Like this article isn't going to raise a shit-storm.  You forgot one other racist thing here Hoffman, this very article.  The one thing worse than racism is reverse-racism, people who point at every little minute detail they think is offensive to someone somewhere, raising the PC-paranoia even further and cutting the freedom of speech and freedom of belief, the cornerstones of the American way of life, to shreds.  Has there been racism in Hollywood back in the day?  Of course, everybody knows it, nobody disputes it.  Blackface and yellowface were facts of life.  Painting Jar Jar Binks as racist?  Labelling 21 because the crew was ethnically diverse instead of all-asian?  Jumping on Geisha because they used mixed orientals instead of all Japanese?  That's just self-congratulating, ain't-I-so-smart-and-enlightened rivet counting.  I guess the new Robin Hood is racist because Russell Crowe isn't actually British, or how about The 13th Warrior because Antonio Banderas was actually from Spain.  How about Avatar, Sam Worthington was only pretending to be a Na'vi.  Any other useless points I can help you fan the PC flames with?  

You don't like what I say or think?  Fine, that's your right, I could care less if you do or not.  Do you have the right to tell me I can't say it?  Hell No!

 Though I don't know what Mr. Hoffman is to Mania, it is obvious that something is wrong with him.I think this is article is simple ignorant, and just a cheap effort to stir up a hornets nest.

The last thing anyone needs right now is this! Take a chill pill Mr. Hoffman!

A shameful article, at best! Mania this is manic!

I think he has a point...It is quite racial to make films based on stores about asians/african Americans and the turn it around to something white people are claiming to accomplish.
It hardly makes a film inspirational and interesting when everything comes down to how great white people are. I think its bull that producers couldn't find an interesting character to fill out what is truly meant to be.

I couldn't stand Memoirs of a Geisha because every actor/actress in there wasn't Japanese and the fact that the excuse was made because the American public can't tell the difference is another racist slur against the Japanese. Why can't film makers teach young audiences about different ethnics’ people?
It's not a racial exercise to create it's actually important because I'm sure Japanese people in real life are sick to death of being labelled as Chinese when clearly they're not.
However, on the other hand it is quite distressing watching comedy films where every African American is accusing every white person of being a racist. The whole routine of it is becoming boring because it is quite a concern how people are getting offended over everything and initially thinking that it's just racism talk. Not only that, African Americans are so stereotyped because of films that portray them as nothing more then gangsters with horrible English...I think even they get a little tired of that as well.
For some reason, in almost every movie you watch, the subject of racism will occur and it's just something no one can do about it.

@FerretJohn – Yes, it would be offensive to cast Russell Crowe as Robin Hood because he’s Australian not British and it’s a British story not an Australian story. I don’t understand how you can not be bothered by this as a film watcher. Maybe, I’m reading into this too much but it would make more sense to hire and actor who is British who could make Robin Hood more believable.
 

Hmmm.  Well, I wouldn't say that this article is ignorant or a matter of reverse racism.  I think racism is still a problem on many levels.  Yeah, its 2010 and it's still an issue.  The movies play on the psychology of the people.  If you portray a group of people in a certain way, it can definitely influence people's judgement because sadly some people are just that stupid.  Also you have to think about the young people that watch movies and television.  They learn from movies and television as most do.  I agree that Hollywood needs to be more responsible when it comes to casting.  This subject is something to be aware of.  There could be future Hollywood executives, current executives, producers, directors, or anyone that may be involved in Hollywood that comes to this site.  We are the ones that keep Hollywood alive and we can all influence Hollywood to not be so racist also.  Their excuse is all based on marketing, but I think its BS.  Thats not a reason to offend a group of people on that level.

To say that an Australian shouldn't be cast as Robin Hood is silly.  Crowe is an ACTOR which means he takes on roles pretending to besomething he isn't.  Crowe is also not an outlaw who lives in a forest.  Does that mean he shouldn't get the part?

As for 21, the movie was BASED ON a real lifestory, not a depiction of one.  I haven't read the book but if it doesn't contain the character being blackmailed and attacked by corrupt casino security officers then I think the movie is far enough from the book that they can cast any actors they want to.

Kara S

Of course the majority will not think this is racist. After all, they are just changing the characters to be more appealling to their like. But, the second you alter the ethnicity of a traditionaly white male character (i.e. Green Lantern, Kingpin, etc ...) They cry reverse racism or better yet, "PC" polotics.

Hoffman could have added able boddied actors playing roles that disabled actors could play. But, that too is considered being too "PC."  After all, if they were talented enough to get the parts, they would get them right? Cream rises to the top, right? Wrong.

Think of it this way; how many great bands, making great music never hit the big time because they don't fit some exec's idea of what a good act should be? I think we all know of examples of that. Same thing goes with disabled actors and disabled roles.

Samson

BTW - Pointing out racism doesn't make one racist. It makes one honest. And Asians don't like being called Oriental. Thats like calling African Americans "colored." Don't believe me, go up to a bunch of Asians and call then "oriental." Make note of the warm reception they give you. ...LOL!!!!!!

I agree with AnimeQueeny, another example is casting an American to play Captain America, it makes sense. Or using Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry to play African character or canadian character, When neither is. Its about money period. The studios will cast whoever is bankable. I had a problem with Will Smith in Wild Wild West. Main character should've been white but thats just my opinion.

Jar Jar Binks is a Gungan.  An alien from another planet.  He doesn't represent any race whatsoever.  This just attempt by this site to pile on to Episode I whenever it wants to!!!  We get the idea.  You don't like Episode I!!!  It been 11 years now, get over it!!!!  Besides, anybody who thinks Jar Jar represents any nationality here on Earth needs to get out more. 

Don't get started on Wattoo? Why was it racist to make an alien sound Italian, or whatever that was supposed to be? Does every songle Persian have a certain look? Maybe we should just make every single freaking character in cinema with no tone, no race, no nothing. How about just a blank space on screen? Wait, what color will the empty space be? WTF is wrong with media folks now that have to make race into an issue no matter what? WE HAVE DIFFERENT RACES, this stuff isn't racist. It doesn't even cross my mind when I 'm talking with someone, or watching someone ACT onscreen. Give me a break. Just lost a whole lot of respect for Mania. This is ridiculous. No one can do anything now because of "political correctness" and this stupid racism bit going on.

I have to admit, casting Chinese actresses in Japanese roles for "Memoirs of a Geisha" is one of the reasons I have yet to see the film.  Considering that the geisha is such a culturally unique symbol for Japan it's a bit of slap in the face to cast Chinese actresses in the lead roles.  Of course, Hollywood execs were more concerned about a Western audience recognizing leads in their film and less about how Chinese and Japanese audiences would react.

As per Star Wars, linking the whole Trade Federation, Gungan and Watto characters to actual races seemed as much a stretch back in 1999 as it does now.  Completely ridiculous criticism that was trumped up to stir controversy and sell "news".