This post contains discussion of sexual assault and grooming of a minor.
The Oscar nominations dropped this week, andMay Decemberis in the running for Best Original Screenplay.
So why didMay Decemberstrip this character of Pacific Islander identity in favor of making him Korean?
Despite being called out across social media, Sydney never made a statement to confirm her identity.
Now, I’m not saying all the blame lies at the actors' feet.
Even theHollywood Reporterarticle that shared Vili’s statement, says: “Both men are Asian/Pacific Islander.”
But we are two separate groups, and conflating us is part of the problem.
So, what is the solution here?
Ensure that PI characters in TV/movies are not simply there to further the storylines of others.
Hire PIs behind the camera, too: writers, producers, casting agents, and directors.
As the saying goes, Indigenous people are the original storytellers so let us tell our stories.
Note: BuzzFeed reached out to Sydney Agudong’s reps for comment.
We’ll update you if she responds.
