Response #3 to "Last Samurai" Casting Call

by Mike Murase

posted 12/1/03

Dear Ms. Rave

I read the "casting call" for the premiere of "The Last Samurai." I also read Mr. Wyn Ngo's letter castigating your advertisement. I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Ngo's criticisms of your action. However, since I do not know who you are, what type of person you are, what kind of political and cultural sensitivities you may possess, or how open you would be to feedback from Asian Americans, I don't know what I could say to you that would be persuasive and meaningful. Are you the type of person who would read the letter . . .

a) and immediately realize the serious mistake you made and acknowledge how insensitive it was

b) or try to cut the losses and issue an "apology" even though you don't mean it and deep down think people are being too thin-skinned,

c) or say, "Tough shit. This is Hollywood and I'm a Tinseltown hack. I need to make the party FUN for the guests,"

d) or you couldn't give a shit about Asian Americans because you don't like slant-eyed slopes anyway. "So, call me racist. I'm proud to be one!"

Whatever your response, I think you ought to make it clear, unequivocal, immediate and widespread. I can assure you your casting call and Mr. Ngo's letter are already circulating broadly through the world wide web, and across the country. Already, in the eyes of MOST in the Asian American communities, Cheryl Rave joins the ranks of Senator Trent Lott, Rep. Howard Coble, baseball executive Bill Singer, baseball player John Rocker, golfer Jan Stephenson, Al Campanis, Jimmy the Greek, and on and on. In deed, not good company! Most of them were dismissed or forced to resign from their jobs and/or became interminable targets of protest and embarrassment. I hope you have the courage and the wisdom to see the error of your ways, take it to heart and do something to correct the immediate situation and to do good for human kind in the long run.

Apology

DearMike Murase:  

Thank you for your message and please allow me to apologize for the incredible insensitivity of my posting. I am truly sorry for offending you and the Asian-American community. Believe me this was not my intent. I was looking for an opportunity to get some students involved without considering the implications of my posting. It was a very poor judgment. As a freelancer, I posted this on my own initiative and it certainly does not reflect the views of the studio. They had no idea of this posting. We will be going in a different direction that celebrates cross-cultural understanding and spotlights the incredible talents of the Japanese culture.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Rave

Freelance Coordinator Producers Program