Race Trading an Adaptation

Race trading certainly is one way to approach diversity. However, it doesn't take the prize for the most encouraged method, often splitting viewers on respect to the source against necessary change. I could say that some writer’s only change a character's appearance for diversity's sake, and that that's cheap move towards a respectable goal. Diversity is an important issue that should be addressed, but “stealing” a character from another race is no victory for anyone. This race traded character will always hold the weight that he/she is face swapped version of the real character. Still, writer’s today shouldn't have to adhere their art for the sake of any cause. It is their work and theirs to do with as they please. Likewise, a writer is pushing for diversity shouldn't have to yield the words of naysayers.

The problem that has sprung up of late is what to think if a character has their appearance changed for the sake of changing it. I’m left to wonder if it was the skill of the actor or the whim of the writer that altered the character in question. I could rationalize it and say that unless the race of a character is integral to who they are that changing the race shouldn't matter, but at what point in an adaptation does a character’s appearance make a difference? Should all character’s be free to change? Should only white characters be free to change? Changing a character's race may or may not change their personality, but their origin will definitely be affected such as Iris West in The Flash.

A less noisy change than the human torch but a change that nonetheless altered her linage and gave us the character Joe West who, fortunately, happens to be both one of the two stronger actors and an original character. Essentially we have a new character walking around with the name of an old one. Instead of being the comic character Iris West she could have been a completely new character named Matilda Pevensey or anything the writer could think of.

It’s actually sort of strange that this is happening. That there are writer’s wanting a character’s name and role, but deciding their face isn't up to code. Anyways, if those working on adaptations want to achieve diversity without pocketing characters from another race they should write, draw, and imagine a diverse bunch of characters. Whether they start in the comics or the adaptations a natural increase in diversity can work out for everyone involved.

Do you agree? Disagree? Have a better idea? Leave your thoughts below and let everyone know!