the racism that bothers me the most.

I'm stunned.  WTF, people?  How in the world can the casting of a little black girl cause such an uproar?  This is 2012!  We have a mixed race President in the White House!  We should not be subjected to ignorant and racist tweets from a bunch of dumb white girls and a few stupid whitish (I can't tell from the pics) guys in this day and age.  There should not have to be op-ed pieces warning young black men to keep their hoods down (even in the rain), keep their hands out of their pockets and their eyes on the ground and say, "Yes sir." when confronted by a gun-toting vigilante or a rogue police officer.

This should not be happening, because our country should be better than this.

I would like to think that I live in a country that is color blind, but apparently I'm the idiot.  I'm the one teaching my kids that race doesn't matter.  I'm the one telling my mixed race children that they have just as many opportunities in their lives as their white classmates.  And then I read ignorant shit like these tweets and I realize I'm living in a dream world and I can't protect my kids from everything and everyone who will judge them because of their skin tone and their race.

I can only teach them what I believe.  I believe that they're unique and special and wonderful just the way they are.  Yes, their skin is darker than mine, but their skin is beautiful and amazing.  Their eyes are not as round as mine, but their eyes are intelligent and deep and gorgeous.  They are worthy and intelligent.  They are strong and unafraid.

I will do my best to protect them from people who will judge them and put them down because of their race.  Eventually it will happen and when it does I will be there to pick them up and tell them again how perfect they are.  To explain to them that it doesn't matter what a few people (who don't even know them) think of them.  What matters is what they think of themselves.  What matters is how they're going to take that experience and use it to grow.  What matters is that they can rise above bigotry and hate and accomplish anything they want.

If you haven't done so already, check out what I've been writing for Babble.com.


Photos:  Jezebel.com

168 comments:

Brett Minor said...

We haven't come as far as we would like to think. People just hide it better now.

Anonymous said...

This hurts my heart. I was definitely raised to be color blind, and I hope to raise my son the same way.

But I ALSO will raise him to not say stupid shit on twitter, FB, etc. People need to get their thoughts in check, and know that not EVERYTHING that runs around their pathetic little brain should be broadcast to the world.

If you're going to read a book, READ it, and comprehend what the author is saying. DON'T just latch on to the piddly romance parts, and go all "team" this, and "team" that.

The ignorance of today's youth...

Anonymous said...

I grew up in a horribly racist household. I refuse to continue that trend. I've done my best to teach my children that NOBODY is better than ANYBODY, regardless of their skin color. Your CHARACTER is what makes you who you are, not the color of your skin. The crap I've seen about the casting in The Hunger Games is infuriating. These people need to GTFO.

Anonymous said...

Love this! My husband is Korean and I'm white. My oldest came home from school when he was in kindergarten crying because someone was calling him Asian. I explained to him that he is because his dad and grandma are Korean and he said, "but mommy, I'm just Andrew". It broke my heart. I too try to teach my kiddos that it doesn't matter what color people are, but how they act, but reality hit me hard that day!
Samie

Kiky said...

Sick and sad here in Purgatory (Maryland). The redneck, trashy people here constantly leave me saying WOW. I am amazed by the ignorant comments of those around me and especially those on open forums on Facebook. Twitter and online news articles. I have pretty much lost all faith in humanity. My New Years Resolution was to somehow restore that faith...it's not looking very good so far.

zeebling said...

Ignorance breeds ignorance. Their parents are probably out there supporting Santorum and the plethora of white male idiots who think it's totally cool to stick a wand in my vagina. Douche canoes. That's what they are.

Christi Hoehn said...

We *thought* we'd come further but the internet confirms we haven't. Ignorance runs rampant despite opportunity to know more. #theyliketheirignorantworld

Anonymous said...

Sad that it still exists. I just watched the movie too and what made it even sadder then the book when Rue died was that the actress played the part so well. It wasn't important to me what color she was. The quality of people is what should matter. Never the color. Good for you for teaching your kids what EVERY kid should be taught.

Mary W. said...

A few imbeciles with Twitter accounts are not really an "uproar," given the MILLIONS that saw the movie. The U.S. IS less racist and segregated than say, 20 years ago, but no where near ideal. Yet.

Amy said...

It's almost impossible for me to comprehend that there are still people who are like this in today's world. I have absolutely no understanding of this mindset and no tolerance for it, either.
http://amysreallife.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

I have always said that mixed race children/people are the most beautiful because God gives them the most attractive features of the races in order to showcase his work

Kim Flaherty said...

Those tweets are ridiculous! I will admit that I didn't picture Rue as African American. I did picture her dark skinned as the book said but I pictured her as tanned from being in the sun all day. That said, the actress cast as Rue was adorable, and did a fantastic job. There was no disappointment in the casting of her. Some people are just so closed minded, and hateful, it makes me worried for the future.

Cinna was exactly how I pictured him! He is definitely one of my favorite characters!

Rosie said...

Bravo Jen (and Jezebel). It's so sad to read these comments. I saw the movie last night and Rue's death was the only part where I cried.
Amandla is so freaking cute. She was perfect in that role. And Thresh too (since we're on the subject). And if anyone was born to play Cinna it was freaking Lenny Kravitz. He rocked that role!!

I'm Latina and my ex-husband is white, so our daughter is mixed race. She is the most loving little girl and it breaks my heart to think of someone making a comment about her color, or her race and making her doubt her worth. So I'm doing the same thing you are doing- teaching her to be loving, kind, open and proud of who she is regardless of (or in spite) of race.

As of today, I'm winning the battle against racism.

I wonder if the parents of those broken souls on Twitter have any idea of what they're writing and worse yet, if they approve.

Sad times!

The Bridwells said...

Your last two paragraphs say it all. Unfortunately, we are all judged by one another, as is evidenced in some of the comments on your blog - people stereotype and judge no matter the race or geography. The fact that these idiots put it out there for the world to see with no shame is scary indeed! Hopefully more people will try and teach their kids the way you do, and eventually that will become the majority.

Heidi said...

This whole thing with The Hunger Games and Tryvon is really really really pissing me off. What the hell is wrong with people?! I work with Jr Highers and I cant believe how easily they drop the N word thinking its cool. Absolutely gross.

Gina Holt said...

We were recenlty discussing being color blind b/c we live in a community that is not very diverse. My white friend has a black daughter and she worries about sending her to a mostly white school. I asked my 7th grader "how many black kids are in your grade?" She answers two. Then she says "Oh wait, three. No maybe five." It took her a lont time to come up with the number because she doesn't even see their color.... I'm very proud of this. Can't believe these idiots are talking about the casting in the movie like that. Gina www.raising2tweens.wordpress.com

New in NePA said...

Okay... see "dark brown" skin means something different to me... I married an American Indian, so dark brown doesn't mean black, but I get your point... The reason that the racism in this country has notched up a whole lot in the very recent past is mainly due to the economy, and um... shall we say, political inclinations of our "mixed-race" President, and the increasing difficulty for people of non-minority races and lack of history of public assistance to get even an entry level job... And then there's the media that perpetuates the stereotypes that help to increase the divide...

What I've learned today said...

There are so many things that we feel powerless to change and this is clearly one of them. Stay the path Jen, your children will be fine because they have you. If they experience racism they will learn from it, and because they have not learned that ugly behavior at home it will be something they will walk away from and know it is wrong. In my life there are alot of things that seem unfair and I just know that the universe has a way of shaking things out in the end. Keep writing and using your voice for good not evil as those ignorant children are. You do a great job bringing joy and entertainment to my world!

The Bold Abode said...

Wow. Yes. It is, unfortunately, alive. The KKK came and demonstrated in our little GA town..during a town festival. It was absolutely mind-boggling. We had some thoughtful and honest conversations with our children that week.

Robbie said...

Your post just made me love you more!

Staziaface said...

THANK YOU!!!! I was SOOO appalled by this when I saw it.

1. I couldnt believe that they really "read" the books and missed huge concepts....(perhaps they just skipped over the dark brown skin because they're racist a-holes)

2. WHY would you complain about something like THAT, thats ACCURATE and not complain about something huge, like say how Katniss got the pin, or heck...that she KNEW it was a mocking jay! Rue was suppose to tell her that! Or that Haymitch didnt even fall off the stage drunk!...had they absorbed any thing they read perhaps they wouldnt sound like such idiots...

3. And what probably is the MOST disturbing to me is that these people are YOUNG! I thought that we were past that stuff...I thought that people my age and younger would be proudly color blind. Or at least tolerant? Not terrible racists who say that a little black girls (made up) death is less sad than a white girls. What will our society be like when this younger, newly racist/sexist/doesnt care about anything generation grows up??

As part of the "younger crowd" (I'm 21) I'm ashamed to be in the same age range as these people. Disgusting.

Stephanie said...

Thank you for posting this, I feel the same way! I am black, and when I get married (in 16 days!!!), my family photos will look like an ad for the United Colors of Benneton....or better yet, the United Nations. My older sister married a Puerto Rican/Italian/German guy with blonde hair and hazel eyes and their 4 children are heart-breakingly beautiful. My husband to be is half Jamaican/half Welsh, and his sister-in-law is full Irish. Our families couldn't be happier to have all of the diversity and we make sure to show the kids how we appreciate the differences. Nothing made me more proud than to hear my 4 year old niece say that she has a pretty rainbow family. It sickens and disgusts me to know that there are still such closed-minded people in the world, and passing it along to their children and friends. WAKE UP PEOPLE!! We are so ass backwards in this country when it comes to race relations - it's one of the reasons other countries look at us and laugh. We claim to be the forward thinking know-it-alls when really, we still have a long, LONG way to go.

Unknown said...

OMG!!!!! I'm speechless. And I'm NEVER at a loss for words.

Crystal said...

Wow! Is right. I haven't read the books yet, but my son read them at 11 yrs. and he and Hubs say the movie this weekend. I just asked him, "Did you know the little girl had black skin?" He made a strange face ( like I was stupid) and said, "Yeah, I read the books, didn't I?" then I asked if it mattered to him. With full Jr. High attitude said " your being weird, why would it matter?" I hugged him and said he was a good boy. Sometimes ( most of the time) I don't parent "correctly" today I'm glad! My kids know who to read and are color blind. Also, Jen, your discribtion of your kids was so beautiful! I brought tears to my eyes. With you pour into them they will be good no matter what the world throws at them.

The Bridwells said...

My son-in-law is Latino/German so he is whiter than my fair-skinned daughter LOL. However, with a Hispanic last name, and two beautiful babies with dark curly hair and dark brown eyes, she gets lots of looks and stupid comments. People are people - skin color is irrelevant to our humanity. I wish more people would get that. But I've been told that's easy to say from my blue-eyed, blonde-haired perspective, and it probably is true. I can only speak to how I feel about it - as you do, I want those babies to know they are special and perfect, no matter what! And those kids on Twitter - their parents either (1) have NO idea and would be horrified, or (2) have taught them to think that way. It could be either!

Dani said...

I, like you, were shocked that people were shocked that Rue was cast by an AA girl. that was how I pictured her b/c I READ THE BOOK.
If you want to keep score - a lot more kids with blonde hair and blue eyes were killed in that movie than AA kids. But it shouldn't matter anyhow!
I am Caucasian but my children are not. So I too am shocked and disgusted that the world is not advancing with race as much as I would hope. I truly hope I am wrong though.
Thanks for this post!

Anonymous said...

This is beyond sad! My nephew is mixed and one day he was playing outside and happened to step in the neighbor's yard. The neighbor yelled out his window to a 6 year old boy, "Get out of my yard you little nigglet!" My nephew had no idea what it meant and I found myself in tears in the other room wondering how my mom could find the strength to have a discussion with a poor innocent and beautiful child on what it meant. All of this racism breaks my heart and infuriates me!

Derpina Derp said...

I still can't believe anyone even noticed! Besides the fact that we should be past this garbage, both Lenny Kravitz and Amandla Stenberg gave such stunning performances that I can't believe anyone would even notice their skin color didn't match book descriptions. Which, BTW, if they had any reading comprehension, they'd know that Rue is clearly darker skinned and Cinna's race wasn't even mentioned. Stupid people.

Submommy said...

People suck. Racist people suck MORE. My best friend is Chinese-white, and people are just flat-out stupid around her sometimes. It's infuriating.

Guess what, kids? PEOPLE COME IN DIFFERENT COLORS. Get over it.

Anonymous said...

But, mommy, Im just Andrew......what a beautiful statement.

Amanda @ Life, Experience Needed said...

Wow, it's sad to think there are people in this world who can't get past the colour of someone's skin.

imbogus1 said...

Total Linsanic Hoodmania

Loretta said...

I also find the world we liv in very sad! I am white. I teach my kids everyone looks different. When my daughter was 4 she asked me why a little girl in her class had brown skin. So I p ut my arm to hers and said... why isn't our skin the same exact color? Because we are all different. It's okay to be different. Then i listen to our local radio station talking about the race issue and african american parents saying you must tell your kids about slavery and how they were treated in the 60's. Yeah I teach my kids that BUT I teach my kids that back then people were stupid! And I ask my kids if the skin is different does that mean your blood is different. Yes it is a part of our history but it is something we have to move forward from. I thought we as a society had moved forward but sadly we haven't. I WILL teach my kids to love everyone for the person they are not the color of the skin and just hope and pray others will do the same!

Anonymous said...

While agree with your sentiment against racism, I would suggest that color blindness is not the solution. Color blindness suggests that we pretend everyone is white. Rather than that, might we color embrace? Each skin color represents a different culture or subculture, norms, mores, at least a slight difference. Pretending those differences do not exist is also a form of dishonoring. Just a thought.

Ei said...

Same here. There are many shades of dark, and, I also imagined Rue as dark from being outdoors. Doesn't make one lick of difference to me that what I had in my head was different than what was on the screen, though. The actress was perfect, and better than what I imagined. I also imagined Gayle as being way hotter than the actor they cast is. Maybe I should go cause an online uproar about it...

Unknown said...

Just a few thoughts first of all thank you for posting this! Secondly a few thoughts . . . what bothers me most are people who justify racists comments by believing those comments are not racist . . . even saying that persons who call out NEGATIVE COMMENTS for what they are racist are idiots . . . um really. if it smells like sh ... looks like sh.. then guess what IT IS SH..!! and if sh.. And just like you, I believe that if that spews out of ones mouth then call it for what it is RACIST! I am not really one to complain; however, idiocy is something I do not tolerate well. I need a sign near me that says, "warning stupid people will be stabbed!" LOL

Anonymous said...

You committed assumicide when you thought they read the book.

Anonymous said...

I recall, 18Years ago when my then 3 Year old was upset because he wanted "chocolate colored skin" like his friend. He was so upset, because he wanted colors on his skin too. His 5Year old brother explained to him "dont worry Dee, just because his skin is nicer than yours doesnt make him better, God gives us all something to make us special". At the time i remember thinking...your generation is sooooo much smarter than mine. Years later... that now 21Year old man is covered in tattoos.

Jenderella said...

*Applause* Jen, I couldn't agree more. I grew up the same way your kids have - not paying attention to race. In fact I was around 5 years old before I noticed that my babysitter was "that color all over". I knew he took care of me, I didn't pay attention to the fact that he was black. In fact I was probably middle school age before I realized we were the only white family in our neighborhood. To this day I don't notice much about people's race when I meet them. A lot of people do where I live now though. (I married a guy who ended up pretty successful and we live in one of the more affluent areas of St Louis.) Why is it that in 2012 skin color still matters? People pay far too much attention to race and sexual orientation. Neither of these things are a determining factor in whether or not a person is an asshole - and THAT is truly what I pay attention to. Ironically, being mixed race myself, I was raised to identify as white (until I was filling out college paperwork, then my mother told me being minority might help me get more financial aid) - I assume because my appearance skewed more white and my mom's side (who raised me) were the white side. Given how little importance they placed on other people's race, I think that was more about how much they DISLIKED my father (who apparently fit that asshole category up until about 10 years ago). Now, even though my daughter is only 1/4 hispanic, I make sure to put an emphasis on the fact that she is not only white, but multicultural, and in the past year I have made sure she got to meet and spend time with the hispanic side of her family. Kids need to know their heritage, after all, most Americans are multicultural in one way or another. However, they need to remember that heritage is only part of who they are - being a good person is what is most important. Race, religion, sexual orientation, these are only traits - like hair or eye color - they have nothing to do with what kind of person someone is. Thanks for saying what I've been preaching in my house for years. :) You rock!

Kari said...

I had hoped that the bigots might learn from this experience (yes, i know that's a huge stretch). When a racist wrote that he was upset that he fell in love with Rue's character and then felt duped when she turned out to be black, I thought "EXACTLY!! You fell in love with her CHARACTER, regardless of her color! SEE?? Nope, I don't think they saw it that way. sad :(

Anonymous said...

I have to say that I read the book last week, and I must have missed the sentences that described skin color, or else I forgot them. When I'm anxious to find out what happens, I tend to read faster and I guess I end up scanning and missing parts. It is possible to read the book and miss something. However, will I care when a character in the movie is not how I imagined them in my mind? No.

Anonymous said...

You can't protect them....there is no sunblock for exposure to stupidity....all you can do is teach them how to deal with stupidity. Remember the difference between intelligence and stupidity is that intelligence has limitations.

DianaMilbourn said...

My daughter is learning about segregation in the 4th grade right now. She comes home the other day and says "Dad, why is our school segregated?" We had to explain to her that her school is not segregated. We just live in the country where black students are few and far between. We have one black family in this small town, and they attend the high school, not the elementary school where she is. We have also told her that she is to respect everyone regardless of their race. When she starts to argue about it, we say "Do you want to be disrespected just because you are small for your age?" It's all about putting things in perspective and teaching them that everyone is welcome in our sandbox to play!

Brandi said...

What I think is good about this uproar, however, is that I've seen far more anger over the racist comments than there was over Rue and Thresh being black. Yes, there are quite a few loudmouth idiots/asshats out there. But it seems that there are more people who know they're wrong.

Becky said...

"but mommy, I'm just Andrew"

This brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful, smart, wonderful child you have. Yes, he is totally correct. He is Andrew.

Look past the skin color and see the PERSON, PEOPLE!!!!!

ButteryMuffyn said...

Kinda shocking and sad that the majority of the insults on twitter appear to be from kids, and therefore a product of their upbringing. These are the kids with parents who say things like "Well MY little seraphina/zakaria would NEVER do that" - parents who bury their heads in the sand and don't see the real world. We all see parents like this all the time, let's make sure OUR children are raised properly

Heather said...

my oldest son was suspended from school for a year. affecting his ability to graduate (he was a junior at the time in Feb)for "defending" his mixed race girlfriends on honor. Some damn redneck call her a derogatory term "dumb ARAB BITCH" (she's mixed East Indian/white)...well, my white son cleaned his clock (not right) but stood up for what was right. He's going to graduate from another school, go to college, play football for said college. In the meantime, girlfriend still attends school with the redneck, but hasn't had any further trouble...Doing the right thing comes with a price and I'm proud of my boy.

Unknown said...

jen, we blogged about similar things today! www.iamthinkingk.blogspot.com. you bring up a great point about rue and the future suzanne collins envisioned - the world was a "melting pot," and it was so in the arena. there was a big uproar over jennifer lawrence's casting as katniss b/c she WASN'T of a non-white race and yet the asshat tweet-ers you site thought everyone in THG was white. i LOVED seeing the red carpet pics from THG premieres, b/c their faces (and skin tones) make the movie come alive for me. they are as they should be! and i love the way you honored your babies here today! they are all the things you say and so much more, i'm sure.

Red said...

Racism, sexism, religionism, sexual orientationism...all prejudice.

One of my close friends loves tattoos. She has them all over. Her husband is into body piercing. I don't even want to think about the places he may or may not have pierced. These two individuals are two of the most CONSERVATIVE people I know religiously and politically.

Let's get over ourselves a little bit!

Meredith said...

Once again you nailed it, Jen. Idiocy continues to run rampant in this country. It's an epidemic that doesn't seem to be able to be contained.

Jaimee said...

I saw the movie without reading the books. I would not have known whether the characters were supposed to be black, white, pink, blue, whatever. Unfortunately racism is still strong. I Would have thought newer generations were more color blind. Comments like that do not need to be blasted all over social media sites. Keep them to yourselves. I personally thought the girl that played Rue is one of the most beautiful and talented little girls and think she will go far.

Julie said...

I'd be proud of him too.

Danielle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Excuse me, but all Republican's are not racists. Your statement is a form of bigotry.

Brie Nails said...

Its common sense, "dark-brown" means darker than brown and brown is pretty dark as it is. Growing up in Kentucky (I'm African American but I'm very very light skinned) I've heard it all. People really seize to amaze me anymore.

Patty said...

Don't be blind to color - embrace it for the beauty that it is. We are not the same - we are unique and grow exponetially from one another.

Anonymous said...

I was part of the only white family in an all-black neighborhood. My family had lived there for years, and knew all the neighbors, went to their homes after church, etc. One day the little girl next door and I got in a fight--over something silly, nothing big, but she was being really mean to me. My cousin was visiting and started shouting from the porch, calling her the n word. Having absolutely no idea what it meant, I did it too. I remember my father taking me up to the third floor apartment of my neighbor, when everyone was gathered for the after church social, and making me apologize, not just to the little girl, but to her parents, right there in front of everyone. The girl's dad sat down with me and asked me if I knew what it meant, and I said not when I said it. He had a long, much kinder than it could have been, conversation with me, and it has stayed with me forever. It had never before occurred to me that I was the only white kid in school, and it had never occurred to me that I was different, because that's how I was raised. I take two things from the lesson: 1-race doesn't tell you who someone is 2-never use words you don't know the meaning of! I have taught my children that beauty is found everywhere, and we (to the confusion of some of my other relatives) have had black baby dolls, Asian baby dolls, white baby dolls (my daughter is a little obsessed with baby dolls), etc, in the hopes that I can do half as good a job teaching them as my parents did with me. It's a little tougher in a mostly white neighborhood, but I'm trying.

ErinMSW said...

Anonymous - she didn't use the word "Republican" at all in her statement. There are plenty of non-Republican people supporting Santorum. Don't read so much into things.

ErinMSW said...

I read this article yesterday and at once horrified and heartbroken. What is wrong with people?!

Lizzz said...

She didn't say anything about Republicans! She was just referring to Rick Sanitarium ( yes spelled wrong on purpose). Are you saying that only white men who want to stick wands in vaginas are republicans anonymous?

Amber Nicole said...

I read a few of these tweets the other day and got really annoyed with these people. I just wanted to smack them for being so racist and for being so stupid when they read the books! Grr.

d2sn said...

So very sad that this has to happen EVER! The color of one's skin does not matter at all- it is the attitude of the heart! We tried to adopt a little black baby we had as foster parents for 19 months- from 2 days of age- but who did the court go with- some obscure person who came out of the woodwork, no blood relation- single mom, but black... We are still angry and heartbroken. And of course the courts say that they can not judge based on race, but we are sure this is what happened... people- wake up!!! Skin is just that... love each other as people!!

sheshe said...

Don't hate because she used the terms redneck and trashy to describe Maryland. I am from here too. Have you ever been here? No? Well, let me tell you that unlike the kind "southern rednecks" (your words, not mine), it is a perfect description of the close-minded and ingnorant people who live in this state. Until you have lived here and experienced some of the shit that normal Marylanders have to deal with from our ridiculous population, don't judge our terms. They are completely different.

BlondeGirl said...

I would have to say that I totally agree with you, except the two tweeters that you posted are quite clearly of Asian and Indian descent, not white. I saw plenty of white people tweet such crap too, but clearly the racism issue transcends into all colors.

I read the books and when I read "dark brown" I actually thought darker hispanic, but that's just because I'm a latinophile. :) I have no problem that they cast those characters as black people, especially if that's what the author intended. And from what I've heard, the acting is stupendous. I can't wait to see the film!

BlondeGirl said...

I have to say, many of the commenters read the book here and a few of us didn't equate "dark brown" with "African American". Dark brown to me means native Hispanic, Indian, Native American, some middle eastern, and some really, really tan white people. I pictured someone who was Hispanic. If she would have said "black" in the book, then I would have pictured African or African American. I can see the confusion surrounding her wording- I can not see the blatant racism surrounding the casting, because really, who cares if a black girl plays the part?

Anonymous said...

My genetic make-up (in order of % as best I know from my Grandparents) is Dutch, Puerto Rican, German, Spanish and Irish. My skin is an awful shade of "glow in the dark" white ;) My eyes are green. My husband is English & Scots/Irish with strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes & fair skin. Our kids are as white as can be.

But, it makes me proudly giggle when my 5 year old says, "When I grow up I'm going to be brown like Friend A, Friend B, and DADDY!" Friend A is Latino, Friend B is bi-racial and Daddy works outside everyday, so his arms & face are very tan.

We moved last month specifically to change to a better school district for my 9 year old. Our old school was low income in a mostly Middle to Lower Class district with a white population in the 10% range. Our new district is Upper Middle Class with a 65% white population. When we were looking at places to live there was one single school my "friends" in the district all said to stay away from. Well, that is the school we ended up at and I couldn't be more happy. It turns out the only "issue" with the school is it is the ONE that the Low Income kids in the district go to (78%). This school is in the 20% white population range. I immediately noticed the better education my son is getting. He hasn't noticed a difference at all and has been making quick friends of all colors.

I grew up in a very racist family and am proud to say it is possible to overcome that and raise white kids who embrace all colors.

Courtney_81 said...

The hubs and I come from racist back grounds. We are trying to change that with our children. She's almost 6 and I love looking at the world through her innocent eyes. Her best friend at school is a little girl named Ayana . When I asked her why she liked Ayana so much she said "bc other kids are scared of her bc her skin is very tanned and her hair is braided." I asked if it bothered her and with her wise beyond years little answer of "no mama, we may look different on the outside but God made us all the same on the inside", I knew then that I was doing something right!

Anonymous said...

So wait, you were raised essentially white, you identified as white, but you used your minority status to get more money when it was convenient for you? That's the kind of thing that really bothers me. I think the "I'm a minority when it's convenient to be one" mentality that contributes to the problem.

Anonymous said...

I agree Blond girl. it isnt only white people who are racist, that comes in every color. And id say that maybe you should teach your kids they have the same opportunity as EVERY child, not just a white child. That statement in itself is setting white folks above the rest, and already setting an example that white people are given more and the competiton in life, we should all teach color embrace ness as another poster said, not blindness. As a white person it is a bit offensive that you feel white people are the ones being racist here, and no other races are being singled out, and as a white person I am tried of every comment I make about another race being translated as racist. These tweets are indeed awful, but the examples given were not even white people that tweeted it. Every race has racist people in it.

Suzanne said...

I find it interesting in your rage, you used the term "fucktard" which is a horrible twist on the word retard. I find it just as offensive as the terms that the racists used. What were you thinking when you wrote that? Would you use that expression when talking to the parents of a special needs child? To use your own words, "This should not be happening, because [you] should be better than this." Shame on you for your careless words.

Anonymous said...

Ive been to Maryland several times, calling a person a Redneck is a derogotory term used towards white southern men or womna, how is this any different than being called the N word??? But since its WHITES being called the derogatory term....its ok. ?? Thats racist in itself!!!!

Jessica said...

@Danielle - I am also from the south, and though I don't live there now, most of my family hails from the Appalachia region. I'm not sure you're aware of this (judging by your comment), but the term "redneck" is considered derogatory in most of this country. Here's some history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redneck

Now, I know where you're coming from because my family is among those who have "taken back" this term and embraced it. This actually happens a lot within different social/ethnic circles (if you think hard, I'm sure you can come up with a few taboo slang terms other than this one that particular groups of people have "taken back").

The point is that it is a matter of culture and opinion. Look at it from both sides of the fence.

Also, Obama (or any other presidential candidate) has nothing to do with your post, so you should probably tout your political drivel elsewhere.

Suzanne said...

www.r-word.org

Marianne and Ben said...

on page 98, Rue is described as having “satiny brown skin”, and it is mentioned again on page 126 (something along the lines of “Thresh has the same dark skin as Rue”).

Just saying'.....................

Anonymous said...

When I read the books I pictured Rue as Hispanic but was in no way disappointed by the casting in the movie. I thought that little girl beautifully portrayed the character and yes I cried when she died (as did half the theater). That's one of the things I love about books though, everybody reads the same story but everybody sees something different pictures. I love finding out how others built up the characters in their mind.

Anonymous said...

Um... our "mixed-race" President did not cause the problems in the economy - the white ones before him did. And, that is no excuse for racism. George Bush, a WHITE guy, started a war that cost us billions of dollars and helped lower our reputation around the globe. I don't look down on the white race because I don't agree with his politics - I don't call him "redneck" or "white trash" because of his politics. If you think racism is okay because you don't believe in our current President's policies, that is the problem with this country. And, P.S. - guess which race has more people on public assistance? I'll give you a hint - it's not the black race.

Anonymous said...

Both of you are applying terms indicating color to a type of people that 'trashy' sums up sufficiently. I'm an extremely Southern woman with plenty of 'redneck' roots. My children don't even know what you mean by 'color'. I wish all uneducated (in a worldly sense), tacky, trashy people were one color... then I would know to avoid all the purple people. You're falling into a different type of racism when you attack the culture. Like I said, I'm very southern, straight from Texas & the Deep South, but some of the most hateful people I have met are here in North Carolina and one of the kindest women I've ever known hails from New Jersey. We passed being able to judge a person by where they're from about 80 years back girls... catch up.

Anonymous said...

This is about a transvaginal ultrasound? You do know they're going to stick other things up there to perform an abortion, right?

Anne said...

Umm, Cinna and Rue are both described as having dark skin. Also, who the hell cares? Even if their skin color hadn't been mentioned at all in the book, the default can be black, white, Latino, Asian, whatever. Plus tweeting about it? Ignorant, racist, and just f-ing stupid.

Anonymous said...

Wow! So happy to hear someone say what I have been thinking. If you're pregnant that means something has been stuck up there. if you see an OB/GYN for PAPs,etc something has been stuck up there. To perform the abortion, something will be stuck up there! I'm not saying people don't have the right to choose but come on this transvaginal debate is ridiculous

Jenna @ Sharing My Jennarocity said...

I am glad you punched this because when I read the article last night, I just couldn't believe it. First of all, it doesn't matter how they described that character. I didn't think of ANYONE in this book as a certain race, especially the people at the Capital whose skin was pink, blue, purple, and whatever other crazy color. The book had as little to do with race as it had to do with snails. Nothing. And the fact that was even a concern to some of these people was completely ridiculous to me. Secondly, I was more "outraged" at the fact that they left the hunger aspect almost completely out of "The Hunger Games!" I mean, it would seem that of anything that was different in the movie, the central story line was more of a concern than the race of a little girl that was meant to be symbolic of the evil of this "futuristic" world, not. Her race had nothing to do with it. Call me crazy, but with the attitude of some of these people, we are already living in a world that is this barberic!!!

ChJaynes said...

This is my favorite blog of yours so far. I'm right there with you. This made me cry and hurts my heart. I'm officially starting construction on that bubble to keep my children in. If you want, I'll make one for your kids too.

Jen Piwtpitt said...

Suzanne, Thanks for bringing this to my attention. In my rage last night I was searching for words that described my feelings. I grasped that word without thinking about it's origins. I will change it now.

Jenny said...

First, of all, I think this blog post is spot on, and I love reading your blog. Yes, in a perfect world, we will all live harmonious and no one will be "idoits," "racists" "rednecks" or "fucktards." Like Suzanne, the last one is the one which prompted me to post. You are fighting for equality of all people yet, you chose to use a word in your post that is synonymous with "retard" - words that I hear ALL THE TIME - and I cringe, since my child has Down Syndrome. Most everyone has skimmed right over that offensive term. Unfortunately, you can't always change people. The best you can do is live and teach your children and friends how to respect and be nice to all people, say nice things, by living by example. We have come a LONG way in the world of inclusion of special needs and mixed races.... but there will always be exceptions, and we still have a ways to go.

TanyaO said...

Urg..I hate racists, and here in South Africa it's still a big problem :(

Anonymous said...

I think that so many of us want to believe that racists and racism is easily identifiable by shaved heads, white sheets, or burning crosses. Instead it surprises us in suits, nice dresses and baggy jeans. It comes in the form of well-meaning well-wishers who are proud of their confederate flagged history, "stand your ground laws" and "show me your birth certificate" ordinances. Personally, I like my racists to be open and honest with me. Own it!

I'm not surprised at all. I am very saddened because these are not older folks who are used to thinking this way. These are young people who are just starting on their journey of potentially racist views and even actions. I am with you, Jen. I will raise my bi-racial kids to believe that they are beautiful, unique and wonderful. I will also tell them that there are other beautiful, unique, wonderful and DIFFERENT people out there. And, that is the beauty of living in a truly COLORFUL society. Embrace the differences, don't pretend that they don't exist. Address racism where and when we can, don't pretend that it doesn't exist. And then maybe, just maybe (extremely doubtful), it will go away.

Deb said...

Thanks for ruining the ending for me! (the term SPOILERS AHEAD would have been useful.) And yes, those twittering twits are fuckheads.

Anonymous said...

Our "mixed race" president may not have started the economic problems but he's definitely making them worse...and check your facts, African Americans receive 38% of welfare while white recieves 39%. with margin of error it's pretty equal in terms of percentages. and this is coming from an african american female.

Jen Piwtpitt said...

Jenny, I've changed the word. I read Suzanne's comment and she and you are absolutely right. As I told her, when I wrote this last night I was grasping at words and that one came into my head without realizing the origins. I am not perfect. I apologize and I won't use that word again.

Bookbureader said...

Bravo Bravo!!! I was so sad to read about this yesterday. It is really sickening.

And I really hope the actress that played Rue isn't aware of this. She is a young girl and I would hate for her to be upset over a bunch of idiots on the internet.

Tim said...

If you ever wanted to open up the crazy comment section you did it by talking about race. The thing that gets me is that "we" teach our children about race and perpetuate the beliefs that somehow people are "different" based on the color of their skin or their physical appearance.

Case in point: I'm a white man, married to a white woman, with a white child. She is 4.5 years old. A year ago she knew there were people, we don't all look the same, but we're all people. She would tell me about the other kids she would play with at school and I would ask - "What does he/she look like?" No matter the person's race I would get the same answer - hair color, hair length, height, clothing.

This year she learned about Martin Luther King Jr. both at school as well as at church. The lesson was, it doesn't matter what your skin color is, we treat everyone the same. Now when I ask what someone looks like I get a response that so and so has "different color skin" as the first description. The innocence of my child in only seeing a person is gone. She now is aware that while everyone looks different, there is some reason why we refer to people by the color of their skin.

I realize that those teaching her have nothing but good intentions, but as long as we emphasize that it doesn't matter what color your skin is (which implies at some level that it does matter) we will keep raising generations of children who may "judge a person by the color of their skin and not the content of their character."

My two cents!

Jenny said...

Thank you! I really do love your blog.

jennie said...

BTW penny kravitz is mixed race too. His mom was an actress on 'the Jeffersons', she played the character married to a white guy. His dad was white.

Liz J said...

Honestly, I give up on our society. Everything offends everyone,and when someone doesn't get their way they play the race card or sue someone. With all the mixing of races, I look forward to the day when there are no more "minorities" because we all fall in the same bucket.

Jennifer said...

We are a very "redneck" family from Louisiana!! My dads BFF (and Army buddy) is a black man that my kids call Papaw Freddy, my BFF is a black woman I went to school with and my sons BFF is her son.... Race is not an issue here... Don't "label" - please and thank you!!

Jumpin Jim Flash said...

You are the idiot if you ever think we will live in a country without racism. Racism has been here since biblical times and it will be here until the second coming. I am much older than your readers, I have walked in civil rights marches in Mississippi, I have had beer bottles thrown at me while driving down the interstate because I had a black friend riding with me so I know of what I speak. Is racism better, yes it is. There are still many with racial feelings they have just learned they must tolerate it because of public pressure. I have learned to disassociate myself with people I find with these feelings. Then there the open-minded person as long as it doesn't touch their family. 99% of you that claim to be open-minded about race still have some racist thoughts that you do even know you have. But if you think racism can be destroyed you are kidding yourself. We live in sad times on many, many levels. I really think we are in the end times, people are so messed up there is no hope that I can see for the human race. The only thing I have ever seen that stops every bit of racism is to live together with other races. Then you don't just give lip service about we are all the same you actually see it is true. Sorry about the ranting but this subject makes my blood boil. I to would like to do some punching in the throat!

Anonymous said...

Racism doesn't just affect people of color. I am white & I am Jewish. People still have issue with that also. It doesn't matter what color you are or what religion or what nationality you are. Racism is unfortunately everywhere & against anyone. It's pathetic.

Anonymous said...

The reason we're stuck on the transvaginal part is that it IS NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY. It is being done to humiliate and embarrass the woman.

Have you ever had a transvaginal ultrasound? I had plenty when I was undergoing IVF. The nurse actually puts a condom on the wand and asks for your help to insert it. It is creepy.

A woman who has made the decision to have an abortion doesn't need to jump through a medically unnecessary hoop because the politicians want to add another level of humiliation.

Tara said...

I remember reading something on tumblr before the movie was released about some being unhappy (nicest word I could use) with who was cast as Rue. I looked over at my husband and asked but she is dark right? I went back to double check and make sure I didn't miss anything. Wouldn't you know it, the post on tumblr wouldn't allow comments.

The Thomps said...

When I read the book, I always thought Rue was Hispanic/Latina. When I saw the actress who'd been cast for the part I thought, "Oh, she totally could have been black." I wasn't surprised at the Cinna casting at all. I guess maybe in racist minds, they imagine all characters as white, despite the description of the character given by the author. (insert eye roll here) It really saddens me in this day and age that people react this way, but I know they're out there. I guess my only hope is that I am trying to teach my kids that color is just that - it has nothing to do with our worth as a person or how we should/should not treat others. I only wish everyone had received that same lesson. Or that those who haven't could somehow be smacked upside the head and they would magically "get it."

ButteryMuffyn said...

What I would really like to happen is for these kids, and lets face it, its easy to find out who they are these days, to come on TV and explain their comments. I wonder how proud mummy and daddy would be?

Hilary said...

With every story that comes out about racial tension/discrimination/relations/what have you, I feel like we're just totally getting sucked backwards into pre Civil-Rights era America. Hateful inappropriate comments about the President and First Lady (attack the policies if you must, but it's low class and stupidity to attack skin color), small minded and disrespectful attacks about Hunger Games casting, Travyon Martin -- one more situation and I'll be waiting to hear the Horsemen of the Apocalypse say "Checkmate".

Anonymous said...

Several of the people who made the asinine comments specifically said they read the book. In fact, one of them said that after reading the book they imagined Rue with blond hair. Clearly that person has a reading comprehension problem.

Jenny said...

And just to clarify, I was not the least bit angry about your choice of words. I just think it's so easy to offend these days, and I felt the need to point it out. Everything spreads like wildfire through social media, which is a good thing and a bad thing....

Anonymous said...

There is a spoiler alert at the top of the post. And if you read the book, none of it should come as a surprise or spoiler.

Coral said...

Of course you broke it down so well. I am right there with you. First of all, not sure how, but I really did picture Lenny when they described Cinna. Psychic genius I guess :). And yes, they are dumbasses, not only because you have to be a dumbass to be a racist, but because these two were described has having dark skin. But forget all that. I like to think that young people in 2012 are more enlightened than this, that they all see the world as race-free and love people for who they are. Gay, straight, and all colors. I am naive.

Anonymous said...

I am appalled. Absolutely appalled over this. It's sickening, and shockingly so.

As for the actual characters from Hunger Games, when I'd seen it was Lenny playing Cinna it just made perfect sense. And as for Rue, perfect. That little girl became that character to perfection.

Cheryl said...

Ya know, when I first read about this I was so confused. First because I had just assumed it was a given that those characters were black but then I was struck by the fact that we probably gave these ignorant, hateful, hurtful SOBs way more attention than we should have. They should have gotten a spanking and sent to their rooms without dinner and then ball-gagged and tied to a chair with honey dripping on them and a fire ant mound at their feet. Wait? Did I just type all that out-loud?

Nightfahl said...

A very well-said two cents.

Christie said...

I don't fully believe in the "be color blind" philosophy. Children aren't dumb and they are going to notice that someone is darker than they are, has different shaped eyes, etc. Instead of pretending that those differences don't exist (and therefor some shameful thing of which we do not speak) I tell my daughters that those differences are wonderful. There are no wrongs or rights and we are all just different colored crayons in the same box.

Christie said...

I want to drop a tracker jacker nest on their heads and then have the mutants rip 'em up! LOL

Christie said...

I have friends who have mixed-race children. What's really bad is when people just assume that they are the nanny because the children don't look exactly like them.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I have had a few and honestly I don't see what the big deal is. Fine, you want to put make me jump a few hoops to get an abortion. It is an abortion and yes it's your choice and again I have no problem with that...but it should be humiliating and difficult and something you reconsider numerous times.
I won't argue with someone's choice but I will argue when I think there is no argument. this is not worth fighting.

Suzanne said...

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Actually, it seems that you DO have a problem with a woman choosing to have an abortion. Believe it or not, most women would rather not have had an unplanned pregnancy/dangerous pregnancy to mother or child/been raped, etc.

Adding unnecessary medical procedures and hoops to jump through is purely vindictive on the part of our lawmakers.

By making it more difficult for a woman to have a legal procedure you ARE arguing with her choice.

Anonymous said...

And as usual you will twist my words and make it fit the argument. And for all you know I could've had one. just because I think this is a ridiculous argument and that abortion should be something that is difficult and requires you to think over and over again (it is life changing) doesn't mean I don't support it. not everyone is cookie cutter in there views on the subject.

Anonymous said...

And all of these posts have WHAT to do with this particular blog? Absolutely nothing. Take your political agendas to somewhere that they are actually relevant, please.

Jen Berg said...

Well said Patty!

Donna S said...

Awww, Hug Andrew for me *sniff*

shanghaitaitai said...

I love that you posted this. I read all of your posts and enjoy when you call out the normal everyday BS. But this goes far beyond the ordinary. I do believe that these people are such a small minority of the American population. However, the fact they exist at all is absolutely appalling.

Laura said...

lol

April Whitlock said...

You are my favorite blogger on the Internet.. Please keep keeping it real. I feel like I am turning into my mom with my constant "what is this world coming to comments". I love everything you write. This is important. People suck right now and I hate that I feel that way.

Lori said...

Or that the kid is adopted! I get that all the time with my two (they are mixed black/white). My friend's son is mixed white/Hispanic and people always think he was adopted. Bit of advice: never assume! I'll be sure to fill you in on all the painful details of my labor if you do.

Anonymous said...

I have always taught my children that the only thing that matters about the people we meet is the kind of person they are. It must have stuck, thank God, because I now have rainbow grandchildren, and they are all beautiful. I have everything from redheaded and blonde,blue eyed babies to 1/4 Korean to 1/4 black, 1/4 white, 1/2 black at my table and I couldn't be happier about it!

Anonymous said...

I normally enjoy your posts, but you lost me once you made the comment "covered up their racism with words like "hoodies" and "fumbling at his waistband." " Obviously your referring to Travon Martin and his recent death. It amazes me that you would comment on this issue when knowing nothing about the actual incident (other than what you heard on the liberal news media). A couple of points: The photos you see of Travon are when he was 12.... not his current photos as a 17 year old, 6' 3" athlete. Also, he ATTACKED the shooter breaking his nose and smashing the back of his head in the cement. Somone was going to die that night, and it happened to be the latino with the gun, not the aferican american who was throwing punches. Was Zimmerman stupid for following him.. yes.... but he didn't deserve to die over it. Was Travon stupid for attacking Zimmerman... absolutely.... did he deserve to die... no.... but for BOTH MEN that was the risk they took for being so stupid.

Anonymous said...

then skim over this part. no one said you had to read it

Beth McDonough said...

There's a movie called The Hunger Games? LOL, just kidding.

threelittlebirds said...

First time I was labeled with a racist epithet, I wasn't hurt or mad. I was confused. She said "white bitch". Why do I have to be a white bitch? Why can't I just be a 'bitch'? I was trying to figure out how the extra adjective made it worse. Needless to say, stomping on your brakes while turning in traffic because you don't like my following distance [was trying to make the light dangit and paying strict attention which is WHY I didn't hit her] isn't exactly the smartest thing to do when you stop and I see you have a baby in the car, in the front seat NOT in a child safety seat. She got the ticket. The police officer must have decided she was more of an idiot than I was a bitch.

Alice H said...

I read the books and I was glad they casted a black girl to play Rue since the book said she had dark skin! I loved the movies.

I am not racist at ALL whatsoever. I have quite a few friends of all different races, colors, religions, politics, etc.

But unfortunately here in Tulsa lately there have been so many black people killing white people. Just recently a 17 (maybe 19, I'd have to look it up) sexually assaulted and beat an 85 year old woman along with beating her 90 year old husband and putting him in critical condition. Then a few months back 5 black teenage boys murdered a 55 year old man while they were breaking into his home. And just this week 2 black women were driving around with a 19 month old baby that had been dead for 8-10 hours. I know whites, mexicans, etc can do these horrendous crimes as well. But this is fresh in my head.

Alice H said...

Wow you sound like you were there? How do you know he broke his nose and slammed his head into the concrete? The media?!?

Anonymous said...

I have to add my 2 cents here. I am a sonographer. I perform transvaginal ultrasounds. Mandatory transvaginal ultrasounds that are not medically required is unethical. Its not easy to get an abortion. No added hoops are needed. The women already get a transabdominal ultrasound; the baby can be seen then. Requiring an invasive exam is tantamount to assault. Most sonographers will refuse to comply. It should be up to the physician to decide if a transvaginal ultrasound is needed. Would you be so willing to agree to it if politcians wanted to require other unneccesary exams? How about mandatory transrectal ultrsounds for everyone needing antacid medication...just to make sure your entire GI tract isn't ulcerated.

Anonymous said...

This made me laugh. I love it!!

Unknown said...

I don't believe she said our current president caused the racism in this country or the economic hardships...what she said was that it has increased recently (paraphrasing of course)and I completely agree. Take Trayvon Martin's case. Our President, along with others have called for a federal investigation alleging the shooting is based on racial profiling. The media, as also stated in her post, perpetuated the outcry without investigating the whole story. It is completely irresponsible reporting. Up until today, they have been splashing pictures of Trayvon as a young boy, dressed in his football uniform all smiles...all he wanted was to walk home with his bag of skittles.. but what we have been screened from is that this young "boy" was a grown, 6'3 17yr old, with a criminal history and that he had actually attacked Zimmerman by recent accounts. He punched him in his nose and then proceeded to slam his head into the concrete when Zimmerman fell backwards. Voting is right around the corner, so in my opinion this couldn't come at a better time for our president to jump on board the racial profiling wagon. This isn't about race. Don't think for one second our great politicians and the media don't use our lowly position as the People to take advantage of our vulnerabilities and use them in their favor.

Unknown said...

I read the books and loved them. I haven't seen the movie, but I can't wait! I don't see the big deal in the director's choice for casting. It's a story - an entertaining, FICTIONAL, story. These people are ignorant and their stupidity speaks for them loud and clear.

Melda said...

The movie thing I can shake my head and move on about...

The Trayvon thing, which you eluded to - was not "just a movie". It really happened and it scares the shit out of me that my two black sons could be killed because they look "out of place" walking on a sidewalk at night, with a hoody and a damn bag of Skittles.

Anonymous said...

Zimmerman said that Trayvon attacked him even said he broke his nose, however he is shown on surveillance cameras, shortly after the shooting with no visible wounds or bruises or any sign of being beaten. So it appears Zimmerman is a liar and a racist.
Just sayin

Deb said...

Wow. I guess that joke was way too vague. (regarding NOT reading, as in, the subject of the post...). Anyway, I have not read the books or seen the movie and don't intend to.

Unknown said...

Oh, this just makes me SO ANGRY!!! The Hunger Games is my favorite series purely because of what it represents, and what truths it brings out about our current society. I can't believe people would be idiotic enough to think crap like that, let alone let those thoughts past their brains.

For the record, I didn't realize Rue and Thresh were black, either. I read 'dark brown skin' and thought Polynesian, since that's what I am. When their characters were cast, it was like a light bulb; of course Suzanne Collins meant that they were black! It fits perfectly, and in fact, made the story a bit more realistic for me.

It's sad to think that something as trivial as color could change a person's viewpoint of a book as important as The Hunger Games. What sad fools.

Tiffanie said...

Your article has once again touched a part of my life as well. I have mixed race children. We are originally from Nashville, Tn where it is very diverse. My boys never had to deal with racism,on the levels as they do now, that we have moved to a smaller town right outside of Memphis. I am constantly being asked if I adopted my children, since their skin is just a tad darker than mine. My oldest son just lost his best friend since moving here, due to the fact of his friend seeing a picture of his father. ( I am seperated from father, and step-father is white, so his friends have always thought step-father was real father) I am completely heartbroken for my son. However, he does understand he does not want friends of that nature.

Kiky said...

Oops - I didn't mean to start a shitstorm with the word "redneck". I was simply using a term that is quite commonly used in everyday conversation here in Maryland (it's an interesting place to live to say the least). It is apparently used with pride by many (from the "Proud to be a Redneck" stickers, truck nutz, license plate surrounds, etc. visible daily). Those that I was specifically referring to, and see EVERYday, have "Proud to be a Redneck" stickers next to a confederate flag sticker on their giant trucks equipped with airhorns. From what I've observed, the airhorns are to scare school kids walking to school, to scare crossing guards and to warn other motorists that the airhorn offender will be driving 70+ in a school zone. I am not making this up. These are the specific cases I find to be "trashy" that make me sad and sick. The other crew of "trashy" folks that has left KKK pamphlets in our neighborhood on occasion deserves many other derogatory descriptors aimed at them. Thank you all for your perspective on the South and what the term "redneck" means to each of your families - I've never lived there. I'll try to be more cognizant of "labels" in the future.

Anonymous said...

When did being 17 make you "grown"? Point is how can I feel threatened if I'm driving in my car and the other person is walking? Zimmerman was not pulled out of his car and punched in the nose he approached this young man (this he was). Let's be clear the president was asked a question by the media and he answered it. He didn't hold a press conference to talk about this.

Anonymous said...

Color blindness means inability to distinguish differences in hue. Which is the point being made. Why is a difference in color even an issue. The fact that u think it means pretend everyone is white leads to me to believe u r not as unracist as u claim.

Nancy K said...

I agree with you. Why can't they just enjoy the fact that they read these wonderful books??? I think the casting was perfect for the movie, which is more than I can say for a lot of "movie from book" films.

Nancy K said...

BUT wait... there's more Hunger Games stupidity....

http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/28/10904124-some-hunger-games-critics-say-jennifer-lawrence-was-too-big-to-play-katniss

Anonymous said...

just wanna clear something up here...anyone can be rasist..ANYONE! ANNNND the reason it was mostly girls being racist on twitter forums or anywhere for that matter on the subject of this film/book...is that it is basically aim at the teen/adolecent female population! Not because women are more racist. To be honest, in youre otherwise well written rant on how racism sucks (and yes it does, very much so) you have somehow come across sounding ever so slightly sexist.

with the Cinna debate no it wasnt mentioned anywhere about the colour of his skin all that was mentioned was the colour of his eyes (green), and his hair(brown)....to be honest i'm glad they picked Kravitz for the part he is a good looking guy...he also has brown hair and im sure if it mattered that much they gave him contacts for his eyes! but the movie industry has poetic licence over so many films (e.g I AM number 4 , number six is described to be raven haired in the book...but in the film its blonde)...i'm just glad they kept it so close to the descriptions of the book and didnt make it too "hollywood"!

Alice H said...

http://www.ktul.com/story/17259146/man-charged-with-murder-in-assault-on-elderly-couple

http://www.newson6.com/story/16535527/five-tulsa-teens-arrested-in-shooting-murder-in-home-invasion

http://www.newson6.com/story/17258817/woman-arrested-for-murder-after-toddlers-body-found-in-car

Anonymous said...

you can download a copy of the police report where it is all spelled out. Not the media, the police department.

Anonymous said...

If your two black sons attack a guy with a gun... then yes.. it could happen to them too....

Anonymous said...

Race DOES matter. Pretending to be "color-blind" is just that. Pretending. Race/ethnicity is very important to the development of children's identity and self-esteem. If you pretend to be "blind to color" you send the implicit message that "color" is something to be ashamed of, and therefore should not be talked about. Read "Why are All the Black Children Sitting Together in the Cafeteria" by Beverly Tatum.

Unknown said...

You are right wow! What an interesting debate. I teach. Talking about mlk and black history is so interesting. I know what I believe: I want to be judged by the content of my character. I want my kids to be judged by the content of their character and I want them to choose their friends based on how they treat others.
But there is still racism. I have had parents who have made racist comments. It is a fine line sometimes to teach kids and also not judge their parents.
I teach my students that they do not have to like everyone, but you do have to respect everyone, even those you do not like. It's hard!
But this is so much more. I cannot begin to imagine letting someone's look ruin a movie for me. (rob pattison is NOT MY Edward, but I still watch- let that new debate begin- hee hee).
We must continue to have these talks. Thank you!

Widget the Blogging Elf said...

According to anthropology and other human biologies, race does not exist. Only variations of the human genome. These idiots don't understand that humans are humans.

Jumpin Jim Flash said...

What fairy tale do you live in? Please come back to us in the real world before you put yourself in harms way and wonder how you got there.

Abby said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Abby said...

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to comment on your comment. I was trying to leave my own comment on the post. :)

Heather said...

Why is it idiotic to think that there will be a time when race doesn't matter? Due to the ease with which people travel and interact with each other compared to times past, more and more people are "mixed race" than ever before. Many scientists believe that in the future there won't be such a distinction between race and that race will in fact become obsolete. Is this anything that is going to happen in your lifetime or mine? No. The point is that at some time in the future, people's heritages will be so mixed that there won't be any white, black, Hispanic, or Asian. There will just be people. Think about the number of people you know today who are to some point mixed race (be it Asian/Caucasian or Caucasian/African American) and compare that to the number of mixed race people you knew during the civil rights movement. I'm sure the number is larger today than it was then. Why can't people be open-minded? Just because I recognize that someone is black, white, purple, or orange doesn't make me close-minded. What makes someone close-minded is what they do with that recognition. I'm a tall blonde with blue eyes who's built about like Barbie. I get judged as being unintelligent or incompetent because of my appearance. I was the only white girl on my high school basketball team. My teammates called me 'White Cole' (there were two of us with the same last name). Did I find it offensive? No. Was it still judgmental based on race? Yes. Does that make my old teammates racist? No. People like you who want to say that racism will always be a problem bother me just as much as racist people. Yes, racism still exists. Yes, racism will be around for a long time to come. Yes, there are racists who will swear to God, Budda, Shiva, and Santa Clause that they aren't racist because of public pressure. This doesn't mean racism will always be around. People will always find a reason to judge and discriminate. Once race becomes indistinct people will be judged on gender, religion, language, or any of the many other things that people are judged for today. What is true is that some people will always use another's differences to breed hatred and judgment. That difference will change over the course of humanity. Another truth is that there will always be people who will fight against judging based on differences and will always have the hope that one day that difference won't be a difference anymore. What is sad is that there will always be people like you who refuse to admit that things can, will, and do change. You will always see what you look for. If you want to think that racism will always be around then you will always find something to label as racist. However, if you want to think that maybe, some day, the fact that my brother's best friend is a dark as I am light won't make a damn bit of difference when my mom calls (and treats him like) her other son then you will see how far we as a country have come. No, racism is not gone. It's still a problem that must be faced every day, but your attitude makes it seem like there's no reason to put up that fight.

Vera said...

Well said... as always!

Jeff Laws said...

I know with my kids, we never really approached the subject. They are 9 and 7 now, but they have a couple of friends that are different races and I've never seen any reason to think they even notice the difference.

I would like to think they learn from their parents. I don't notice color and hopefully they've picked up on that.

Our 365 Days said...

I was very pissed off when I heard people made those comments about the casting of Rue...in the book she WAS black, or dark skinned, but even IF she wasn't specifically {she was} described as that, WHO CARES!? To say her death was less "important" because she was black...wtf kind of heartless person is he!? It really pisses me off!

Tracy Long said...

Being "just Andrew" makes you SOMEBODY! you are your own unique, wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, winsome young man! You are SO more than "just Andrew"! Ohmigosh, I wish I could hug him......and his Mama!

Tammy said...

I grew up with people asking me if I was of mixed race because my hair is kinky, curly and frizzy. I used to answer "NO!", then it came to me one bright and early morning...why let these racist haters have any type of satisfaction one way or the other. So my reply became, "What if I am?" Starting with my generation and down, the children of my aunts and my brothers have all married. I swear to you we could represent the UN in the diversity of our spouses and our children and our children's children. Once people can look at each other with complete color blindness our world will be better off for it!

Scifun said...

I agree Patty!

Anonymous said...

My 12 year old daughter's favorite charachter is Rue and she said, "she looks EXACTLY like I pictured her to look!" :)

Anonymous said...

I fully agree with you on the whole Hunger Games thing, but have a real issue when you start rushing to judgement on the other case. There are so many unknowns in that case that we should not rush to judgement on either party like the media has. I can't help but wonder what the result would have been if the kid had followed your Rule #2 for play dates instead of attacking an adult.

Victoria said...

I plan on raising my daughter color blind! I come from an extremely racist family, and it irritates the shit out of me that they really believe the words they are saying! I would love to believe that the world has come around a bit more, but not enough have apparently. People can be total fucking idiots.

Seminole County Florida said...

Disgusted that you had to bring up the Martin/Zimmerman case in this blog. The media bias has turned this into a total racist case and it needs to end. Reports have come out that NBC Today Show edited the 911 call to make it appear it was racial. Did you know that from Jan 2011 to Feb 2012 there were some 400+ 911 calls from that neighborhood reporting suspicious behavior, multiple break-ins and drug activity. This whole thing has gotten out of hand and most of the nation just goes along with whatever the news has told them. Sharpton is promoting a boycott of Sanford businesses, what the H*** does that have to do with the case?! It is ridiculous!

liza said...

That was a powerful message you sent...I totally agree that it's bullshit that people are STILL so racist. I didn't see the movie yet, but I did read the book and I don't recall Rue being a "dark skinned" girl,but then again, I don't recall much about most of the characters looks. What's messed up is that these dumb kids are using race to determine how they FELT about a character, which is ridiculous!!!! Have you ever seen the documentary called "the doll test"?? that one would put you in tears. your words re: your children inspired me. just remember: as many racists as there are out there, there are prob just as many like us, who are NOT racist.

Michael Ejercito said...

Ethnic privilege is deeply rooted in humanity.

Geri Hartley said...

Actually, the problem is they aren't hiding it at all now. More people find it perfectly acceptible to proudly tout their racism, especially those in the religious and political spheres. It used to be whispered behind others' backs in hushed voices. That is nor longer true, and it is vastly ugly, damaging and and divisive.

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