Well, she provoked action; just not sure what Netflix’s reaction was.
In this era of expansion of streaming media outlets, people have a desire for knowledge products that Hollywood may never experience. Every platform needs to build original programs and develop a content library to attract and maintain a subscriber base. More movies and new shows than previously seen are being accepted, so even those movies of moderate interest are looking for ways to get into production.
One such endeavor is the sitcom starring Neil Patrick Harris, called “Uncoupled”, which has just started filming in New York and sounds quite traditional, if not downright pedestrian. In it, Harris plays a man who has recently divorced in New York City. The first episode takes place when his husband is about to leave. He now has to experience contemporary dating scenes. But before the camera was introduced (or any term used for the new generation of digital Panaflex cameras) there was a problem.
Actress Ida Maris Some complaints about the support part She wanted to find an older Hispanic housekeeper. When reading the script, Maris was dissatisfied with this portrayal, saying that this little character portrays a female cartoon approaching or transgressing. She doesn’t have a deep impression of the script given to her by the agent.
“When I opened it and saw that it was not even funny at all-it was hurtful and derogatory-I was shocked because I walked in expecting something very different, considering the current situation and our The progress made,” Maris told Variety.
But instead of sitting with the producer to discuss the transformation of the role, or meeting with the screenwriter to discuss filling the role and come up with a more realistic description, Maris decided to write an open letter to the Internet and entertainment media. In late September, a new script appeared with some mild changes to the character-considering that the role of Carmen only has two scenes, it is a bit challenging to do more work. Then, as the show began production at the end of last month, more changes were made, and the cast was announced on the 25th, just before filming started.
In a statement to Variety, Netflix apologized to Maris and said The character is no longer part of the series“We are sorry that Ms. Maris had a bad experience, and This character will not appear in the series,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
Hmm… this is a way to solve the problem. If you don’t portray minorities at all, you cannot accuse studios and production companies of insensitive portrayal of minorities. In addition, when the job was completely cancelled, the actress could not complain about the insensitive role she was forced to play.
I am sure Maris has legitimate concerns about the way her culture may be displayed, but questions about the methods used to address these concerns. Isn’t there any effort to reshape the character-as the script revision shows-or this kind of public outcry is a better choice, leading to the complete elimination of the Latin character? Maris said:
I hope they can realize the harm it causes to everyone. Whether it is Latino or non-Latino. I just want (the writer) to think about it next time I write a character like this. I am speaking for the young actors who will be on stage, so they face less than my generation. “
This may sound sublime, but for aspiring performers, erasing Latino roles also seems to be a huge challenge. They may face fewer role stereotypes, but generally speaking, how much can be attributed to fewer roles? As a veteran actress in her 60s, Maris might be happy to speak out. The hungry newcomer who does multiple tasks between auditions has no influence and has no choice to let himself out of such a role.
