Air America Movie: Is It Racist? Source Bing.com
Air America, a movie from 1990 starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr., was a comedy about an American pilot who rises to the rank of major in the Air America program during the Vietnam War. The movie has been accused of being racist in its depictions of certain characters, including the native Vietnamese people. To better understand the controversy, let’s take a closer look at the movie and its portrayal of different characters.
The Characters in Air America
One of the primary characters in the movie is Gene Ryack, played by Mel Gibson. He is an American pilot with a colorful past and a tendency to get into trouble. His partner in crime is Billy Covington, played by Robert Downey Jr. Billy is the sidekick to Gene, and the two of them often find themselves in precarious situations. The other main characters in the movie are native Vietnamese people, including a young lady named Tran, played by Baoan Coleman, and her father, played by Haing S. Ngor.
The Controversy Around Air America
The controversy around Air America centers on the way that the Vietnamese characters are portrayed. Some viewers feel that the native characters are depicted as inept and unintelligent in comparison to the American characters. Others feel that the characterization of the Vietnamese people is overly stereotypical and offensive. Furthermore, some viewers have pointed out that the movie does not acknowledge the suffering of the Vietnamese people during the war, which is seen as another form of racism.
The Response to Air America
The reaction to Air America has been mixed. While some viewers have praised the movie as an entertaining and humorous look at the Vietnam War, others have been critical of its depiction of the native characters. There have been calls for the movie to be removed from streaming services, and some viewers have even called for a boycott of the movie. The debate over Air America continues to this day.
The Legacy of Air America
Despite the controversy, Air America remains a popular movie. It has become a cult classic, and continues to be referenced in popular culture. It has also spawned a number of spin-off projects, including a comic book series, a video game, and a television series. The debate over the movie’s portrayal of certain characters, however, continues to this day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Air America has been accused of being racist in its portrayals of certain characters, including the native Vietnamese people. The reaction to the movie has been mixed, with some viewers praising it as a humorous look at the Vietnam War and others criticizing it for its depictions of certain characters. Despite the controversy, the movie remains a cult classic and has spawned a number of spin-off projects. The debate over Air America’s portrayal of certain characters continues to this day.
Conclusion: Is Air America Racist?
It is up to the viewer to decide whether or not Air America is racist. Some viewers may find the movie’s characterization of certain characters offensive, while others may find it to be a humorous look at the Vietnam War. Whatever your opinion may be, the debate over Air America’s portrayal of certain characters is likely to continue for years to come.
