Is Transformers Racist? The Discussion Continues:

Since the outrage of the Transformers 2 character's known as Skids and Mudflap (also known as the term Sambots) has only intensified since the film broke box office records last week, and friend and I have been verbally jousting on whether this can be construed as racist or not. 

Below is the transcript of our facebook conversation in which Crash makes an interesting cameo. Feel free to voice your opinion. Does Transformers 2 take it too far? Or are people being too sensitive?

Naysay: 

"So I saw transformers not racist at all. I think the problem is that people still look at themselves as these stereotypical characters. I didnt find it racist probably because I dont see those characters emulating me."

Denzel: 

"It's not that we see ourselves in these characters because I sure as hell don't. It's that other people see us in these characters and they depict us as such in the media. My perspective on black people isn't going to be changed by Skids and Mudflap, but what about those from other countries who associate characteristics such as not reading with being black, or black youth who are too young to understand this is not who they're suppose to be. You know well enough that some black people go out of their way to confirm stereotypes. This is why they think black people can't be doctors. Cause the world tells them they're suppose to be Skids and Mudflap. This is akin to white supremacists or KKK saying all blacks are unintelligent thugs except for instead its coming from Michael Bay and Transformers."

Naysay:

"And the twins did have a very important part to the movie. If being comic relief in a film isnt important enough, because it is, those two destroyed Devastator mostly by themselves, well they made him weaker. Also protecting Sam along with Bumble Bee. Watch it first!"

Denzel:

"Comic relief is important but not important enough to constitute a character's entire existence. I'll give it to you that I haven't seen the film and am making judgments based on other people's reactions. When the DVD is released I'll be better able to validate my views because I refuse to pay 8+ dollars for a movie ticket just to expound upon how delusional you are. That is already a given."

Naysay: 

"In general you will hate the 2nd movie. It has way more plot holes than the 1 you noticed in the first one. But also, there's a character named Wheelie, with three teeth, dumb, I associated him as the hillbilly robot. Since when is a movie racist becuase they act upon stereotypes. If that's the case Crash is a racist movie. Is it different because one is comedy and one is drama? Is that fair enough to call a movie racist?"

Denzel: 

"I don't think Crash is racist because it presents stereotypical characters with layers. Larenz Tate and Chris Bridges aren't just thieves. They're actually somewhat intelligent, thought-provoking, are capable of realizing the faults of their behavior, and religious. True racist stereotypes are one dimensional. They say you can only be this and nothing else."

FALLOUT FROM FIRST TRANSFORMERS:

Naysay: 

"QUIT BEING SENSITIVE! If you watch the old cartoons Jazz was voiced by Scatman Crothers. One of the originators of "cool". He spoke with an "ethnic" style. Showing more diversity. So Hasboro didnt have to hear from other black people "how come there arent any black autobots?" "Why they all gotta be white?" Just like barbie, and care bears, and GI Joe and every other thing black adults scrutinized to ruin the youth of children. Besides half you niggas say "Whats crackin lil bitches" on a daily basis. So quite being sensitive. Jar Jar was different."

Denzel: 

"My problem wasn't with Jazz being "black". My problem was Jazz being "black" and having stereotypical black characteristics a.k.a. being flashy, breakdancing, and destroying the car. From what I hear, Transformers 2 is taking it to a whole different level."

GRAN TORINO FILM REVIEW

"Get off my lawn!" Dirty Harry is back!

Gran Torino is the story of a racist, widowed Korean War vet, Walt Kowalski, whom finally changes with the times. Living in a Detroit neighborhood overtaken by hispanic and Hmong gangs, he befriends his Hmong neighbors becoming almost like a father figure to their kids.   

It's funny how a film about a racist turns out being less racist than films not about racists. Walt has a potty mouth and basically offends everybody from pollacks, to micks, to "gokes", what he constantly calls Hmongs people. The thing is, he's an asshole to everyone, including his own children. So does he really mean the stuff he says. That part is questionable until we come to a scene where he teaches the neighbor's kid that his offensive language is how "real men" talk.

He's actually a sweetheart and basically adopts the neighbor's kids, teaching the son how to work hard and protecting the daughter from neighborhood gangs. 

This film has a lot of potential, but regrettably in my opinion, doesn't live up to that. The actors at time become stiff and the dialogue at times becomes smarmy. Clint Eastwood is notorious for accepting screenwriter's first draft. Sometimes this could be a good thing, but Gran Torino is one of those scripts that could have definitely used a touch-up. I still haven't decided whether my beef with some of the acting is because of the script or the novice actors. The Hmong kids (Bee Vang & Ahney Her) both have their cringe-worthy moments as does the priest Christopher Carley whom plays Father Janovich. 

Besides these qualms Gran Torino is entertaining and enlightening. Clint Eastwood is always great to watch and Christian Bale should take notes from him on how to grunt. The film takes place is Highland Park, Michigan which is the perfect setting due to its ravaged neighborhood yet archaic style. The film's title gets it's name from Walt's 1972 Ford Gran Torino which they stopped making in 1976. The car serves as a metaphor for Walt himself, and his old ways. Yet they can both still glisten and sparkle in 2009. 

CULTURAL INTROSPECTION:

The climax of this movie is basically the stand-off between Walt and a Hmong gang. The Hmong gang attacks Tao, the Hmong kid Walt basically adopts. Walt retaliates by whopping one of the gang member's ass. The Hmong retaliate by shooting up Tao's home (not Walt's) and raping his sister Sue. This is where the inevitable Boyz In The Hood moment comes into play, but instead of the victim, Tao, it's Walt that makes the complex decision. He locks Tao in his basement to ensure he doesn't seek revenge while he seeks a resolution himself. In a way, it's also a major theme in Steven Spielberg's Munich. Violence only begets more violence. There's only one way out of the cycle. Either death or jail and the film involves both.

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE:

The everlasting feud of the old school versus the new school. Living in 2009, we know there are just those old folks that lived in a different time period and are stubborn to get rid of there old ways. Do we ignore those people or try to change them? Is it worth it trying to change them? Should we consider the hate they'll potential spread to their offspring continually perpetuating the problem? Unfortunately, I believe racial hatred will always be in this world no matter how mixed and liberal we get, but it's refreshing to see a story about one of those stubborn hags who can change.

RATING:

=2 Stars
= 3 Black Fists

EXTRAS:

• Clint Eastwood won many acting accolades for his portrayal in Gran Torino including a Golden Globe nomination.
• The film was rumored to be Clint Eastwood's last acting role.
• The film grossed $263 million dollars becoming Clint Eastwood's most lucrative film.