Does casting white actors to play ethnically Asian characters violate equal opportunity employment laws?
“The employment analysis would probably not turn on the race of the role being portrayed, but start from the assumption that the role should be available to everyone– except for my argument that there is a Title VII exception, where this is a role for Asian actors since it is an Asian character. “That’s an interesting question under Title VII—whether it actually violates a statute. I would argue yes—and people could contest this—because you’re supposedly hiring everyone, but mentioning one race. That is indicating a preference, and that is inequality.” Robinson offered an example of a job application for a non-Hollywood job that would be in violation if posted. “I’m hiring for a teaching assistant. Anyone can apply—whites especially!” “The Title VII case law is very clear in other contexts,” Robinson said. “You cannot say: ‘I am discriminating because it will help my business be more profitable.’” If an argument can be made that Hollywood is breaking employment discrimination laws, why
