Originally Posted by
Tien Long
There seems to be some confusion over a couple of terms here. I'm not referring to "cultural appropriation" but rather the "white savior" trope. As I understand it, the notion of the white savior is that of a white person proves himself to be the lone, single champion of a non-white culture or people. The implication is that white people are better than the non-whites.
However, as I mentioned, Danny has not been the lone, simple champion of this non-white culture. There have been 64 non-white people who have proven themselves to be the best. There will be one more non-white person in the future who will prove himself to be best. Danny is merely the current example of this. He is not unique, but rather part of a long chain.
As for the focus on a white guy, I don't mind it. I have never seen a white Danny Rand being Iron Fist as saying to me, a Chinese-American, that white people are better than Asians. Rather, I was proud that someone, finally, was saying that my culture was important and presenting it to a wider stage. It wasn't too long ago that Chinese closed their culture off to foreigners (and have seen this personally). It wasn't too long along when white people mocked and ridiculed Chinese culture. So, for me, seeing Iron Fist use elements of Chinese culture and present them in such a creative way made me so happy.
So yes, I'd like to have a focus on someone like Danny. He is not some arrogant, white person who laughs at the ignorant brown, black, and yellow people. On the contrary, he has always been respectful and accepting of the other.
Now, I know that respect of culture is not racial diversity. While I'm respectful of who Danny is, I know that there are MANY examples of culturally accepting white people in the media. As a Asian-American, I do what focus on people of different races, ethnicities, and sexualities. Hearing that Ken Leung and Mike Moh will be the new Karnak and Triton respectively made me very happy. And I can't tell you have happy I am that Asian-American superheroes are getting a focus in the Totally Awesome Hulk series (which everyone should be reading by the way). I know the struggles that Asian-Americans have in media because many of my Asian-American friends are struggling actors, directors, and producers who are trying to make it in this tough business. I've posted in the past asking, pleading, and supporting an Asian-American Jason Bourne, Robin, Nightwing, Namor, and Danny Rand on my movie and television screen.
So, that's me, I'll always build people up. But a white Danny Rand who respects my culture and other people? No, I won't tear him down.
If the rest of the fighting is crap, then it's crap. I'm more than willing to accept that. I've said that perhaps Lewis Tan could have made better choice to be Danny since he has 10+ years of martial arts experience. Maybe if there is an Iron Fist season 2, the martial arts will improve. Again, I'll make the call with the rest of the season.