It's only Affirmative Action if it's a justified tokenism. If you cast Morgan Freeman as God, probably the best reason to do so is that he does it so well. That would not be Affirmative Action. The assumption that all unconventional castings are Affirmative Action relies on the assumption that the under-represented minority is almost never simply the best choice. I really hope no one is really, truly intending to say that every time a non mature white male is cast as God, a more qualified mature white male has likely been bumped from the role for the sake of diversity.
Affirmative Action is intended to address systemic inequalities that cannot be addressed by looking at individual cases. It is not intended to replace a merit-based process, but to level the playing field in the long run.
This is not Affirmative Action, unless you think there is a concerted effort to find work in Hollywood for minority actors (hint: No, there isn't).
The Cosmopolitan Fictioneer
Do note that this trope isn't limited to live-action. Drawn works, video games, etc. are also within its purview.
Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus.
Yes, in those cases Affirmative Action doesn't count if you're turning a Goddess into a white male. Affirmative Action is not part of the trope.
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
If you cast Morgan Freeman as God, he's the one doing you a favor.
I don't think "affirmative action" is an applicable term. This trope involves a decision made for artistic reasons, with the goal to make a statement to or impression with the audience. Affirmative action exists to enact social change. Totally different goals.
Oppression anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere.
@ Shimaspawn No, it's only affirmative action if you make her into a minority. If you turn her into a man, it doesn't count. It's ignoring half the trope
Other comments have convinced me that Affirmative Action isn't the best name, but I still want to say that this comment of yours is completely wrong, and missing the point.
Um, I don't feel I can unilaterally edit crowner examples, but somebody just added an "option" which is nothing but a con about Divine Race Lift. I added it to the Divine Race Lift option, but the separate option should be blanked.
Also, somebody added "Cons: Just awful, don't vote for this one" to Shes A White Man In Japan. Seriously, can I delete that?
Oppression anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere.
Why are thread posts added in the crowner? Stop it, Classy Myths.
Deleted them.
edited 23rd Feb '12 12:36:10 PM by lu127
"If you aren't him, then you apparently got your brain from the same discount retailer, so..." - Fighteer
Responding to the crowner-option-as-thread-post:
The trope is about media representations that subvert the most common representation (which for the Christian sky god is usually a white male human). The Bible is only one source; arguably that's an example of this.
Becky: Who are you? The Mysterious Stranger: An angel. Huck: What's your name? The Mysterious Stranger: Satan.
Crowner has been up long enough. Calling it for Divine Race Lift.
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. DickWe are completely scrapping this name, right?
EDIT: Page and redirect made. After the discussion is moved, we should be done here.
edited 23rd Feb '12 1:23:21 PM by lu127
"If you aren't him, then you apparently got your brain from the same discount retailer, so..." - Fighteer
Zzzzzzzzzz
Discussion is moved.
Have the wicks been corrected, including moving them the the correct alphabetical position?
edited 23rd Feb '12 1:31:21 PM by Madrugada
...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.Almost there. Should this remain on the Token Index?
"If you aren't him, then you apparently got your brain from the same discount retailer, so..." - Fighteer
Zzzzzzzzzz
I don't think so.
...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.Ok then, everything looks done. I think it's safe to lock.
"If you aren't him, then you apparently got your brain from the same discount retailer, so..." - Fighteer
Zzzzzzzzzz
Locking
Thank all of you for your efforts.
...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.
I got the page, the rest of the wicks, the quotes page, Renamed Tropes and the FAQ discussion
Crown Description:
Vote up for yes, down for no.
Remember, the reason we're renaming this is because it's not about tokens or minorities. We're trying to get away from names that focus on that. They're artificially narrowing the trope.
edited 22nd Feb '12 4:08:47 PM by shimaspawn
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick