"Asians are a challenge to cast because most casting directors feel as though they’re not very expressive."
Twitter users have been using the hashtag #ExpressiveAsians to mock racist Hollywood casting decisions.
In an article published by Paste Magazine, writer Kenneth Lowe shared a quote from an anonymous casting director who said, “I work with a lot of different people, and Asians are a challenge to cast because most casting directors feel as though they’re not very expressive. They’re very shut down in their emotions.”
Responding directly to the quote, Twitter users began using #ExpressiveAsians and embedding photos of themselves, Asian celebrities and gifs that demonstrate a range of emotions.
Maurene Goo triggered the use of the hashtag, encouraging others to follow suit.
Can we start #ExpressiveAsians? pic.twitter.com/PlwnNuxuBQ
— Maurene Goo (@mauxbot) September 8, 2017
Here are our favourite so far:
My fave #ExpressiveAsians pic.twitter.com/xRRfPA0GcS
— Renee Barrow 📚☕ (@RmBarrow) September 9, 2017
A silent film star and matinee idol, Sessue Hayakawa was one of the original #ExpressiveAsians in Hollywood. pic.twitter.com/W6ftOwVsqx
— Nancy Wang Yuen (@nancywyuen) September 9, 2017
"Asians are not very expressive." #ExpressiveAsians pic.twitter.com/whjvutpAzQ
— Snowpierced (@k_hanfelt) September 9, 2017
I'm Filipino and angry af#ExpressiveAsians pic.twitter.com/AQnNjpJHR4
— Storm Kitsune (@Stormy_Kitsune) September 11, 2017
"Asians are not very expressive" Still more emotions than this white person and his immobile face #ExpressiveAsians pic.twitter.com/c2jW444qzl
— Nuko (@omnomnomu) September 11, 2017
so asians can't express emotions while acting ??! EXPLAIN THIS #ExpressiveAsians pic.twitter.com/u2j0K4rOeP
— defend daca ! (@glowshua) September 11, 2017