Opinion: Whitewashing rife in Asia, too. Just look at the adverts in Hong Kong
Those accusing Hollywood of “whitewashing” Asian roles should take a look at the advertisements in Asia. Hong Kong brands such as Giordano, Bossini and Baleno; Japanese label Uniqlo; and Chinese brand Huawei, all use Caucasian models
There’s no shortage of voices crying foul every time Hollywood “whitewashes” a film character, and rightly so. A term referring to the choice of a white actor to play a role that is ostensibly Asian, several cases of whitewashing have caused an uproar in recent years.
British actress Tilda Swinton starred as a Tibetan mystic in the 2016 Marvel blockbuster Doctor Strange. (Making matters worse, the original character was a man.) The latest case to cause a stink was the casting of American actress Scarlett Johansson as a cyborg in this year’s Ghost in the Shell, based on a Japanese manga series. Filmmakers even dyed the famously blonde actress’ hair black.
A walk around the retailing mecca of Causeway Bay, however, confirms that Asian brands are just as guilty – preferring to use Caucasian models in their advertising campaigns.
Hong Kong clothing retailers Giordano, Bossini and Baleno regularly prefer white models, as if it lends their polo shirts and chinos more credibility. (Then again, this trio have also adopted names that make them sound Italian.)
Hong Kong-based G2000 is pushing its suited and smart/casual lines with Caucasian models while local independent label Izzue is also in on the act, as is Japan’s Uniqlo.
