Thank you for teaching so many with this piece. I hope you will also pay attention to and learn about Ageism, which marginalizes and discriminates against old people here in America. Especially impoverished old women. We are discriminated against in the workplace and as we move through our everyday lives, http://www.newclearvision.com/2011/12/16/old-who-me/
1
We've created a culture which tolerates vile anonymous comments and even threats on social media. Women and minorities are more likely to be exposed to this barrage than the average white guy, and it should be obvious that the effect of this is to to marginalize their voices. Sometimes this is intentional, as seems clear from the recent story on the threats that women candidates for office are receiving.
It seems that we need to be able to hold individuals responsible for the threats they make on social media. Perhaps we also need to lower the threshold for what we view as a threat.
The only other solution would seem to be automated moderation of social media posts.
2
Ms. Tran,
Your article speaks across time, gender, race and ethinicity to anyone who has suffered marginalization and alienation in this country.
Shame is something so many of us have experienced and been shaped by. However, you have something my generation did not...a way to make your voice known, a way to powerfully connect with many others. A greater good has come from this!
Your transition from the tyranny of shame to personal freedom and agency...is wonderful, courageous and inspiring!
GO GIRL GO!
7
There is another problem here, a semantic issue. I'm glad Ms. Tran has spoken of her own feelings about the cruelty of some people in our society. We have mixed race marriages in our predominantly Caucasian family and have heard rude comments many times. There have always been boors and ignorant people in every country. When we use the term "people of color" we aggregate everyone into white and non-white, even if the person is Asian, black, Hispanic, etc. It's convenient for conversation, but I believe the dichotomy divides us. We must strive to be American first and speak out when we hear derisive comments about anyone, no matter what their skin color is.
5
Bravo, Ms. Tran, and thank you for your courage.
4
Good start Loan! Become a producer and cast women in strong and powerful roles. Also, write more pieces for the NYT.
6
I am a middle aged white man born and raised in the northeast. I am ashamed of the society my ancestors created that instills shame in people because they look different than me. I feel shame looking back at my iwn behavior that had perpetuated this bigotry on any level. Ms. Tran’s article brought these feelings to the surface so powerfully and made me think that my community needs to feel this shame and stop believing the lie that we are more simply because of the way we look. We need to let the shame inform our behavior so that we begin to act as though we are judging people “by the content of their character” not by how they look. I for one applaud Loan Tran!
3
Totally applaud your reconsecration to be authentic - we all should be so bold. However, I tire of the litany of immigrants trashing our culture as if it’s unique to us. It is human to be tribal. Having been to many parts of Asia, I can assure you “white devils” are not embraced and welcomed into the fullness of local society and many western professionals take on a local name and persona to be successful.
7
Loan, you are the future of this country and the world, and a shining star. Thanks for these honest and courageous words.
1
I'm glad that Loan has gotten this off her chest. I have no idea who she is as I haven't been to a Star Wars movie since the original back in the '70's(?). Unfortunately she's in an industry that revolves around how people look. Surprising that she took this tack given her career choice but more power to her.
3
I really dug Ms Tran's portrayal of Rose. She was fun and lovely and smart. Now as a white male I must say I'm quite taken aback by some of the mean- spirited posts in reply here, mostly by men (or teenage boys). "Stop whining." "Such a victim." "You were worse than Jar-Jar (!?)" WHAT happened to empathy? Did Trump kill it along with manners and politeness?
5
"I Won’t Be Marginalized by Online Harassment"
...Didn't she literally close her account to get off the internet? This is what happens when you force diversity solely for the sake of diversity. No one minds good characters of color. What they DO mind is when an SJW studio decides they want to stick a person in solely to appease some sort of perverted political correctness and diversity quota. It shows.
1
Loan, while I can appreciate your position, and am glad your proud of your heritage, everyone feels different. This is a country of people from someplace else.
Keep in mind, you’ve chosen to work in a high profile industry, that values the superficial. People are going to criticize whether you like it or not. It goes with the paycheck. You also worked in one of the most divisive big budgeted films in some time. The movie was terrible, and your character/ acting wasn’t much better. I don’t know if that’s a reflection of your talent or just the terrible screenplay and direction (and that’s all Rian Johnson, white middle aged guy who’s gotten scorched, deservedly, for that awful movie). If your going to continue in this industry you need to develop a thicker skin and be able to discern genuine criticism from a bunch of Twitter trolls.
3
Discrimination, racism, and bigotry even today in America is quite normal and has become more sensationalized due to social media. But Ms. Tran's experience should be looked at in the context of it being part of her "American experience" here in U.S. In the context of "culture" in other countries throughout the world, I'm sure these recriminations are just as blatant for anyone who is different. Speaking as a generality, it's not just a black-white thing as being portrayed in the article.
She talks about how being a minority has made her different, which is natural when the majority of those around her look very different from her. I am a white man who struggled to fit in throughout childhood. I know what it feels like to feel different from those around me. I have never felt like an "inheritor of manifest destiny" and I don't know a single white American who has.
I find it rather obvious that such feelings would develop in many who live as the minority in their area of residence. That dynamic is one of the forces that generate in-group preference. Some amount of out-group animosity is ineradicable, so I wasn't shocked that she had received racist comments. Some amount of online animosity is also normal for any public person, and given that her character was a popular point of contention, it made sense, though it was unfortunate, that she would become the target of some misdirected ire. Perhaps a large volume of it.
I found her dialogue among the worst in the film, but most of her performance was endearing when Rian Johnson's dialogue wasn't too horrible to allow for it. I had a bigger problem with the way the media handled these events than I did with Rose Tico. They painted the critics of the film as racists. People are more sensitive to negative feedback than positive, and this article demonstrates that she was already specifically sensitive about her race. If she couldn't handle such comments, account deletion was the obvious recourse.
4
It is also worth considering that some of these racially insensitive comments were likely in reference to the tokenistic nature of the decision to include her character at all, a decision which, while perfectly reasonable, seemed to serve politics, or corporate market share, before it did the storytelling of the film.
Such comments would have been hurtful, and many would likely have conveyed excessive animus with little grace or care. Regardless, comments akin to "She was only included for her race", or, perhaps more delicately, "Rose Tico was included for political reasons, without the care necessary for her successful characterization", actually do make reasoned points, and aren't simply the "racist backlash" they might appear to be. There are viewers of East Asian descent with such opinions.
This is not to say that all of these reported "racist comments" made this point, and I would criticize the racial insensitivity of such comments even if I couldn't honestly refer to their meaning as "racist", given that their ire is directed toward a political agenda they consider detrimental to the quality of the storytelling. Any comments which denigrated Tran's race itself is absolutely indefensible. The existence of such comments does not necessarily demonstrate anything about the critics of the film, in aggregate, or society itself. Mosts claims that it does are reliant on the faulty logic associated with anecdotal evidence.
1
Bravo Loan!!! I am a white woman married to a South Asian man and grateful every day that I am a member of an extended South Asian family that has welcomed me and enriched my life beyond measure. People miss so much of life when they isolate themselves in smaller and smaller groups through fear and/or ignorance. We should all be working for the world you describe. I wish you only the best in your future endeavors.
8
I really enjoyed reading your article; it's no surprise that a bunch of white guys on here are the main naysayers but as you know their words are worthless. Hot air that evaporates quickly. Listen and be around people who see you as a human.
I also want to live in a world with other humans who care about others. You know you risk your career by speaking out...your very livelihood but we need real heroes like you to express that. To tell others to respect your humanity. Thank you for publishing this Loan, I am better for reading it.
9
Another entitled millennial, writes essay she no doubt thinks is of great importance, uses “I” or “me” 59 times in the essay. Everybody’s got problems Ms. Loan, most everybody deals with problems of acceptance. It’s a story as old as time. Ever met obese people? Handicapped people? People born with severe disfigurement? White people (shudder!) in countries where they are not majority? In National Geographic this month is the story of a woman who got a face transplant — think about that, in the prime of her youth. There are people out there with real problems, Ms. Loan does not have them.
8
@Steve B I understand what you're saying. It's very similar to part of what I posted, but the fact that other people have problems, and that she may be looking at her personal insecurities from a mistaken or unproductive angle, doesn't negate the fact that she and many others have dealt with such feelings, and have the right to talk about it publicly.
5
Powerful essay...wow! I appreciate the voices of all who are speaking out about the reality of life of a person from a traditionally marginalized group. Those of us not in such a group need to pay attention and learn. Speaking for myself, I had no idea how bad it was for these groups until the last few years. 2016 ushered in a whole new level of awareness. I am paying attention. I am learning. I will do my best to help erase stereotypes and show visible support for all. Thank you for sharing your innermost feelings Ms. Tran. I thought that you did an excellent job as an actress in "The Last Jedi" and now I know that you are an intelligent, thoughtful and fine human being as well.
5
Thank you Queen Loan. I thank God for your words. You are beautiful and you didn't need to hear that from me. You already know. Your time is now. You gave voice to the struggles I have dealt with a long time as a seasoned black woman. I believed the lies from society and from members of my family; thinking I am never good enough. Well, I am more than good enough. I was born to break molds and do great things. If my presence is a threat to others, so be it. I will not diminish myself to make others feel better. As a woman of mixed heritage, my culture and my life's experiences contribute to the essence of me. I am beautiful as I am with my natural hair, my curves, and the scars that continue to mold and shape me into the woman I am becoming. A phenomenal woman! Thank you for giving voice to our existence. I applaud you for your work in cinema. You are destined for greater things. "The sky is not the limit, if there are footprints on the moon!" -Unknown
4
Very nice to meet you, Loan. I loved Rose, too -- the universe needs female geeks with moxie. I look forward to hearing more from both of you.
1
May you have a long and fruitful career of telling stories. I hope that yours represent dreams, feelings, and experiences that are uniquely yours, and help to represent those that are marginalized. Star Wars fandom has many toxic elements. I, for one, would love to see a movie that revolves around Rose and Holdo. I'm sorry the hateful voices were so powerful for you.
1
Dear Loan, your parents gave you a beautiful name. It is the female counterpart of the mythological Chinese Phoenix, the king of all birds. "Loan" represents nobility with unmatched beauty. As an (old) Vietnamese American, I am so very proud of you. Believe in yourself and stay the course!
8
The level of narcissism is off the charts.
She's so "marginalized" that she excoriates people who didn't like her multi-million dollar role in a Disney film not on Youtube, Reddit, Twtter, Facebook, a podcast, a blog or a message board but in the New York Times.
"I'm a world-famous multimillionaire but I'm mad because White people don't think I'm pretty enough."
How has the NYT sunk low enough to publish things like this?
8
It is 2018, the 21st century and while it is hard for many to believe we still live in a world heavily populated by people who are racist and prejudice in many ways. This being true it is probably useless to believe this will change in the life time of even the youngest person living on the planet today. Anyone who suffers from any kind of prejudice must accept that you are surrounded by idiots and must make a conscious effort not to be one because as small children used to be told, two wrongs don't make a right.
I grew up in Manhattan which is the largest experiment of diversity anywhere. I have seen first hand people representing any group you can name speaking out and acting out badly to an individual from another group without hesitation who at the drop of a hat would complain about how they are treated because they are (fill in blank). I have personally gone to hospital emergency rooms twice when people attacked me and in each of those instances it was for being identified as being from one of two groups that I don't even belong to.
If you feel angry about how you are treated because you are, again fill in the blank, get angry but move on and don't just be an angry person. Laugh at people who are idiots, protect yourself if attacked but if you aren't capable of physically fighting back then run because there is no shame in surviving. It is very important not to think it is all about you or the group you are from because your group has haters too.
Butt-hurt ramblings from another whining millennial. Nobody cares about your looks, race or gender. You’re just a bad actress in a really annoying role. You’re the Jar Jar of this trilogy. The worst part was being teased with thinking Rose was dead. Total letdown to see her taking a breath. However, the bad writing wasn’t your fault ... you being an annoyingly whiny baby is. Shut up and collect your unearned paycheck.
3
It's good to be insulted by bad people. I feel well when a racist insults me. I feel fine when a dictator badmouths me. Insults from bad guys are like a badge of honor.
8
" I realized I had been lied to." Gee, ya think ?
I am part of the Evil white middle aged male cabal that gets the continuous hatred now. I am not one of the Times' "We / They / Us/ What We Think/ etc etc" that you all love to throw around nowadays. And being one of these folks you like to Knee jerk says IS evil, well even I am shocked and disgusted at the Racist garbage that is thrown around nowadays. It was thrown around when I was a kid too. Its just now out in the open due to many factors. It disgusts me and I hate our sad sad country nowadays, but Ms. Tran - we have ALL been lied to ...
since day One !
3
Yes! I look forward to the Loan who is proud of her Vietnamese heritage and not wishing to be White. White supremacy devastates all non-Whites and the sooner we accept that truth, the better of we will be.
9
This woman makes me so proud to be Vietnamese. I used to ask myself all the time if I would've been better off being white. I've dealt with my insecurities, stereotypes, and all that poop. But with Loan making a difference by getting our people up on the big screen really inspires me. I don't want to be a doctor or some lawyer. I don't wanna fit myself into those stereotypes, I want to do what I wanna do without someone telling me to stay in my "Asian lane"
2
"I had been tricked into thinking that my body was not my own, that I was only beautiful if someone else believed it, regardless of my own opinion.”it's unfortunate that she was so weak-minded and her parents were so bad at raising her, that she did not develop self-esteem.
1
Dear Loan,
Thank you for you power and retrieved voice. You will never be turned around again. Power forward!
2
Growing up Jewish in a not so large Texas town and the experiences of my Japanese wife, born and raised in rural Nebraska have taught me much about being “different”. I regard the differences not so subtly pointed out as being a strength, a realization you appear to be embracing. Congratulations. I hope you inspire others. Also, we survived without social media for most of the modern era. It should not be a required feedback mechanism that determines the fate of our self-confidence and convictions. Even for someone famous like yourself, is social media required for your continued success? I hope not. Be social, skip the media. Cheers.
8
Hi Loan. You are an inspiration. Looking forward to hearing more from you. (And I thought Rose made the movie - you were it's heart.)
2
I share your pain, as a 73 year-old American of Italian ancestry. All four of my grandparents immigrated to New York in the early 20th century. Both of my parents were born here, but as a child I carried the stigma of Grandparents who couldn't speak English, and the thought that I was an "other"
White teachers didn't like it when I dated white girls in junior high. When we moved "off the block" to a single family home in a "better" neighborhood, my Father was visited by a W.A.S.P. gentleman(sic), who proceeded to lecture my Dad on how all of the neighbors like to maintain their laws and gardens so that "everything looked nice". My father of course mowed his own lawn, trimmed his own hedges, and planted his own flowers because he loved doing it. That was part of his culture. The W.A.S.P guy had a gardener.
My parents also BOTH cooked. Our house was a favorite "snack stop" among my teenage friends on Saturday afternoons, when my Father made meatballs and sauce. Food...also part of our culture. My Dad was worried, and insisted that we keep our voices down less the neighbors think we were a "bunch of "WOPS" from the Heights (our old, more ethnic neighborhood).
Racism runs very deep in America, especially within the Northern Europeans who came here first (sic), murdered the indigenous peoples, and stole their lands. Be strong and proud of your cultures here in the great melting pot. Don't melt! Blend! And keep your identity!
11
Should acting on assumptions about whether a stranger is part of your in-group be considered racism, in all circumstances?
Thank you, Loan, for your beautiful and poignant assertion of your humanity, coming at a time when it has never been more apparent that we must join together to defeat the evil emanating from the White House which reflects the evil and sickness in our society.
4
Please stop! I'm getting tired of this victimization poor me attitude from people who have reached their so called goals and callings in life.
Was it Eleanor Roosevelt ( I believe; I could be wrong ) who stated " you cannot insult me without my permission". Stop being so sensitive and start just working in your craft. You are a beautiful woman with enormous talents but putting your energy in " defending " just eats away at your talent little by little. Acting is giving , not defending. You will be surprised how this social media attention plays into your future roles. If you think it was bad before, by you defending it so publicly ( sort of whining ) now will only carry into your performances. Carry on young lady and be grateful that you can make a living , star in blockbuster movie and be be living the dream of 98% of actors who are waiting for that call.
8
@Dan Cafaro You stop. You don't get to tell someone that they're not allowed to be hurt or to say so just because they are fortunate in other parts of their lives. You're marginalizing her and her experience just like the trolls did. If you don't want to read it, move along.
12
Good for you, Tran Loan! (Or, Western style, Loan Tran.)
Please know that many of us, across genders, races, ethnicities, religions and sociology-economic circumstances go through life believing that we are "not good enough."
Thank you for speaking out to change this. The truth is that each of us *is* good enough, qualified by our humanity.
6
Thank you Loan for your bravery with sharing your story. Your words resonate with me as a Vietnamese/American in my mid 40's who has experienced, thought, and felt everything you so beautifully wrote. The societal shame is a very real and damaging force that continues to exist. We need to work to change this narrative so that all people of color and marginalized groups don't grow up to feel "lesser than, inadequate, dismissed" this list can go on and on. I appreciate you using your platform to create this awareness and dialogue which is greatly needed. I'm so glad you are just getting started and cannot wait to see what you do next!!
6
Thank you for such a powerful message. Those words bring forth the reality of how discrimination of colour affects people who are Asian-American or of any other colour.
How do we stop ✋ such discrimination?
You are right and I should add that it starts from empowering ourselves into believing we are better and are able to compete with any Tom, Dick or Mary(!).
And to ignore the haters, although be very wary...
I worry for my nephew who is a straight As student at college in the USA, every time. But my friends who are Americans think he will be fine.
God Bless.
3
Beautiful!
4
Halo there. You are so brave. I've been in the same situation that you and millions people of color in the world been through - even as i type this comment - still ongoing. But you already made your stand, and i salute you for that. You will be insipiration for maybe othe rmillions men/women in the wolrd that still hiding like nothing ever happen. Salute Kelly Marie Tran.
4
Sing it, sister! I look forward to your continued successes, attempts, _and_ failures! Don't hold back. I love your face.
3
"Remember that you are an Englishman, and have consequently won first prize in the lottery of life."
Cecil Rhodes
The days of the Empire are counted.
4
Ma'am, I know the kind of bullying that you went through growing up. I'm a Caucasian male married to beautiful Japanese woman and saw the bullying our three children had to put with.
I had to laugh one time when a stupid idiot tried his garbage out on my daughter and her brothers came to her rescue. Our middle son one of her older brothers hauled off and decked the kid and from then on none of my kids were picked on by that idiot or his friends. The kid learned his bigotry from his parents.
8
This article was very interesting to me because I can relate to her on some of her feelings and experiences. I know what it's like to feel like you aren't like everybody else. When I was younger I was very tall and it made me feel very upset that all the other girls ans boys were shorter than me. Feeling like an outcast is not fun, and it can make you want to change yourself like the actress Kelly mentioned in the article how she stopped speaking vietnamese. You have to always remember to be yourself, and I think the message of this article says that, which is why it was so intriguing.
2
I am glad Ms. Tran had the courage to address this. But this is not something that she needs to fix.
People who marginalize, bully and otherwise unload their self-hate onto groups they have decided to terrorize need to be held accountable and make restitution. There should be a way in which these people are 'retrained' and have to prove their worthiness to be allowed back into society after this.
The rest of our society who claim they do not subscribe to this hateful treatment of others need to stand up with the targeted and help them to get through during their time of need and train their own family and friends acceptance of and celebration of all people.
On a final note, those being targeted in this way need to shun any self-loathing brought about by this ill treatment...no one can make you feel bad about yourself without your permission.
3
Know that many, many people who don't look like you feel the same way as your op reveals. We are with you! Don't let the haters ruin your joy! Star Wars!!!!--you go--we all loved you in it--a memorable performance! So many more people love you than the few haters who want to use you for their own enrichment. Just keep doing your art and fighting for the causes you believe in, that is the American Way. My mother always told me that there are more people of good will than those who are not, if people of good will all fight together we will overwhelm the ill will. And yes delete those accounts don't let that negative energy in, know it is there but it is a waste of time to engage, closed minds are closed, fight for justice and equal protection under the law.
2
You may not like her character on The Last Jedi(I did not) But to attack her for it or use any other discrimination is just beyond words...
This is unacceptable and should not happen.
3
Along the lines of some comments here, my physician/scientist wife once presented her laboratory's work to donors at the elite biomedical research university where she worked not long ago. After her talk a sweet elderly lady with blue/silver hair and a mink coat walked up to her and said: "Your country must be very proud of you."
Her country happens to be this one.
9
Dear Loan,
I want you to know what a loss it was to MY world that you canceled your instagram account. From the moment I discovered your account, it was an every day read for me. Every one of your posts had something wonderful to share as you lived you dream and shared it with us. Everything you said was positive and inspirational. You let us all know that we were ALL beautiful. That we could ALL chase our dreams just like you're doing. I want you to know I love you for that. You're absolutely beautiful, inside and out, just exactly as you are on your worst day. And you are, for sure, a star player in my life and the lives of many others. I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have to share with us.
Please remember that for every one of those idiots that wants to bring you down, there's another one of us that sees you for who you truly are, ready to lift you right back up.
11
This article has caught me by surprise.
Never heard of it until now.
I thought she was great. Really good actually.
People really need to work on themselves and not troll and spew hatred online. I find it very cowardly and weak.
5
I didn't read the racist online comments that were so distressing to Ms. Tran, as I care not for social media. If you cannot handle the hate box that the internet has become, maybe think about not putting yourself out there. I will say that the character she portrayed in TLJ was arguably the worst part of the film. And race had nothing to do with it. Maybe blame the writers and director for the hate, not your heritage.
3
@Neavis Haven't you heard? No one is responsible for themselves any more. Just blame everyone else.
2
@Neavis: I briefly googled her name, because I had no idea what trolling she referred to -- I rarely use Twitter.
It seems it was not about her race at all, but her WEIGHT. She was compared unfavorably to other, more conventionally attractive Asian actresses.
So really this has almost nothing to do with race at all.
3
We applaud Kelly for speaking up. People should feel safe, encouraged and welcomed in digital spaces not limited or less than others. We at Mazu want a world where everyone is accepted and loved, especially in digital spaces. It's time to end the discrimination that people face and share the love!
2
I appreciate how Ms. Tran has overcome the prejudice and marginalization of growing up different in our society. But it is about being different, not about being non-white. To cast it as the latter is dishonest and intentionally provocative. Do you think a gay white man in the 1950s didn't suffer as much as you? Do you think a Uyghur in China doesn't suffer at the hands of the Han people. As the Asia Argento story has taught us, there is bad in all people. To imply otherwise is itself bigoted. There's no discrimination toward outsiders, gay people, etc., in Vietnam?
9
Generally loved the honesty of this piece (though I hope they'll proofread and remove that additional "from" in the line containing "from which"), but I absolutely did not like the fact that she equated "everyone" with media and advertisers. That was disappointing, and the fact that she did so speaks to another, significant layer of what plagues our society. I look forward to following her in the decades to come.
"Rose" -- Our 8-year-old loves you and your character. On the list of Star Wars characters she wants to meet in real life, you rank #3 (behind only Rey and Finn, but above all the other Star Wars characters that fill her fan fantasies). Thanks for inspiring the little ones!
7
Thank you, Loan, for sharing your experiences and inspiration. We all need to really listen to one another, especially to the voices such as yours that have been ignored for too long. As a white woman, I am appalled by so many comments from other readers either directly denying your experiences, mansplaining them away, or focusing purely on a word or two rather than the essence of your essay. I believe you. Please keep sharing!
4
Speak sister speak. Bravo. It is mind-blowing, isn’t it, this catastrophic lie about our value in the world as people of color that we all have been fed?
6
Thank you thank you thank you so much for this beautifully written and powerful message.
3
It is very sad that the Star Wars fandom turns out to be a community of bigots. Do remember that there are people behind you, dear Loan.
3
A wealthy lead actress from Star Wars complaining about discrimination, while a movie with an all-Asian cast is #1 at the box office. Sometimes I don’t know whether it’s Fox News or the NYT trying to ensure Trump stays in office.
2
Please read again. She is talking about online harassment, not discrimination.
7
After watching Crazy Rich Asians, a friend said that the most unbelievable part was that someone as successful as Rachel's character, as the youngest faculty member at NYU, wouldn't have let some petty jealous nobodies at the bachelorette party make her upset. Like in this situation, people (probably mostly people who have never felt unwelcome anywhere) say: just get over it. But it is very difficult to not be hurt by these vicious attacks, especially when you've been made to feel like an outsider or imposter. To grow such a thick skin that you can ignore it all is almost unhuman.
Thank you for speaking up. I also loved seeing two sisters who look like my sister and me be heroes in Star Wars. Rock on.
5
Thank you. We have all been lied to. The stories we've been told by others are only how THEY see the world, and even though they may be presented as "true" and maybe even sound "true" they are only stories. And some of the worst lies are the ones we tell ourselves. Those stories are the ones that are the most serious, the most limiting, the darkest. Like Loan, we each need to figure out what those stories are and push back against the ones that damage us. Wish you all the very best!
2
Time for Megyn Kelly to point out that all fictional characters matter, and in addition to Santa Claus, Luke, Leia, Obi Wan, Vader, Han and so many other fictional characters in books and movies everywhere, even if not actually from this planet, are white.
As an American of mixed (including Asian) heritage, I thank Ms. Tran for speaking the truth so clearly and eloquently.
There was recently a NYT discussion on what books ought to be added to high school curricula; I submit that there are NYT Opinion articles, including Ms. Tran's, that should be mandatory reading.
8
It's good that she became strong enough not to be offended by everything
The United States of America is a place where different cultures from all over the world come together to merge and mix, to share, live and create one great new culture.
.
Therefore, if you are:
- A Jewish person, who is racist. Please remember how the Antisemitism discriminates against Jews. Please remember how the Nazi Germans had stereotyped the Jews, and how you were treated.
.
- An African American, who is racist. Please remember the equality you are having now did not come without Blood, Sweat & Tears.
.
- A white Christian American, who is racist. Please remember this nation was built on slavery, and is still full of racial discrimination. But you are kept saying "This country is based on Christian values." Please remember Christianity is to affirm the infinite value of all people, regardless of nationality, race, development, appearance, or ability.
1
If I could send a message to Loan Tran, I would say this:
The truth is within you. You "know" the real truth of yourself. Hold onto it. Cherish it. Do not let de-valuers try to define who they think you are. You know who you are. And those who value you will know it as well. Draw strength from them. And ignore the others. Life is too short to waste it on those who deserve not one second of your time.
2
Self discovery and establishing one's sense of self on a secure footing is important to growing up. It's nice that the actress is doing that, but pretty ridiculous that she blames society for her issues. Like all maturing people, she should next learn that the world doesn't revolve around her and it doesn't owe her anything. If her parents had moved to another country besides the US, she might have just as easily experienced dislocation- as American expat kids do overseas. I taught many such while living overseas myself, and one thing you teach them is that you can't expect the world around you to change to suit your needs.
6
Respectfully, Kelly Marie Tran MUST blame American society. Then we must all work to change who we think we are. In her piece she correctly identifies the core of the problem, that is that, somehow, despite all logic, American society was built "to uphold the power of one type of person — one sex, one skin tone, one existence." I said "despite all logic" because it should be obvious that the United States is populated overwhelmingly by immigrants (some voluntary, some forced, some remaining after the borders were altered by "events" like the war against Mexico). Isn't it obvious that a society based on the ethnic cleansing of the non-white natives can never honestly consider itself natively "white." Isn't it obvious that all those recently emboldened nazis who march in circles defending confederate statues while speaking of a mythological white (Aryan) nation are not only wrong but manifesting a cartoon-like stupidity. Sometimes we all must resist internalizing mythological forms of identity. Sometimes we all must resist accepting socially determined definitions of Americanness. Sometimes we are all obligated to point fingers at the real culprit. The stereotypical image of a standard "American" should never again be a white male speaking English. Look around ... what was that song? "We are the World."
4
Loan is a lovely name. Thank you for speaking up again and standing up to the bullies. We're fortunate to have you.
8
As a seasoned woman of color, who has subscribed to so many different assumptions of who i am or should be, i so appreciate your candidness and transparency. Thank you. I look forward to your future work and how you affect change in the years to come.
117
She is unfortunately digging herself deeper. Lessons for actors/actresses from the debacle of Star Wars TLJ and the role of Rose Tico in particular:
- Don't take badly written roles in awful stories
- Don't blame the audience for disliking badly written roles in awful stories, certainly don't impute racist motives on the audience for doing so
- A handful of anonymous trolls do not speak for the audience
- Don't attach your image to a divisive political agenda
6
@Stusstrupp You forget George Burns mantra for any actor or actress who wishes to perform at all, much less succeed.. "The secret is to keep working." You don't refuse a role unless you're already working on one that would conflict. It is not your mission to do the director's job, or the writer's job, your mission is to act. Never ever tell an actor not to take a part.
5
@Frank Lazar
I beg to differ: Taking on bad roles will hurt an actor/actress's career. Examples: Famke Janssen as Phoenix, Toby Maguire in Spider Man 3, Sarah Michelle Gellar in Scrooby Doo or, to take anonter actor burned by a bad Star Wars role, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker.
None of the above are bad actors and neither might be Ms Tran, but the audience disliked them in those roles that they voluntarily took up.
I didn't like any of these performances as I didn't Ms Tran's. The difference between her and Janssen, Maguire etc. is that the latter are not blaming the consequences of their choices on their careers on racism by lumping us in with a minority of anonymous trolls.
With this piece Ms Tran not just abuses her audience but outrageously belittles actual racism. she spoilt her career all by herself.
A hugely important essay! But I am sorry to see “the media” take another kick in the teeth with no mention of “online bullies” and/or “white supremacists”, who are presumably the direct reason for the social media delete.
2
It's nice to meet you Loan, you've been missed...
4
It's quite a stretch for Ms Tran to describe herself as a woman of color; she doesn't have to walk in those shoes.
3
@Rigoletto, there is more than one color. I didn't hear her saying what it seems you're implying. She is non-white and has lived in a culture that tries to define what that is or isn't.
7
This is yet another example of the irony of social media. A celebrity (someone rich and famous, and successful) is insulted by someone who lives in the poorly lit basement of their parents house and takes it as if it were gospel and a reflection of society in general.
We have got to realize that Twitter/Facebook/whatever has provided a minute fraction of the population a voice they wouldn't otherwise have. I appreciate Ms. Tran's concerns, but there will always be a tiny segment of hateful, non-productive, people out there with internet service.
I am glad she is using it as motivation. Now if only we could realize it's irrelevance at the start.
2
Zang Ziyi appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair several year back.
May I say that speaking as a straight white man born and raised in America, there is no individual trait that petty people will not grasp onto and use to tear you down. In my life I have been subjected to all kinds of verbal and physical abuse. I have been mocked, bullied, called “gay” and other colorful synonyms for homosexuals, punched in the face, stabbed in the face, groped, and had my personal space violated in all sorts of ways.
I was simply told to not give them the power or they probably hate themselves more.
9
No one denies your struggles or the stacked deck against you. But lets be clear: Asian-American and "person of color" are two distinct categories. Your struggles are real, your claim to being a "person of color" is not. Don't claim things that aren't yours.
4
Soooo...can someone point to the exact quote where Tran says she left social media because of Star Wars Fans?
1
You are a Queen, Ms Loan Tran, and your words have given me great inspiration, even though I am twice your age and should know better by now. My story is similar to yours and I have been marginalized throughout my life by others, including those closest to me - because I have allowed it to happen and because, like you, I believed them, too. It will never be easy for others to understand, unless they possess the ability to put themselves in your shoes, but for those that have been there, your words scream out like a siren of truth. You have attained great heights and I can't wait to see how you use your platform. I never thought about you before, but now I am a huge fan. Rise up, my lady.
70
Congratulations Loan for your dignified response to the ignorant and those who give the term "fanboy" a bad name. It's shocking that in this day and age there's a perception amongst a vocal minority that an Asian-American actress is only acceptable if the role is a cleaner or in take-away delivery, requires subtitles, and is subservient. Keep up the great work Loan.
4
Go on Kelly Marie Tran, use social media to say a bunch of conservative stuff.
You won't just be marginalized by rude and offensive behaviour, you'll be outright banned - "deplatformed".
So please, stop with the tears over trifles, you deleted your own posts.
7
Just remember that, as an Asian, your chances of being admitted to Harvard (and several other first line universities) is markedly less. Presumably because your social skills and worth are less, according to their own documents.
Other governments can help with the problem of cultural imperialism.
In many places in the world, people -- especially women -- seek products and operations t make them look more "white.'"
It's time to ban these procedures and products, such as lightening creams and plastic surgery on eyes.
Even more important will be vigorous name-and-shame campaigns to present these products and "services" as demeaning and self-loathing -- even unpatriotic.
China, for example -- could associate these deplorable "businesses" with the opium forced on China by Great Britain.
There must be strong, long-range and persistent campaigns to highlight both the history and continued effects of imperialism and colonialism.
2
I admit. I was greatly disappointed with Star Wars - The Last Jedi. I was not a big fan of Rose as a character either. But as I saw the hate language directed at you (Loan), I was just shocked. I could not believe the level of ignorance that we had descended to.
Rose became the escape goat for a poorly written film and you were Rose. The fact that you are Asian and a woman was compounded by a sociopolitical environment in this country where things that people were ashamed to even think of are now spoken out loud with no shame.
I am not in the movie industry. I am just one of those people who loves movies. I am at a movie theater every week. I have seen all kinds of films. I have not seen your other films yet, but even on a role in Star Wars that I did not think was great you, as an actress, were very good. You are beautiful, talented, and you played your role well. But even if I did not think that way about your acting, nothing would ever give me or anyone else the right to attack you as a person.
As a first-generation immigrant, I feel inspired by your message. When I see Star Wars - Episode IX, I will see it with a different perspective because you are in it. You are right, you have accomplished a lot of firsts... and none of your critics have gotten even close to it.
80
@Duncan where did you see the hate? I didn't see it. I only saw articles talking about the hate. Because allegedly it was on instagram, but unfortunately "someone" deleted every post so now there is no way to know for sure. What is left is listen and believe...
6
Your expressed thoughts and feelings, so eloquent. Made me feel I was reading something written by Martin Luther King. Good for you.
1
Thanks, Loan! Thanks for your unfathomable courage to speak out! Every time I am asked where I am really from, every time I am told they are not interested in Asian guys, every time I secretly wish I were white so I would be noticed and recognized, I will remember your words! My real first name is JiaXian, it is about time people learn to pronounce that right!
8
I always thought Asian women in the US had it easy - men of all races like them. But apparently it is not that simple. But I would guess Asian men in the US have it much worse?
We need to train everybody not to take it all to heart so much. Many (like the waitress) don't mean to hurt you. And as for the rest who do mean it - who cares what they think?
3
Eric, did you read the part about being judged by her attractiveness to men? And then you led with how men of all races find Asian women attractive. Re-read it. Seek out other material about microaggressions and racism. A person who grows up a member of the white male majority doesn't realize the water he swims in. You read the article and appear interested in the topic. Dig deeper and then you'll start to understand, and then you can be part of the solution.
5
Loan/Kelly, I hope you're prepared for them to come harder than before, because they will. Make no mistake, they'll follow you. Strap some armor on and make yourself impervious.
All the best.
5
Brava, Ms. Tran. You weathered a minor storm from minor people and learned from it. You come out ahead. Good work, by the way.
2
Loan,
Way to go lady.
From many former students I can comprehend your frustrations.
BTW I'm an old (75) white guy.
Celebrate your life.
tony
1
"I want to live in a world where people of all races, religions, socioeconomic classes, sexual orientations, gender identities and abilities are seen as what they have always been: human beings.
This is the world I want to live in."
It is the world I want to live in too. I am a white male- but I am also an individual. I am tired of these screeds that are directed at my race and gender.
Races are not responsible for the actions of individuals. Being white does not make a persons life great or perfect.
13
WillT26, it's true that being a white male doesn't automatically make your life great. It does afford many privileges that are difficult to see unless you are not male and/or white. As a white woman, I can breeze my way through situations that may be stressful or even deadly for women and men with darker skin. As a woman, there are certain situations that I have to deal with that my (white) husband never does. We can all learn from each other and acknowledge that our life experiences are very different and greatly influenced by race, sex and gender.
5
@WillT26 Being white gives you all sorts of things that you don't notice because they're normal to you.
1. You have far less chance of being stopped by police for no cause. You have an even lesser chance of being shot out of hand.
2. All things being equal, you will have an easier time securing a home or auto loan.
3. You are the preferred demographic for job hires.
4. If you wind up in court, white men are seen as rehabilitable. Black men are seen as menaces to be locked away.
5. You will make more for the same kind of work.
6. You will not have to walk by statues of men memorialized for fighting to enslave your people.
This sounds trivial to you.... but you haven't lived a life where all of the above are till things to hope for.
6
7 out 10 times when I start open my mouth and people start to compliment on my English.
6
Xenophobia and racism have been, and remain part-and-parcel of, the North American colonization by Northern Europeans.
3
Hello Ms. Loan,
You have realized this famous quote:
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
Keep running with this belief.
13
She didn't take down her social media because of harassment, it was because of filming quarantine
2
Outstanding writing, Loan. Outstanding.
2
I'm sorry, leading role in SW? I must have seen a different movie.
1
YESSS! Loan, you are the true hero here for the courage to share your thoughts and wisdom. I am thrilled that you have started and hope you will never stop.
4
Welcome aboard Loan. A lot of us out here are on your side.
3
For what it's worth, Rose was my favorite character in "The Last Jedi" and elevated what would otherwise have been, in my opinion, an only so-so movie. And the diversity of the recent Star Wars movies has been an absolute strong point, one that makes the films richer and more interesting and exciting.
It's tragic and sickening that people who sit at home, spewing invective in their rage at diversity in movies they consume but would never have the imagination or talent to create or contribute to, are hurting talented, worthy people like Ms. Tran. It's about time platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook truly stood up for the values and standards they espouse but do so little to enforce. As it is, they are contributing to a detestable, racist, bullying culture embodied, promoted, and headed by our dimwitted, tweeting "president."
9
You go girl!!!
All women should read this prominent voice of #MeToo. You make me proud to be a woman.
As Arethea aptly said 20y ago, "all I need is a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t". You have mine and many ,many others who are reading this eloquent, timely, and poignant essay.
8
Loan,
So great if you to share your thoughts with this piece. Thank you. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for your next article, role, story, you name it. I look forward to seeing more from you soon.
3
You go, girl! I grew up Asian-American in a white-bread town when the Original Trilogy came out. Have to say, I had been a little envious of the kids today growing up in a world where a girl can wield a lightsaber and someone like you, Loan, could have a role in a Star Wars movie. That was NEVER a possibility for my generation. After reading this, though, I see things have not changed a whole lot with all this pent-up hatred surfacing. But it will--thanks to people like you. And as you said, you're just getting started. Thank you so much for writing this.
8
I'm so frustrated with the hatred from what I believe to be a small, fringe portion of Star Wars fandom. It's the opposite of what it should be. But I'm more angry that it isn't unique or restricted to just this little corner of life. Kelly/Loan, I look forward to seeing what you do next and I applaud your strength in the face of hate.
5
Beautifully and powerfully written. I loved your character in Star Wars, but am more impressed with you as an example for humanity. I will share this with my daughter.
7
As someone who saw the first "Star Wars" movie in college all those decades ago and still vividly remember walking out of the theater and looking up at the night sky with a dazzled longing I had not before (I took the night sky for granted!), I just want to say: I loved Ms. Tran's character and thought she was a breath of fresh air. I wanted to see of more of Rose's story.
So tired of women not existing unless they gratify the stunted, immature imaginations of adolescent men who consign themselves to virtuality.
7
Thank you for telling your story. I think it's worth noting that this is happening in the United States, where you can find extremes of diversity and the lack of it. Tolerance and the lack.
It's a laboratory...an experiment...can a dominant race learn to share leadership in society or must it always be a case of winner take all? In many parts of the world, American openness is an unimaginable dream. This is a human problem, not an American one. Tribalism was key to human evolutionary success and now it's mostly a liability.
Change is happening, and it's fast, if viewed from a distance, but unacceptably slow in the life of one young person.
3
You are an inspiration to everyone, regardless of skin tone. The words are different, but the message has always been the same. We are all human.
Imagine all the people living life in peace...
3
My daughter was adamant that Star Wars was for boys and she didn't want to watch any of it. Her 8 year old classmate told her that in the movie, the princess has to sit in her underwear as punishment. I was heartbroken.
Fast forward 5 years later, and you helped change her mind. She has a Funko doll of your Star Wars character. Thank you, Ms. Tran!
3
I had heard something vague about this (Kelly Marie Tran being attacked online after appearing in "The Last Jedi") but I hadn't read anything specific about it. (And I still haven't other than Ms. Tran's eloquent op ed.)
I just don't understand why people would criticize her, or her character in the movie. What do they want, Star Wars films starring all white people and mostly men doing the heroic actions? Haven't they paid attention to the visuals of a series of movies set in a fantasy galaxy?
It's all about diversity. Life doesn't all look the same. Its beauty is in its great combination of similarities and differences.
And the very first SW film had a woman who was handy with a blaster fighting the evil Empire undercover and then openly. The second SW film had an African-American leader first looking out only for himself and the residents of his city, but then he joins the rebellion against the empire.
Why are SOME people still so narrow-minded, so tribalistic, so cruel to others?
"Love your neighbor as yourself."
It's one of the most radical ethics ever stated, and yet so few practice it, sadly even those who claim to worship the one who said it.
We all need to commit our thoughts and actions to making the world better, beginning with being kind to whomever we encounter in person or online.
8
Personally, I would spell your given first name as "LoAn" not as "Loan", so non-Vietnamese people would understand that its a personal name not a description of something that needs to be paid back. When my mother came through Ellis Island (circa 1905), the original family name was changed from the original Cyrillic spelling (49 letters with phonetic modifiers) to English spelling (now 8 letters). It is important to always remember the empowerment of ones own identity.
2
Oh my goodness, are you seriously correcting her right now?? Unbelievable.
5
I honestly think he’s just trying to help, but I can see how it could seem offensive. Obviously she should spell & pronounce her name however she wants.
I suspect he thinks it’s pronounced as “LoAn” as opposed to “Loan” & is trying to help minimize mispronunciation.
We need to realize that not all comments that are perhaps somewhat awkwardly stated are meant to wound.
2
I haven't seen the movie, but I look forward to seeing it now! Great op-ed Loan!
2
Hi Loan, thank you so much for writing this and sharing with us. I'm SO glad to "see" you again! Those of us who are not evil trolls have missed you very much. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!
6
The trolls are ever present and have been given permission to spew their vitriol. I admire your strength to rise above the swamp. Stay strong, embrace your beauty, and we will walk beside you.
10
Spend any time in 'geek' or gaming culture where Star Wars is supreme, and you'll quickly stumble into a significant percentage who are misogynist and racist. Note, not all of them are that way. Online anonymity and communities like 4chan and The Red Pill allow this venom to thrive. Platforms like YouTube and Twitter have zero moderation to counter when they 'brigade' profiles and videos.
4
You can't be bullied on the internet, just eliminate any who try and ignore them until you can. She admits that she was fooled, just don't believe these foolish ideas. You are a person and as such have worth.
1
Go girl - go Loan! Thank you for raising your beautiful head and your beautiful voice. As a white American I feel the need to apologize to you for the ugly and ignorant and petty voices. You lady - Loan - triumph!
4
I admire you and have long respected your background, your cultural heritage and values. They are exemplary. Us Caucasians could learn so much from discarding our unjustified conceit and prejudices, shut up and listen to diverse insights. Please write more and often.
5
I'm sorry you feel bad Loan. I hope that people can come to understanding that we need to stop being so sensitive.
I'm white, I married an Vietnamese girl in 1992.
I've had so many experiences of the same stuff you talk about.
Went to a hole in the wall Vietnamese grocery store in 1992 back in Halifax. Started filling a basket and the owner says, "you know how to eat that?" I said, " yes, I open my mouth and put it in." I smiled.
Went to Vietnamese New Year in 1993, Mississauga. 10,000 Vietnamese and one white guy. I was stared at pointed at and two young women sitting in front of us, kept turning around looking at me and giggling. I smiled and eat Ed at them. My wife's family told her she couldn't marry me because all white guys drink beer and chade hookers. Hahaha. I've been 100% faithful.
Dozens of incidents like this over the year but let me leave you with this one from 2017.
Went into an electronic store in Mississauga China Town which has a number of Vietnamese stores including my nephew's tofu shop.
The owner was sitting and eating a big bowl of Pho. I said, I love Pho but I'm here to buy an Xxxx . He drops his chop sticks and starts screaming at me. "You Vietnamese????" I smiled and said, "sort of." That stopped him in his tracks.
Be confident, we all face racism, whether we are black, Asian or white.
16
Amen!
We can all get it if we’re in a minority somehow, as you said Loan.
Star Wars nastiness is unacceptable &!pathetic but is sadly predictable, kind of like the response to the female ‘Ghostbusters.’
I suspect that many of the men that apparently criticized your appearance were actually just upset because your good looks distracted them from the “male themes” in the plot!
2
Margaret,
Please chill sister, pretty much everyone here is trying to help even if they’re not perfect in how they express themselves. That’s the risk of online communication & we will all go nuts if we take everything at it’s potentially worst value!
Honestly, perhaps Loan was a little too sensitive. She’s a successful beautiful movie star that got the predictable pushback over a typically white male dominated series that has a lot of very narrow-minded fans that don’t want change.
It hurts, for sure. It’s not right. But if you go into this business, you’ve got to expect this kind of vitriol in this era- especially pushing the boundary in a
It’s is a bit worrying that her sense of her own worth & beauty were so very harmed by some sadly expected pushback. I don’t understand why her agent & others associated with the film as well as friends that know the deal didn’t properly prepare her for viscous attacks.
I’m not saying it’s right but again, this is how America, etc. beats up on all kinds of people online that offend them in some way.
Your hyper-responsiveness to people that are actually trying to help is kind of making his point.....maybe the guy isn’t the most erudite with words but he’s trying to help her realize this isn’t personal by pointing out the relative universality of mistreatment of someone that “steps out of line” in some way (even in a normal way that nevertheless offends others) or is in a minority position of any sort.
So sorry to hear of your experiences, both recent and growing up. Looking forward to enjoying the coming work of the American actor Loan Tran. The truly ignorant are often the loudest and most shameful voices in the room -- being sufficiently inept they can't see themselves or their behavior for what it is. Factor in a good dollop of terror -- ignorant fear of anything not like one's self, and of losing the only claim to status that some folks have -- and you have a recipe for the worst. I am an old white guy -- blond, blue, tall, with Scandinavian and Celtic progenitors. Nether my particulars nor yours have any bearing on the fact that your role was finely played, and that I enjoyed your performance. Ignore the cultural and individual bigotry you see -- or rather blast through it. We will all be the poorer for it if you let the idjits and Maroons win!
5
Loan
I loved you in Star Wars.
7
I appreciate her explaining this to us, and hope she (and I and all the rest of us) are successful in getting the world to change. I believe it can, maybe not in my lifetime. It is a great first step to know Loan's real first name. I went to school with people whose names were changed at Ellis Island. Some of us are Millers because the Irish name was "too hard" to say and spell. (But at least, then, America claimed to welcome huddled masses yearning to be free. Now we have to work to get even that back.)
5
How is this attractive wealthy women who is paid millions to pretend to be some one she is not in anyway marginalised.Please you idiots stop this ridiculous intersectional politics.Rich Women who are THE most privileged people to ever live in the history of manknd ,who will never go hungry or thirsty or without shelter but live in their huge houses enjoy all the luxury that Western civilisation has offer and enjoy the easiest softest life that 99% of the planet would dream of living are claiming to be marginalised because of mean tweets.You have no idea how pathetic this is to 95% of the population.
8
Loan, thank you for this piece! It gave me goosebumps; the best kind. Thrilled that you are a leader for equality and using your power and privilege as an actress for this higher good! You are making the world a better place for all of us!
3
No person should have to go through this kind of treatment. Unfortunately there are so many people who get some kind of sick pleasure in tearing down others.
This type of treatment isn't just for race as we all know. People discriminate against others because of race,religion, weight, hair,clothing, and many many other reasons.
I do feel that in order to be a strong nation we all need to become Americans period. I do not go around saying I am Native, Irish, French, Dutch American. I am an American. I'm not saying that we shouldn't have pride in our heritage, but we need to come together as one nation. America is a melting pot of every race, religion, belief, etc. but we are all AMERICANS who have come together as ONE nation.
4
Well, I understand your point but you are wrong and I’m in the same situation with you. I came to US same as your parent and that was my choice so I named my kids American names, first because we live in America and second to make their life easier. If I lived in Philippine I would give them Philippine names.
If someone feels marginalized that means is in the wrong place or may be in the wrong country all together.
Please go to Philippine or to Africa where you can feel like belonging to.
3
Currently reading this while at work and trying real hard not to let the feels get to me. It’s like, I’ve always felt this inside myself, but I feel like it’s the first time I’ve seen it laid out so accurately in writing. Loan, as someone that grew up being one of very few Asians in school, probably the only "oriental-looking" one, this really hits home for me and I thank you so much for this. I've never had an essay speak volumes like this. Every word, every sentence takes me back to my childhood days, but more specifically to that one moment on that one day when I cowered in shame as my poor, broke, immigrant, blue-collar dad in his dirty old paint-covered shirt attempted to speak to me in the worst broken English in front of all my cool white friends, who had just come to finally accept me after years of proving myself. The embarrassment and anger I felt towards him that day thinking, how dare he embarrass me, how dare he speak to me when my cool friends are around, is something I now deeply, deeply regret. It’s something that brings me down to a level of shame that nothing else in this world ever could. The shame and dishonor I feel today for the ignorance and self-entitlement I had back then is insurmountable compared to how I felt that day as a child. Especially looking back now as a proud, career-oriented, hard-working, more humbled Korean-American woman, who is actually quite optimistic about the future. We have people like Loan.
13
I've felt the same prejudice when I lived in the US, although compared to Montreal, where I was born and raised, I found the US to be less tolerant of people of color than Montreal. The emphasis on race is so pronounced in the US, that even amongst the Viet American community, I, too, was marginalized for not speaking Viet properly, was appalled by classmates making racist remarks about Caucasians and African American with no just cause, or even hear friends make shocking comments like "that's because *insert race* people are like that," as if painting an entire race to be a certain way is justified. It's not just Caucasians who exhibit prejudice against people of color, it's a two way street. The culture of using race to paint how people should be in America is very strong and thus very difficult to break away from. I was judged by my looks before even opening my mouth. People assumed I only hung out with other Asians, when in fact I grew up befriending people of all backgrounds and judged them based on personality, not race. Until this culture of race judging subsides, the likes of people of color getting major roles on screen will continue to be subjected to online hate mongering.
My two cents to Kelly: don't let the hate get to you. Keep fighting the good fight for equal representation on screen. Take social media with but a grain of salt, if you want to share your photos, do so, but ignore all the hateful comments - their words say more about them than about you.
6
Ms. Tran's comments fall well within African American scholarship and expression. She would find great company among Black woman who have experienced the same rejection. I wish her well as she endeavors to tell her story in the way she wants to tell it. I appreciate the NY Times for giving her the space to get started.
6
Thank you Loan! Remember all of us who are cheering you on.
1
The most heartbreaking thing I ever heard from a young lady whom I mentored growing up was, "I wish I looked like a Real American, you know, blonde." Context: We live in Alaska. This person is over 3/4 Inupiat, with the rest a mix of Athabascan and Japanese. She was adopted, and her dad is half Inupiaq and half white. Her mom is all white. I'm Chinese-American.
I looked at her and said, "You're more American than any of us or any of your blond classmates. You're even more American than Dad, who is half white." I hope that message hit home. sigh SO depressing. To live in your ancestral homeland and think you don't belong??
3
Ms. Tran...you go and the world will follow...kudos for your bravery!
2
Brava! I can totally relate. As an out gay man who came out in high school back in 1981, Loan's experience resonates for me, too. I remember several years ago, when I had started a graduate program in the UK, a professor asked me in front of my new cohorts and the other faculty, after I had shared a personal anecdote, "Oh, are you gay?" The outright direct query took me by surprise, and the shame Loan expresses in her essay is akin to what I felt at that moment. Rather than excusing myself from the unwanted spotlight, I answered, "Yeah," only to look around the room and see embarrassed faces (who may have been mortified by the professor's conduct, IDK). Anyway, I regret that moment -- and still wish I had come up with a funny, killer retort in the moment. Oh well. #MeToo
4
I am horrified and disgusted by the vitriol hurled at you, but more than that, I am utterly dumbfounded. You see, I am a middle aged white man who grew up on a multiethnic vision of space through star trek which reflected the multi ethnic reality I saw around me growing up outside San Francisco. The America I know is made up out of all peoples who have come together here at the edge of the Pacific. So, no, I don’t get what the people who see America as some culturally monolithic place are thinking, and I REALLY don’t get why they’d want that. It is not America to me me, but rather some strange aberration.
So, no, I have no patience for anyone who would erase you. Do not doubt the importance of what you are doing, Loan. Because in the future there will be more middle aged white men out there who simply grew up thinking it is totally normal to see people like you on screen with names like Mahershala, Chiwetel, Dev, or, yes, Loan. Be you and know you are creating a better country for us all.
8
Bravo, Loan! As a Vietnamese-American, I am very proud of your statement, and of you. -Tai
2
Thank you Loan. This is perhaps one of the most forcefully written statements by an Asian I have ever read. As a 4th generation Asian-American from the Mid-West, I have been constantly being asked where I am from and complemented on my English, when even my grandparents are native English speakers who know no other language. The constant slights and insults that I have endured as Asian woman in North America is one that I could write a very long book on. Now in my mid-60s for good or bad, I have this advice: We will always be the "Other", accept it and embrace it. It is something special to be valued. Quit trying to fit-in; to be accepted as "white". It is condescending. Learn about your native culture. If you have never visited your ancestral country, it is very important that you do so (even if you think it doesn't matter). You may discover that it is exotic and cool and was technologically way ahead of both Europe and the Middle East. Know that although you are a "minority" here, you are the majority on earth - 60% of the worlds population. Love yourself. Love your beautiful black hair and eyes. And if you are young, know that you are most likely going to age very well and look a lot younger than non-Asians in North America. No one believes my age. They are shocked. I always have show ID to get seniors discounts. Karma baby!
13
Wow! So powerful, so well-written. Thank you.
2
You weren't actually brainwashed or lied to. You allowed an unenlightened minority have too much influence over you. And while there are plenty of reasons to be ashamed of the world, there are plenty of reasons to celbrate, to see how far we have come, how the world, and the US, has far more tolerance for difference than ever before. (despite setbacks and loud ignorant minorities) We've come so far in recent decades, with gay marriage and acceptance of differences, yet articles like this seem to lack perspective and tolerance, as if the US is some dystopian backwater surrounded by enlightened countries.
2
It's only us white people who have the privilege of taking this abstract long view. People of color are living the reality ever say. We need to start listening to their stories and stop telling them what perspective they ought to have.
5
You hear this over and over again in the media. Minorities or women feel "otherized" in their communities, especially when growing up. Ms. Tran recounts this common experience. Here's news for you: all teenagers feel otherized! It's not just minorities or women or gays. Teenagers are excellent at finding those things that they feel make them impossibly different from everyone else. The nerds feel like they don't fit in because they don't know sports; the jocks feel dumb; too short, too tall, too ugly, too poor, too Jewish, not religious enough, whatever. This hit home for me most when I read an article about George Soros's kid where he talked about how he wished, when he was in school, that he just had mac and cheese at home like the other kids rather than the fancy stuff he ate at home. He felt his ultrarich background otherized him - and he just wanted to be like the other kids! Your expeirences are unique, but read any coming of age story and they almost always center around, "I WAS DIFFERENT! IT MADE ME SAD".
4
I may not be in the same place as her but I have struggled the same pain and anger as you at a very young age. And to have experienced the discrimination and racism not just from people at school but adults also who were part of my everyday routine to go to school made me feel like I just wanted to hide in a hole, the looks I was given, the racial slurs I heard. I did everything to fit in and be accepted. But everywhere I walked people just stares at me. I hated myself for it and even feared for my life whenever I go outside my house because of the uncomfortable feeling I get was always there to tell me to that I didn’t belong... Years passed and to this day I still fear experiencing racism and having that stop from reaching my goals like getting a job. I realised how much this bothered me because of the constant time I go online forums, YouTube and websites asking how to get over this fear of mine. But I realised all of this built up from my beliefs and experiences. I promised to myself to never let the power of other people’s opinions get in the way of my life and dictate how I should live. Even if that uncomfortable feel is there I will keep proving to myself that there is nothing wrong with me. I will share my culture and stay close to my identity because if I was to be born the way I look I must have a purpose.
2
My wife and I were searching for a middle name for our
soon-to-be-born daughter. After watching Kelly's performance in Star Wars, we chose "Rose" as her middle name. We did not name our child after someone who is on the "margins." Instead, we named our child after a powerful woman. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
We look forward to your future performance in the next Star Wars film.
12
Good for you, Loan, and godspeed on this journey. As a white woman, I'm thrilled to see that some people of color are claiming their voices and places within our society, and hope you can be an example for others. Goodness knows we need it. I'll be supporting you from the sidelines.
3
I liked Rose Tico. I'm an engineer, and I enjoyed seeing an engineer character. Loan is cute. That's simple enough. I really don't see any problem with any of it.
3
"This is the world I grew up in, but not the world I want to leave behind.”
Good for you Kelly! The rest of us feel that way too, whenever we are treated poorly, no matter what the race or background.
I am so sorry this happened to you. When I saw you in the films, all I remembered was a beautiful, alive, fresh-faced woman saying something that I wish more movies would say - that only a reaction of love is the answer, and I was so greatful for the bravery of that stance, and the truth of it.
We all have different arenas to fight in (wherever we find ourselves awaking to this), and are fighting, too, in our own ways. So please know you are in good company, even if you don't see us face to face everyday.
For what it's worth, I've always hated changing names, as well - I feel like it erases all the richness of a person's different experiences out of their current life, and how wrong, colorless, and sad is that? SO even if we are not perfectly alike, you are not alone in feeling this way.
Please don't give up what your heart knows is right!
Light will always prevail!
God bless!
2
I really empathized with this a lot. I grew up in Canada, moved to Virginia for college at 18 and have been here for the past 16 years. As a half white-half Chinese man I totally get what she's dealing with. In Canada, I was surrounded with a lot of different ethnicities and spent a lot of time trying to identify with my "white" side. I played all the typical sports, hockey, lacrosse, golf, soccer, did all the typical white things. I also really looked Asian so it was always a matter of time before questions and comments and weird looks came out. I wish I could count the number of times I was asked if my father (who is white) was babysitting or another kid's parent taking me to practice.
Flash forward to living in America, I find myself fully embracing my Asian heritage. I think it's partly a longing to make up for lost time, but I also think it has a lot to do with wanting to try and represent the Asian population in a way that people don't often see. I try and be funny, I am a maker, I am a psychologist, I am a cook, I am into a lot of different sports, I like a lot of varied music. All of these things I think are sorely lacking in the public perception of Asians in America. That being said, at least once a month I have someone ask me what part of South America I'm from. The overall point I'm making here is that exposure matters. People will continue to cling to stereotypes and old tropes if they don't get exposed to different people doing a variety of different things.
2
Wonderfully and powerfully stated. Thank you, Loan.
2
Loan, I am a 53-year-old white woman, and to put it simply, you are my hero! I wish you much strength as you discover ever more of your power.
6
Extremely eloquent. Thanks for writing and sharing this.
2
Just a dumb white dude - but I feel for you. I'd always have been just as happy to call you Loan as Kelly. I enjoyed your performance in TLJ. I do wish they had done some different things story-wise, but none of that was on you. You did great.
7
You go, Loan!!!
1
Loan, I would like to apologize for our fellow humans. They don't know how to behave, yet. You are full of wonders!!
7
Bravo!
2
First Asian woman on the cover of Vanity Fair? Dang. That really shows you how far we have yet to go, because that sounds insane to me.
20
Loan, we love you; stuff the haters. You belong to the future.
4
Hope that she realizes that her self awareness helps her to move past the stereotypes those trolls cherish, inspire others and keep setting the bar higher for all of us.
They hate that! Keep up the good work.
Don't be defined in any way by those idiots. You're a talented artist and, well, they're not.
6
BRAVO girlfriend. I am beyond baffled as to why so many Asian women...who are beautiful as they are...because they are Asian, the way Black women are Black or African American women are beautiful in their Blackness, would want to throw that look away to look White. I am just dumbfounded, baffled and befuddled by it. Doesn't anyone at all love themselves because they DO look different???? What does that self-loathing say about the parents, siblings, grandparents and greatgrandparents, cousins and other relatives who you are trying so hard NOT to look like??????????? I say the same thing to these mostly White actresses who DISTROY their natural look to look like they went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. They look horrific...and then, nothing like their parents, grandparents, et al. If you love the skin your in, and you like the features that go with it....SAY YES!
3
Ms Tran, I “too” have experienced in my past and it’s ok but I’ve taught my children to be way above it like you have and they are! May the force alway be with you!
5
Preach on sister Loan, preach!
5
Word, sister. Word.
7
Out of ugliness, your beauty reveals.
Out of ignorance, your voice speaks truth.
Keep that voice alive. Open a new Instagram account and stay powerful by being YOU.
3
Really sad she let them get to her in the first place. She had to realize she's the one getting money & fame and they're in their mother's basement. Like... seriously. Who cares about those people? Glad she came around.
77
@Malia
This is my problem with all of this; I'm glad she is feeling better about things and also that "those people" aren't affecting her, but really.... how many of "those people" were there? How much of it was legitimate criticism of the writing and character that didn't arguably belong on her personal instagram, and how much of it was actual hateful harassment? I don't agree with people complaining to her about a character someone else wrote that she was employed to act out, but come on... its a HUGE leap between people complaining about a character in the wrong place to it was really them telling her that because of her race she was unwanted. BIG JUMP.
2
@Malia I think it's important to remember that she was victimized online by a bunch of racist, cowardly trolls. If you haven't experienced that kind of hatred, you are lucky.
2
She didn't have money and fame as a kid when she was being lied to, in this context. And no one is so emotion-proof that nothing someone else says ever gets to them. Even indifference is a reaction.
Get a PI to follow up, just to learn who these guys are.
You will find they are sad, angry people, stranded at the bottom of whatever desolation created them.
Find more, and you will learn one out of five is addicted. And somewhat more will be dead of suicide after they turn 50.
You are just one of their victims, though a lot of this has hit you personally. We are all their victim these days.
4
I have been a fan of the Star Wars Universe since I was nine years old (I'm now 47) to the point of obsession at times. In all my years watching, learning from, even LIVING these movies in some cases, I've grown to love and admire, not only the characters but the actors that portrayed them so perfectly. Loan, and I say this without an ounce of hyperbole, you are EASILY one of my favorite characters of the series. Yours was a character of great depth that I both admired and related to in many ways. I believed you as Rose because I could sense the genuine emotion you projected upon the screen in your portrayal.
People can be horrible, especially at a time when anonymity emboldens those too cowardly to express things that, in many cases, they don't even believe, they just know they can get away with it while feeling some sense of power in doing so. Ironically, many of your 'detractors' behave in such a manner because they THEMSELVES have been made to feel marginalized and this is their pathetic way to feel any sense of superiority. I can't tell you to ignore them because it is too prevalent in this day and age. I just want you to know that I. and many, many more, admire and support you in ALL OF THIS.
I look forward with great eagerness in seeing you continue in this groundbreaking role and anything else in you pursue in your future as the gifted actor you are.
I am a fan.
8
Everyone gets picked on for something or for some way they don't fit in with the 'in' crowd that sets arbitrary and artificial norms in each setting. Bullying and snobbery and pecking orders exist everywhere and always have. It's always worse when the person being picked on has no place to retreat to or no one to offer support and comfort.
No, we should not let others shape our opinions of ourselves based on arbitrary rules and standards, but for children it is hard to put up a defensive shield. There will always be ignorant people and those who make assumptions based on what they have been exposed to. Each situation is different. Sometimes it's worthwhile to educate them. Sometimes, it's better to shrug it off. And sometimes, it has to be fought against when it means discriminated against in getting into a school, or a job or being honored for an accomplishment.
Hurt feelings are not enough. Who has not been hurt for not measuring up to the standards of other people? The people who come out the best are those who decide to succeed in spite. It means being better in all respects including how you treat others.
The worst is turning the hurt into a retaliation against others and adopting a false pride. Shame and pride are both harmful and are just different sides of the same coin.
Finally, we have to find a better way of dealing with bullies and bullying. We have to stop buying into it and make it socially unacceptable.
4
Loan, thank you for your performance in Star Wars and your thoughts. Despite how people may perceive us as a "model minority", being Asian in a predominantly white society isn't that much easier in 2018 than it was 20, 30, 40 years ago, although I have to believe that the tide is turning.
1
this was amazing. Loan we need to hear from you regularly.
1
You are a hero in this or any galaxy.
5
Wow. That was seriously real. "I had been brainwashed into believing that my existence was limited to the boundaries of another person’s approval." Yeah, that rung true.
4
It is awful that you faced discrimination, of course. And you are certainly brave to speak out against it. Also, I think your Star Wars performance was wonderful, well done. However, respectfully, I think you do a disservice to America (and whites in general) by implying that racism and bullying and misogyny are white American phenomena only. Try living as a non-Asian in Vietnam or China or Japan or Korea. See how easily you are accepted into their societies. Try being an Indian or white person in Africa, and see how well you are treated. Try being a non-local in the Persian Gulf or elsewhere in the Middle East. No citizenship rights.
Short term visas only. No exceptions. America, for all its faults, is far, far better than almost any other place on earth for accepting foreigners and letting them live out their dreams. There are good humans and bad humans all over this planet. But very few countries have organized themselves in such a way to allow both local humans and non-local humans to thrive as well as America has done. How many people are trying to flood into China or Japan or Vietnam, despite the obvious economic opportunities in those countries? Wonder why that's the case.
8
@Muzungu
Where does she say that this is an American phenomenon? To say that it happens in America is not to say it doesn't happen anywhere else. Responding in such a way is an attempt to minimize her very valid point about how Americans view people of color. I say this as a foreigner living long-term in Korea, btw, where immigrants from across Asia and refugees from Yemen and DRC and other parts of the world DO seek shelter and a better life.
9
@Muzungu Yyp. That's all the more important for Americans to put this aside, to disavow the sectarianism and racism that predominates in so much of the world.
2
Anyone who tormented Ms. Tran online using racial epithets or any personal insults isn’t worth the avatar they hide behind. I’m glad she’s not letting them get her down, and I wish her the best of luck, but there’s something very unsettling here.
Ms. Tran *did* get the job in Star Wars. She *did* achieve fame. She has a career. She made it. People harassed her online, and some may have been white, but so were some of the people who hired her and so are many of her fans. What does any of this have to do with color? If it’s wrong to stereotype Asians, it’s just as wrong to stereotype white people.
The trolls who targeted her were not making fun of her *because* she's Asian, it's because the movie was terrible, her plot-line was poorly written and her character was pointless. Donnie Yen is also Asian and he faced no such backlash after "Rogue One", because his character was great.
Of course, none of that is Ms. Tran's fault and the hatred she faced was totally misdirected. Every decent Star Wars fan knows that Rian Johnson is to blame for all of it. The guy literally destroyed everything Star Wars was about.
Trolls mocked her personally because personal insults hurt the most - and people are cruel. Everyone who puts themselves out there is mocked. It’s no reason to suggest that the “white dominated world” is to blame.
That’s just racist.
4
This is very encouraging to read. Ms Tran never deserved ANY of the junk bad fans heaped on her, but you hear it enough, it's easy for it to creep into your own self-doubts. I'm really looking forward to seeing her in Episode IX!
Someone help me out as I am ignorant: how does one correctly pronoun her real first name of "Loan"? While Kelly Marie is a nice name, nothing wrong with Loan. If I ever get to introduce myself to her at a convention, I should like to properly address her and not mess her name up.
2
@Mark T Howard
Loan... pronounced l-w-o-n
5
You are beautiful, Loan. Physically just the way you are, but more importantly, you are beautiful spiritually and intellectually. I applaud your talent and courage and ferocity. Forget the trolls. They're noisy, cruel, and willfully ignorant but they are not the majority. Please keep speaking out about your successes and challenges and tell us more about your cultural background. Know that this 64 year old Caucasian woman is only one of millions who embrace your message.
3
I just want to shout out some love to you, Loan. I am a Black man, and it has always unsettled me when people say, I don't see color in a person. I'm the opposite. I want to see color in people. God created the world in color, not black and white. More importantly, within all the beautiful colors of the world, lay all the beautiful cultural distinctions of the world. I dated, loved, and married beautiful Black women throughout my 69 years of life. Happily single for years, and totally unexpected, in 2010 God introduced into my life a lovely Chinese woman who spoke absolutely no English. With each day and her insatiable curiosity, her English continues to grow, maintaining all the trappings of her culture and heritage, while my command of Mandarin would barely fill a thimble. I didn't choose her, God did, and I thank him every single day. Don't deprive those of us who see the world in living color of its intended true beauty. Thank you for finding yourself, and may God Bless you, and all that you do.
18
Wait, people hated on her? I thought she was amazing in that movie. All heart. Brought to life a girl ready to put it all out in memory of her sister. And darned near killed herself saving Finn. I mean, hating the entire Canto Bight seen I can see, but hating on Rose or KMT, that I cannot.
1
Dear Kelly,
Feeling automatically loved is likely a myth. My guess is that the average person -- any age, gender, race -- has to work to understand what it means to "belong" and feel accepted.
It's good to read of your thoughtful progress. All the best!
2
Bravo. Although I believe most people would agree with your sentiments, human beings have a long way to go before they learn to accept difference. Your experiences apply to just about anyone who is in the out-group, and just about any immigrant in a new country, especially if they look, act or speak differently. I grew up thinking of myself as white. As an adult, with hispanic /middle eastern/latin looks, I experienced anti-semitism (I am not Jewish), and later moved to Scandinavia, where I experienced racism and discrimination because I didn't fit in physically or culturally, couldn't (initially) speak the language, that I became interested in and discovered my my Mexican and Native American background. It was devastating. I moved past all of that when I decided to be myself and not care about the opinions of others. Thanks for a beautiful piece of writing about being true to one's self in the face of ignorance and discrimination.
3
2 thoughts:
Immigrants adopting American names isn't anything new or especially troubling. Happened more frequently 100 years ago. And it might be a good thing, as assimilation strengthens the cohesiveness of our nation (while identifying as an ethnic group-American for successive generations and marrying only within this ethnic group arguably serves to fragment it).
Hollywood sure does reinforce "traditional" notions of beauty, but probably the most significant macro trend in Holllywood these days is the emergence of China as an equally important movie market for American productions. So Hollywood movies are already tinged with what could be described as China-friendly stories, themes, characters and actors. And in that vein, apparently Chinese audiences--like many others around the world--prefer their movie stars to be what could be described as "aesthetically ideal" (and unfortunately some commentators have pointed out that Chinese perceptions of beauty can be downright racist).
I know Ms. Tran is not Chinese and not sure if casting a Vietnamese-American in a movie to placate Chinese moviegoers is itself racist, but it's hard to deny that Hollywood is increasingly attuned to Chinese tastes. I think that's somewhat troubling (giving Chinese censors power over what movies get made in America), but it's undeniable.
2
Beautiful and courageous words, Loan. Thank you for your compassion and your humanity!
1
Thank you for this powerful essay, and for your beautiful performance in Star Wars. I want you to know that you are an inspiration to me, and many others. I'm sorry for the heavy price you had to pay, and thank you for your strength and courage. I'm nearing my 50's now, but Rose Tico was the hero I had been wishing for in my childhood, one who looked like me, and one whose heroism lay in her in character and bravery. Seeing her on screen brought me to tears, as your eloquence today. This is my first online comment in the Times, and I make it because you taught me we need to speak out to defend the things and people we care about.
1
What is sick is that anyone in this country should be made to feel that way because of how they look, sound, etc. This country’s beauty has been that it was a melting pot - an amalgamation of countless cultures, each of which enriched the American culture. So many have lost sight of the fact that unless you are speaking about Native Americans, there is no true indigenous culture here. It is evolving. I for one am grateful for that and get so irritated when people bemoan the loss of “how it used to be in the good old days”. Good for you, Loan.
1
As an Asian woman who has been working with my own feelings of being "lesser than" in the US, when reading articles like this is I often think about how, at bottom, absorbing and believe the opinions of others and the society around us is a pro-social behavior, and therefore based in something positive. Our inability to not be influenced by outside opinion demonstrates how interconnected we all are. It makes sense that if one is told they aren't "as good as...(fill in the blank)...", they will be influenced by that. Then, however, if/when marginalized people make that long and difficult journey of undoing all that conditioning, they can build incredible insight and resilience.
1
Congratulations Loan, for the courage, the fortitude, the winsdom. Know that there are people with good heart who support you, the cause of representation and respect for all beings. I am one of them. I, as a Star Wars fan, was trully ashamed of the harrassment you suffered. I liked your character a lot, but even if not, no one deserves this. SW is a work of fiction, but actors/producers/etc. are real persons.
Keep strong Loan, God bless you. You and all you people are in my prayers.
1
Thank you so much for this, Loan. You deserve every joy and happiness, and as a member of the Star Wars fan community, I'm so grateful that you haven't given up, that you won't let the vile, inexcusable behavior of others dictate how you live your life. You are an inspiration, no matter what you do. For every jerk, there are more of us who have your back.
1
I am sorry for what happened to you.
But it gets better. Believe me.
As an Asian American I remember when Chinese food was egg roll and fried rice. Vietnamese food? The only thing Vietnamese was the war that was broadcast on the news. Today you have appeared in a Star Wars movie. Crazy Rich Asians grossed $35mm this weekend, number 1 at the box office. Whites are studying Mandarin, more than any other foreign language. I have a Michelin star Asian restaurant in my NYC neighborhood. They use chop sticks there.
3
Asian-Americans are done hiding - this much is clear in movies like Star Wars and Crazy Rich Asians. We are done being relegated to simply being extras or part of the supporting cast. We are done with being bound by the stereotypes of being effeminate, sexually submissive, submissive in general, nerdy in the pejorative sense, and at the same time (as the Harvard admissions team and many people have internalized) less "interesting" and robotic people who grow up to be lawyers and doctors because mommy and daddy told them to. And then to be told to suck it up because our problems aren't as bad as what other ethnicities face.
Thank you for speaking about your experience - no one deserves this and I admire your strength in speaking even after so many have tried to silence you.
6
Racists are quick to say "The best actress should get the job" until said actress is a minority who threatens their prefered caste system. Well guess what, #thebestactressgotthejob. Let #kellymarietran do her job in peace and power.
5
My parents were children of Italian immigrants, and while they were white-skinned Caucasians, they too faced enormous prejudice because of their ethnicity and their parents Italian-accented English. They and their parents generation changed their names from such ethnic non-American sounding names as Rudolfo and Angelina to Rudy and Angela, and were constantly accused of mafioso connections. We have all faced the ignorance of all those Caucasian immigrants who came before us, despite the fact that every Caucasian in the Western Hemisphere is a descendant of immigrant ancestors from only the past 100-300 years, or less (grandfather Drumpf emigrated from Germany to give us his grandson, Trump less than a century ago). So, yes, we understand that Tran Loan has faced ugly racism, and we empathize. But this is the world as it is, unfair, prejudiced, often unrepentant, but ultimately, understanding and embracing, eventually.
3
I don't believe her. I don't believe she has moved passed investing in the opinion of others or she wouldn't be so angry and on the offense. Most everyone has been bullied at some point or another and most are bullied way worse than "it is so cute you have an exchange student." If you let the things people say in simple benign ignorance eat at you, then of course you will be crushed by the really mean stuff. It is a hard sell to feel sorry for her as she walks down the red carpet at the Oscars in a couture dress that cost more than most houses, knowing she looks stunning. If you have ever thought you were beautiful, then you are luckier than most who have never enjoyed such an idea. In high school boys barked at me once at a football game. I cried when I got home. I thought I was ugly and they confirmed my opinion with adept cruelty. It was only a few years later, that same group of boys would have died if I would speak to them nicely. We all suffer. Every dog has its day. Loan aka Kelly is having her day in the sun, but she wants to complain about a silly comment someone made at a restaurant years back, and play the identity politics bully/victim game. But beauty fades. Instead of going on the offensive and revel in her power, she should rest in it and find a measure of real peace that will outlast youth and vitality.
6
This is everything. Thank you for sharing this, and for saying what I've wanted to say my whole life (I'm Korean-American). I feel ashamed to admit that I've needed this wave of Asian activism in Hollywood to help me embrace my mother's culture and DNA intentionally and proudly. But I'm here for it. Now. Thank you.
3
I could write so much more, but I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Loan. Thank you so so much.
4
Actually, Loan is a beautiful name, and fits you well.
2
Thank you, Loan. Your graceful fury are a welcome blast.
I grew up as a mixed race child in a nearly all-white town, accustomed to comments such as, "what are you?" and, "you tan so well, don't you, dear". It took me years to view my heritage as a gift and not as something that made me squirm, stick out as other. My sister avoided the sun for years, trying to appear white. I used to coat my face with Noxzema, wondering, what if...No longer.
4
I wept as I read this. Thank you.
2
I understand that Ms Tran has had a difficult road in finding herself. I know there are lots of nasty people who say mean things about and to others. I'm glad that there is a new openness in society to talk about race and gender issues. But I also think we need to understand that the culture we live in, which was created by Europeans in large part, is a good one. Not perfect, but good. White men can be horrible people, but not all of them are. Most of them are fine human beings and are not really out to suppress anyone. I'm old, I'm white, I've seen a lot, and I'm a LIBERAL.
3
I get what she's trying to say but she's as much stereotyping white-society as she's been stereotyped herself. There's a large portion of white America that doesn't care that she's Asian, doesn't care that the Obama's are black. As part of that America, I'm both disheartened by the constant reinforcement of the "all whites are racist" or "you're guilty merely by association" talking points and by the fact that there's reason to keep doing so.
I've never been a part of a community that did any of the social atrocities coming to light in the mainstream media. I guess I've been lucky and the rest of the country is a rotting cesspool of hate? It's hard to fathom people not wanting full inclusion of all cultures into our society or at least being apathetic about it, but actively disparaging it? When I see things on the news or op eds like this, it seems like it's a fiction, an alternate reality I've never experienced. Sure I'm a white male but I'd be privy to witnessing racist acts and comments, and outside of high school where they always pick the low hanging fruit in an effort to make themselves feel superior, in reality, that rarely happens in my life.
Maybe it comes from looking at all white people and not thinking of them/us as a collective group. I look at other white people and consider them different from me. So it's not a large leap to consider someone who looks different from me as just another person who's not me but just happens to have easily visible differences.
5
@Charles If you've "never been a part of a community that did any of the social atrocities coming to light in the mainstream media," then the people discussing racial inequity in America aren't talking about you. Just because an issue doesn't affect you personally does not mean it is not an issue.
3
It is an utter shame that people have attacked her at all, let alone spew hate and racism. But, she is the new Jar Jar binks that not everyone was a fan of. Some people are attacking the character in the movie, not her personally. Taking on something as beloved as Star Wars can be tricky and the fans can be fickle. The price you pay for being in the limelight.
2
Cogent, well written, and timely.
That said, could someone please explain why the non-black love interest for African-American men on-screen is usually a woman of Asian descent? Grey's Anatomy, Star Wars, etc. Or is the 21st century still too soon for any other (non-space alien) pairing?
2
Asian women are probably the most desired by men. Tons of guys are obsessed with them.
It’s sad that the black men aren’t paired with black women, as if they aren’t good enough. I’m not saying that people should be segregated by race romantically. But both black men & women (especially women) are under-represented in movies & TV. Pairing a black man with a non-black woman when there’s still so much inequality seems wrong to me. Or at least also get a black woman paired up with somebody on the same show. Black Women overall in entertainment except maybe in music are still super marginalized & need far more representation.
2
Bravo, Ms. Tran! More power to you!
For what its worth (and admittedly unrelated to the point you are making in this piece), I personally thought your performance and your character in the Star Wars was absolutely wonderful. Please don't let a vocal minority of online trolls convince you otherwise.
Kelly, you are a fantastic actress and didn't deserve the online harassment. It was unfortunate the material you were given to work with in Last Jedi was clunky; resulting in an underdeveloped character. Star Wars always had diverse leads without the need to parading them for the sake of social justice, it just bad timing and bad execution/storytelling from the director and studio.
1
Thank you for this. Millions of us are behind you, all the way.
1
After months of bullying and harassment over an Asian accent fresh from moving to America, I spent every day during my fifth-grade summer vacation practicing English so I can enter junior high accent-free.
During high school and college I tried to hang out with all the cool white kids and ABCs (American-born-Chinese) and tried so hard to fit into their world.
Now 2 days from turning 30 - I have never been more proud of my Chinese culture and my background. The people I have chosen to fill my life with also chose to be in my life because I learned to grow and accept myself for who I am - and they love me for that.
It's so difficult to block out the bullies and people who judge you for who you are - who they're not. Especially when you live a life under the limelight.
Big hugs for you for embracing your true self and I know there are tons and tons of little Asian girls out there who have a new role model to look up to.
3
Loan,
I love this, thank you for writing and sharing your experience. It's important!
With love,
Jule
1
Dear Loan,
Bravo to you for reclaiming your real name! Now, please insist that it be used in the credits of all your films.
I come from a people who used to use secret names. My own middle name sounds totally WASP, but in fact, it's Hebrew. My sister's secret name is Johanna, hiding under her middle name, Jane.
Secret names are part of our problem, as a culture and nation. Why should any name be "other"? And why should we not struggle to say the names of our fellow human beings? If the hardest thing I have to do today is say "Lo-an," I will be very, very lucky.
4
Dear Loan,
I am a white woman, almost 70, and I say to you, YOU are our future, NOT social media racists, not Donald Trump and his like. YOU are our future. And that is good, and that is what gives me hope.
21
Speaking as a white dude, you are a hero to me. Thank you!!!! It is WAY past the time that we have heroes of all colors, genders, sexual identities, religions, etc...
I am so excited by this editorial and I'm posting it on my SM's.
Love to ALL the people!!!
x
9
Loan is an amazing young woman and a wonderful actress!
I loved her character in Tlj! That anyone would have to face such toxic hatred, and for the most horrid/ridiculous of reasons, makes me incredibly sad. I'm so happy she found her strengt to stand up to the haters. It's harder than you'd think... (I've been the victim of mobbing myself)
I wish her all the best for her future! I know we'll see much more of her.
You go girl!
1
As a white man, I can't truly appreciate what you must feel, but I certainly empathize. And as a fan of Star Wars for my entire life, I'd just like to say that the reaction of entitled racist man-children is definitely the minority. You were wonderful, and I can't wait to see more from you, in Star Wars or out of it.
6
I am an African American Man raised in Newark, NJ in the 70's and 80's. You have given me the feels. You are my new Shero. I have always found it insulting that American's want to "american wash" all other cultures (not just other browns, they did the same to other Europeans coming here as well) because they were too ignorant and disrespectful to learn how to pronounce or spell someone's name.
I hope that your letter starts a movement for everyone to take back their names and cultures and have America proudly reflect it's melting pot status. Rejoice that you have the memory and family and History to re-discover your names. And be fiercely proud!
I also hope this starts a movement to have all people of color unite the way the media accidentally had all Spanish speaking people unite in the 60's under the banner "Latino".
Much Respect Loan
9
I believe in equality, that is why I feel her role in the Star Wars movie should have gone to a better actor/actress, regardless of race, color, belief. Talent should be a common denominator !
I’m not sure talent was the issue. The problem I saw was is in the production. I don’t know if it’s the same team because I’m not really a fan of the series I just go along. I almost puked when they pulled out Jar Jar Binks. I personally would love a person who was naturally just a person of any race that was naturally like that. But it was a psychotic move. Something was so so wrong I’ve never gotten sick before like that in a film. I was stunned beyond belief. Again I have no idea whose running the show now but The Star Wars series has issues it’s clear even to the fans who actually know something about it.
Beautiful. Such powerful words. Thank you so much for writing this. NYTimes, thank you for publishing this.
3
If Asian American girls need a role model, it should be Maya Lin. A beautifully illustrated children's book was just published about her childhood. Quiet, determined and smart. I just sent it to my 6 years old granddaughter to learn from and enjoy.
I too am Vietnamese-American and Ms. Tran's age. Growing up, I tolerated comments from my white peers such, "That's because she is asian" when I exhibited high academic performance. During a soccer match in Oregon, white parents yelled at my family to "Go back to where we belong." To which my dad responded, "Happily! To California."
Starting college at a UC, (>30% asian...this is another area of controversy but beside the point), was the first time I didn't feel part of the minority. A weight was lifted as I was no longer striving to be like the beautiful white teens lauded around me in high school--it was an unrealistic ideal, and us asians tormented ourselves.
Beauty preferences may change throughout the millenium, but will always exist. Even I admit, I find Daisy Ridley more beautiful than Kelly Tran. Appreciation of diversity is what is needed.
Also, what exactly was Ms. Tran harassed about? Nothing is abysmal about her appearance--but I must admit her performance as Finn's love interest and compadre leaves much room for criticism.
Sorry no contest Daisey, but thank goodness different races can love the beauty in all of them & we can have our personal opinions.
Your words gave me chills in the best possible way. Thank you for being strong and for speaking out on behalf of yourself, and for giving a voice to the experiences of so many people--and especially women--of color. Keep being your brilliant self and showing up in Hollywood. Your presence there and elsewhere is sorely needed.
5
Loan, your words are so inspirational for anyone that has felt different or not good enough.
I'm sure we'll hear a lot more wonderful stories about you.
God bless you.
4
Thank you for that awesome testimonial Loan. I made a similar journey, in transcending the hatred, animosity, and marginalization of the dominant culture in America. You are now officially, ‘Woke’, and they are officially exposed as weak and irrelevant.
Continue to transcend young Master Loan Tran, young lady you make us proud.
Loan is a beautiful name.
I hope you use it as you rise!
Go, Sister, Go! And May the Force be With You!
6
It's so good to hear you speak out about this Loan! I was hoping that these individuals who treated you this way would not keep you from continuing to do what you do. I have been a fan of Star Wars since the beginning and it makes me sick thinking that other "so called fans" would treat anyone like this. Please understand that these voices DO NOT represent the majority of the fan community that it out there. I for one thought you did a fantastic job in Last Jedi and am looking forward to seeing you show up again in Episode IX. You are a great actor and above all else a beautiful human being! If you are comfortable doing so please consider coming out to the next Star Wars Celebration in Chicago for April 2019. I for one would love to see you in person at panels as well as possibly signing autographs or taking photos. And I promise you there many other fans who feel the same way!! We love you Loan! But we would totally understand if you decided not to. Just know that you are more than welcome!! Again thank you for being brave enough to share how this attack made you feel personally. It is my prayer that one day we will see a world that is more accepting and loving. If we each do our part I'm sure it will get there. God Bless you and May the Force be with You, Always!!
3
Kelly I feel saddened that some people used derogatory marks against you forcing you to delete your Instagram account and in general to make you feel awful.
I would like to say that a lot of people were not happy with The last Jedi and especially with Rose the character you played, but that does not give anyone the right to mistreat you by harassing you. Fans need to realize that you were following the directions given by Rian Johnson and you are not responsible for the outcome. I hope that JJ will be able to redeem Rose's character and give you an opportunity to shine. Star Wars fans are passionate but no true Star Wars fan would treat any individual with disrespect. May the force be with you ALWAYS
1
I’m proud to be a Star Wars fan. I’m proud to wear a Rose Tico shirt around San Diego, and to Comic-con. I’m proud of my multi-ethnic kids and their rich cultural background. I’m proud to support Asian culture in film.
Lately, more and more, that culture is coming to the forefront: Crazy Rich Asians, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, and countless independent films have gradually, righteously pushed for better inclusion, equal rights, and a sharing of culture that creates understanding between people world wide.
I am proud we have great new leaders growing up around us every day and I am proud to add Loan Tran to that list.
17
I have an attractive 13 yo daughter who feels she “needs” to color her hair, have her nails done, and wear makeup, to look pretty. I resist letting her do this.
The media/ads make all girls feel inadequate. My daughter is of color,but her white girl friends have the same insecurity about their appearance whereas my son and his friends do not. Even the newscasters by virtue of how they look and dress perpetuate this. Ari Melber teal wears suits, Nicolle Wallace etc wear sleeveless dresses and makeup. My daughter sees this.
5
@CTMD
In a comment about the influence of media and advertising on girls' self-esteem, I find it ironic that the first thing you mentioned about your 13 year-old daughter is her attractiveness, not her intelligence or her strength. Perhaps all girls, including your daughter, need their families to serve as mediating/ moderating factors in their lives.
I argue that girls may not focus on their looks, if families model the importance of intelligence and strength long before girls reach puberty. And this modeling may include not commenting on how attractive one's daughter is, as if her attractiveness is the most important gift she has to give to the world.
3
@Johnnie R. Bluntly
Oh stop it. I tell her all of those other things all the time . The point is that all girls are being influenced to feel insecure about their looks. If they are white they “need “ to get a tan. If they are black they are too dark. If they are brown, as is my ADOPTED daughter, they still feel inadequate. If their hair is straight they feel they need to make it wavy. If it is curly it needs to be straight. And on and on. I spend endless energy trying to get my daughter to understand that all of those other things are the important ones. I talk to her about this from the feminist sense that I have as a woman who grew up pre title 9 era, which I bet you as a man do not really understand how it felt.
You are barking up the wrong tree . Back off, you troll.
@CTMD
I still find it ironic that you started that comment with " I have an attractive daughter". This statement appears to emphasize your daughter's appearance. I understand that all girls are being influenced to feel insecure about their girls. I suggested that parents could mediate that influence through modeling certain expectations and norms.
Yes, I am blunt about my opinions. If that is a troll to you, so be it. An older gay man from the South, I've been called worse and managed to survive.
Why? Because my parents modeled certain behaviors that countered sexist, racist, and homophobic influences outside of the home. My parents were not highly educated. Neither had more than a 6th-grade education. But my mother demonstrated that a woman can be strong and not worried about her looks. My father demonstrated that men can love and respect strong women. My parents knew my younger brother and I were gay and loved us because we were their children. Because of their love and highly unusual way of raising their gay sons, I never felt strange about being gay. I still don't, despite the homophobia that often ran through our community.
Because I am a man, I don't understand how it felt to be a woman during the pre-title 9 era. But my mother certainly did. Through her actions, my mother taught me that the most important attributes in women are not their looks, but their intelligence and strength. One of my mother's strengths was her bluntness, which I model every day.
What a beautiful and powerful statement. Loan Tran, you are a gifted actress and a beautiful human being. You were one of my favorite parts about The Last Jedi, and helped make it a unique and inspiring movie. Thank you for putting yourself on the line in so many ways, and thank you for standing up tall for all of us. I look forward to seeing your performances for decades to come.
9
I'm a Chinese American woman in my 40s and have been shaken to the core by the current state of affairs in this country. I was born and raised to be accepting and open to people of other cultures, races, abilities and could not have fathomed how deeply closeminded parts of our society has shown itself to be. I read Loan's writing this morning, and want to thank her for so eloquently expressing the thoughts and feelings of so many. I've also experienced many derogatory comments, and hope that the younger generation of Americans are more openminded and accepting, even proactive about practicing person-first ideology.
13
Congratulations and best wishes Loan! You are getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and doing it beautifully. As you "learn to unlearn your learning" (Lao Tzu) you will care less and less of what others think and you will become tickled by all that you have done, you'll start to value how much more you have been blessed with and you will continue to be even more beautiful and successful.
2
I'm of European descent but growing up in America in the 60's and 70's, it was clear to me that I wasn't from "favored" stock. My olive complexion and dark hair were enough to marginalize me.
4
Loan, you are a smart, brave, fierce woman. And you are an inspiration. Thank you for your words and your example.
3
I am so sorry you had to go through that. All I have to say is, I thought you did a great job in your role and I know you were a great fit. You can't allow the haters dictate or direct the narrative of you. But you're a beautiful person.
Keep your faith.
Blenus
I am a 62 year old white male. I spent the entire 5th grade being bullied by a bunch of boys who harassed me every....single....day.
I never said a word to my parents about it and lived with that episode with a sense of shame that I thought would never go away.
However, as life went on I learned to use that event to my advantage because it made me stronger. It made me a better football player, it got me through Navy boot camp and it taught me to never treat another person the way I had been treated.
Ms. Tran my heart goes out to you. What you have endured is appalling at best but all you can do find a way to use it to your advantage.
15
Well written and more importantly, well said. More power to you!
5
You are a beautiful, talented and amazing woman. I am sorry you had to endure the attacks of trolls, please know they are sad and worthless human beings.
Thank you for writing not only about your life but about the lives of many others. You are an inspiration, many blessings as you continue on your journey.
4
Out of ugliness of others, your beauty reveals.
Out of pain and suffering, your voice speaks truth.
I respect your decision to close your Instagram account, however, consider open a new one to fight the fight...There’s freedom in enlightened change.
Dear Loan! Wow! Just wow!
Your spectacular essay should be required reading.
9
Thank you for this. Or should I say it as: Cảm ơn vì điều này, Loan. :)
You will go far. Long life and health and much success to you!
Loan, I've missed you on Instagram! There are so many of us who love your style, your vulnerability and relentless positivity, and of course your incredible acting.
This harassment is led, and largely done, by white guys. They're a minority, and their power will fade. I can't wait to see the kinder, more thoughtful future you, and women like you, lead.
1
Loan, I was so saddened to learn you have been a victim of marginalization throughout your life and more recently horrific cyberbullying. In the Last Jedi, Rose and her sister are heroic characters. Period. Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
Do the same idiots who attack you want to get rid of Yoda? Or the other Jedi that are not white or male? How do they feel about Mace Windu? Why should we care what they think? One of the great things about Star Wars is its inclusiveness. I am so glad you have spoken out and shared your story and I wish you many more successes in what I hope will be a career that makes you proud of your accomplishments. You are off to a terrific start.
4
Loan, your line "That's how we're gonna win. Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love." was the brightest part of the Resistance. It seems we're fighting the same Empire off screen as well...
12
Loan is beautiful and intelligent. Claim yourself and live yourself.
3
I am a 68 yo Asian man. Total support. You go, girl (or appropriate PC term)!
In all parts of my life I have learned to embrace Ricky Nelson's "Garden Party".
"Well, its all right now. I've learned my lesson well. You see, you can't please everyone, So you've got to please yourself."
3
You are my American. Thank you for making it great.
7
Beautiful words. this is the new #MeToo movement.
1
Go Loan! Go Rose!
Comment from the "World":
Since you mentioned me several times, I thought I should respond.
First, you say you feel shame for me, and how I treat anyone who is different. I don't really think you mean me - the World. It's only a few loud, imposing and annoying constituents. Keep exploring me, and you will find I am not defined by those people. The real difference makers are people who love, and there are many of them. I'd invite you not to focus on the fewer, negative elements, except to show them a higher example in a loving way, and perhaps offer them a bit of caring rehab. You've properly realized they are not worth your focus with respect to how you view yourself - that should never be in question with anyone (though it is, I know).
I'm closer than you think to being a place where people can proudly be themselves, regardless of identifying characteristics. You should have seen me a few hundred years ago!
Further - everyone gets belittling comments as they grow up - and after they're grown up as well. Rather than hate those bullies, again I recommend showing them some love. They are little, broken people. Return volleys of hate cause me (the World) indigestion.
Instagram and Twitter were designed to freely let the little bullies have their say. Those social media designs will ultimately be changed or replaced (and more importantly I hope (let's help) those bully people meet up with the help they need).
Thanks for letting me have a bit of a say.
The World
You were one of the best parts of the film!
People are people regardless if they are plaid, ugly and have 3 legs. Life is painful. People can make it worse by letting their ugly side out. Many are afraid to even embrace life and would be lucky to count her as a friend if not a lover. Treat others as you wish to be treated and judge not lest you be judged. Peace ✌
Well said Ms Tran, as a brown guy I agree with most of what you say (having also had similar experiences). But I think it also important to understand that (most) people are inherently curious - not in the nosey prying sort of way, but genuinely interested in the 'other' person's culture or background. That said, there are also the ignorant (i.e. those who marvel at your perfect English) and, of course, the bigoted (but who has time for them).
5
You worded everything perfectly. As you get older, you become more aware of the subtle phrases or culture of thinking people have (not only white) simply based upon appearance. I am glad that you took the power of words to share your view. There is still a lot of work to do. Humans do a lot of destruction to each other.
3
As an "Old White Man" I am ashamed and outraged at the treatment Ms. Tran has received. There is no place for racism and sexism in my America. Unfortunately what was keep in the dark is now openly celebrated by the current President and his political party.
7
I applaud Loan for speaking out. I'm a Vietnamese-American in my 40s and I've seen and heard all kinds of derogatory comments hurdle at me all my life. I mainly just shrug it off and have the last laugh because I just don't care for those who are ignorant.
150
I salute Vietnamese Americans. They endured so much and are worthy of our respect and admiration for their many qualities.
1
Life can be tough.
I was a police officer for 15 years, and the things people would say to cops...particularly racial or ethnic minority officers, are unprintable.
And this goes on every day, in every part of this "progressive" city. I'm sure it's happening right now to an officer of a diverse background.
She needs thicker skin.
1
@Jason
It's possible she'll need thicker skin - as you say - to get through the tough parts of life. I don't see her falling apart, though - just giving people who've tried to tear her down for her ethnicity and appearance a piece of her mind. Meanwhile, whatever she needs, the Star Wars kids posting "unprintable" comments about her also need something, don't they? They need to be told off, and maybe educated a tiny bit. She's the one giving them what they need. Why do you object? Did the officers you worked with meekly and silently take it when people attacked them? Doesn't sound like the NYC cops I know. Staying cool and professional and telling people when they're out of line without just screaming back - sure, the best cops did that. That's what Ms. Tran is doing here. So what's the problem?
5
I was so exicited when you were cast in Star Wars, and felt so rewarded when you were given a meaty role that you executed with such heart and charm. Thanks for everything!
I’m sorry a bunch of horrid racists tainted your success for yourself and for the rest of us. They are an ugly bunch, and the shame of the Star Wars fandom. I’m heartened you won’t be stopped. Stay strong!
5
Drop. The. MIKE.
Powerful. Informative. Now walk away from the haters. They don't have anything on you, Kelly Marie!
5
Thank you!
Thank you for your empowering words Kelly! You are an inspiration to others who have felt marginalized and pushed aside. I have also felt internalized racism as an Asian-American. My identity as an Asian-American is constantly in question with, "Where are you really from?" Having media representation of Asian Americans in multi-faceted roles matters. People need to see us in the media represented as the diverse array of personalities that we are. Our stories need to be told.
Stay strong in this difficult world and keep fighting to have our stories represented. Don't let the haters and white supremacists hold you back. Use their fear and insecurity to fuel your fierce work. Listen to all the people who love you and are inspired by your work. You are loved!
4
As an African-American woman, I salute your courage!
And I am glad that my Asian brothers and sisters are finally opening up and letting us know of their experiences in this culture. Not an easy balancing act, is it?
I keep hoping, hoping for the day that my country finally realizes its ideals and walks its talk...
10
Loan, you are stronger than anyone who tries to tear you down. This society will change because we will make it change.
Oh, and hopefully they make Rose a Jedi!
3
My mother was also Loan and she would have loved your spirit. I grew up in suburban Michigan feeling the full weight of being biracial. Feeling many of the things you express so well. Thank you for amplifying these experiences for all of us. It matters.
12
I support you completely, Kelly, and I am so saddened by all the negative attacks on you. I thought you really shined in the movie and that your story line was actually more dynamic than some of the others. I am so glad you are not giving up and are learning not to take the attacks personally. They are cries for love and you obviously have the ability to share a lot of love, which the world seems to need more than ever. Onward and upward!
2
I guess I have been lucky. I am a white male American with blue eyes. So while I may not be able to fully relate, I think I do understand where she is coming from. I also have citizenship in a second country and grew up speaking another language at home. But unlike her, I am lucky because unless I tell other people they have no idea I come from two worlds. I can seamlessly fit into both. But I remember growing up both in this country and the country of my mother that when people found out I was not just like them plenty were eager to point it out at seemingly every opportunity, as if making sure that I knew they thought I wasn't really one of them somehow made them better than me. Under the age of 11 I got in a lot of fights because I would not be cowed. It wasn't until about that age when I discovered that many girls thought that I was extra interesting because I was also a foreigner. At that point, I finally stopped looking for acceptance and approval from my male peers and just let the chips fall as them may. Some people were going to like me and some weren't. And that was okay. Life became a lot easier and less stressful after that.
2
As an Asian American woman and a Star Wars fan, thank you for these powerful words and for doing what you do. You will always have my support.
7
"The same feeling I had when at 9, I stopped speaking Vietnamese altogether because I was tired of hearing other kids mock me."
That definitely happened to me, too, growing up Vietnamese American in the south (US) in the 1980s. Took me a long time to realize it, and to this day, losing my mother tongue is one of my biggest regrets in life. I work every day to "unlearn" this sad lesson of my youth, and to help young people practice unconditional self-compassion. "To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself." - Thich Nhat Hanh.
Chi Loan, Thank you for your courage and inspiration.
9
Loan - Thank you for saying what needs to be said! Stay strong for ALL of us - no matter what race, color, gender, ethnic background.
2
As a Vietnamese-American, seeing Loan on Vanity Fair and in Star Wars brought tears to my eyes. Finally, I saw someone that looked like me in a fashion magazine that I coveted as a teen and on the big screen acting in one of my favorite franchises. The amount of vitriol she has received is bewildering. I hope that she keeps upsetting the trolls by becoming a raging success. So much of my own life has been about molding myself to fit in a white-dominated society including my parents’ giving me the name Jeannie instead of going by the name my grandmother chose. Tran inspires me and I hope she’s continues to inspire others as well.
25
I was appalled when I learned of the abuse sent your way.
Right off the bat I thought you were great in Star Wars, and it never would have occurred to me that anyone would be less than 100% happy with you in that movie.
I hope you have a long and happy career. And I hope to see you in a lot of great roles. And I hope you can shed the terrible that has been directed at you, and that you feel as talented and wonderful as you are. (I know I would find the last one in particular to be very tough.)
4
Beautiful woman, beautiful essay.
9
Love! While I'm not Asian, I, too, yearn for a better world, one in which you're valued even if you're not beautiful, young, and wealthy. Or not male.
4
Loan, I've been a Star Wars fan since the premier of "A New Hope." My son is a an even bigger fan, being born to it. I am 67, he is 36 and we love both you and your character, Rose. I have been shocked, disgusted and angry with the rabid opposition to development and diversity in film. When I read of your treatment at the hands of the "fanboys" I was saddened that these disturbed trolls had such an influence on a highly talented actor at a time of what should have been unalloyed happiness. I am so relieved and pleased to read your article and to see that you're arming for the future. My son and I are now your loyal fans and supporters, independent of Star Wars, wishing for and anticipating your happiness and success. May the Force be with you on your grand adventure!
40
I did not come to this, same, realization until my 40s. I am excited for you and all of your potential. Remember, like addiction, our dependence on Western/White approval is by now programmed in to our genes, it is a daily struggle to fight. I support you.
5
Honestly, can't say that I cared for your role in your last movie, but I love this piece of writing and greatly look forward to seeing you in all of your future films. May there be many.
1
This is truly a relatable experience, I found myself satisfying the convenience of others and allowing myself to be molded by what norms others were comfortable with. The moment i realized that MYSELF was being left out. I grew into the person I strive to be. Regardless of media opinion, I'm not living in the realities people focus so closely, I chose to keep a open door. The journey is vast. Its all purpose. Tha you so much for sharing this story.
3
This is beautifully written. I've loved watching you in Star Wars and I love Rose. I hope to see you back on social media soon. You're a bright light in an often dark (digital) room.
3
This entire piece is so incredibly powerful, but the very last line holds so much emotion and pride. She is an extremely courageous and strong person, and everyone should read her words.
4
Thank you for your strength. I will point to your words when helping my daughter to find her way. She is 3. Keep it up.
4
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"
-Eleanor Roosevelt
7
@AF That’s a rather dismissive quote, which is belied by the very content of this piece. The truth is it is very difficult to face a constant drumbeat of abuse not have it take a toll on you.
The right sentiment is that other people’s belief in your inferiority only diminishes their worth, not your own.
7
Loan - you are beautiful and we are with you all the way!
6
Brava for awakening to your existence within the empire of illusion (in your case, doubly so — US society and Hollywood).
On the other hand, I'm confused about your self-identification as a person of color. As a half–southern Italian person, my summer skin tone could readily place me into that category, yet I'm listed as "white" because both halves are European. Perhaps"East Asian" might be a more-appropriate categorization, if you need one. Otherwise, "Homo sapiens" might be most apropos for us both.
7
@Vincenzo Person of color is an umbrella term that means a person who identifies as non-white/of European descent. It's not for you. It is for her if she so chooses.
15
@tarheel00. You know, it's possible to have conversations about this stuff without immediately adopting an imperious, condescending tone. Do you really think that Vincenzo is going to take up your torch after you respond to a polite and presumably sincere question by scolding him—or worse, by implying that his not being conversant with a relatively new (and deeply counterintuitive) linguistic convention means that he's arrogated to himself the right to determine what Loan calls herself? If you perceived something maladroit or insensitive about his comment, would you even consider giving him the benefit of the doubt that maybe—maybe!—he's not someone who deserves to be publicly shamed, but rather taught/helped?
Thank you for this article! She was good in The Force Awakens and I enjoyed her presence on film. The fact that she had to endure so much hate from insular idiots who thought they owned the narrative of Star Wars and there was to be only white or a white male centered stories really get out more.
Go out and be proud Loan, you have more than earned it.
4
Hi, Loan!
2
Loan, what a great name. I quite liked your character in The Last Jedi and thought you imbued her with a wonderful sense of humanity, duty, and love. Can't wait to see what you do next.
It is troubling how toxic many online communities have become. While it is useful to critically discuss films and individual performances, we must never lose sight of the fact that there is a human cost to comments that are too personal or that cut too deep. Fandom, however deeply felt, does not excuse meanness.
7
I have been angry and horrified beyond words at the hate speech that has been directed at you. Being a Japanese woman, your presence in the iconic Star Wars genre was a monumental moment to be cheered, and it empowered me. Social media has opened a door to racist cowards who inflict pain for sport. We must regulate these entities, for the damage they are causing is real, and the pain is deep. I am so sorry these monsters attacked you at a time in your life that should have been filled with unlimited joy. Please know that you are loved, respected and appreciated. Please understand that you have and continue to be an inspiration. And please, PLEASE, keep holding your head up high, with that beautiful smile on your face, as you continue on your magical journey.
288
@Barbara Shore ah - the woman in the story you're commenting on is of Vietnamese origins. Not Japanese.
@Barbara Shore Thank you so much for your love, respect and appreciation for Loan and every other girls who spoke out or wanted to. Your words warmed my heart.
PS: She's Vietnamese, dear.
@Barbara Shore: Kelly Marie Tran is Vietnamese. I think in her article she mentions her parents came from Vietnam, not Japan.
1
As an adopted Korean-American I am completely westernized. Most of the time I don't identify as Asian (it simply doesn't cross my mind), but every once in a while I am reminded of my race in ways similar to Loan/Kelly.
Walking my (adorable) dog last year, I had a woman stop me and chat. This was around Thanksgiving. She asked me what holiday I was going to celebrate. "What do you do in your culture...?" There are non-white Americans.
Even more common is in my practice (I'm a doctor), I have "reverse racism," in the sense that I have patients say, "I'm so happy to have an Asian doctor." Our prejudices and assumptions perpetuate stereotypes and we need to stop it already.
My birth name was Gook Hyun Lee. You can imagine the taunting I would have had with the name Gook...
284
@Daniel
I know how you feel. I am tall, and people ask me if I play basketball. I have to fight to hold back the tears.
@Daniel So be thankful your adoptive parents called you Daniel and saved you from years of bullying. Kids will make fun of weird names just because they are weird, trust me I know. This doesn't mean that they are racist or that society conditioned them to be racist.
Also, can you blame people for being happy that the most successful demographic in the country will be taking care of them?
@Daniel. I never changed my name to "fit in" as I feel we All are Children's of God. There's only one person who I care when it comes Judgement Day.
I'm proud of who I am and most importantly I'm very thankful to my parents who had raised me to be who I am. I'm an Asian, by root and by heart. That's who I am. Dad, you may RIP. I'm proud to have you as my Dad, a war veteran my Hero!
The so called "Asian American" is for those of my nieces and nephews who had an American mom or dad that my family members had married to or is in a relationship with.
As an Asian person, I'm full of AZN PRIDE and would have it no other way. We All are human. One day when the world can see past themselves, we will have a better place to live. We're all grown adults. Just let the "noise" go. We are Children's of God.
God Bless America. I'm Asian and love my country for which I'm living in.
To Loan "Kelly", don't let peer pressure get to you. You said you're just getting started. My lady, our Asian Communities are mostly humble people. I'm proud of you. Let the "noise" go and be at peace. The world will be a much better place. At the end of the day, We are All Human.
2
Cheering for you
3
Loan Tran’s experience of racial animus was public and surrounded by Internet trolls, but most Asian-Americans try to be white as children then learn to accept and assert their identity as Asian as a coming of age rite. A good friend of mine called me a Jap when I was a kid, and I’m third generation and grew up in the ‘50s. The best way to survive being the permanent “other” is fighting for racial justice.
22
It's sad that in 2018 we need to have articles coming out to let a portion of the population know that they need to stop being jerks. I hope this resonates through all those haters who blindly rage against actors for no other reason than fan entitlement. Its disgusting. Kelly Tran is the GOAT.
10
First let me state that this was a beautiful article and I wish the best for Loan. The fact of the matter is that nearly everyone is subject to generalizations made by people. Oh you're Italian, you must be in the Mafia, Oh, you're Jewish you must be cheap or, oh you're Irish you must have a drinking problem. The trick in life is to look past stupidity. These are not the people that define your life.
Family is the most important part of life. Family should allow you to embrace your heritage while encouraging you to assimilate into society.
Growing up in NYC also offers a person the ability to see diversity and tolerance.
2
Speak it Loan. Sorry for the pain, happy you are just getting started. “You can blow out a candle, but you can’t blow out a fire. Once the flame begins to catch, the wind will blow it higher.” P. Gabriel.
5
I too feel your deep sense of shame for our world, for our country, for all the pathetic, racist, loud, idiots who live here, and spew vitriol from the safety of their mommy’s basements.
Know that simply by existing, you make the world a better place Loan. All of us, people of color, people who fight for equality, who raise our children to be better then the status quo, we are essential to this country. Anyone who says otherwise simply does not matter.
5
Please come back to social media <3
2
Hi Loan,
Thank you for this. I really enjoyed your skill and talent in TLJ. I look forward to your next project. On a side note, I'm a straight white male and know I can't even begin to understand your life experience. But I am trying. I don't want to offend. So, I will start off by asking, How do I correctly pronounce your name?
2
@Duncan - speaking as a white male who also does not wish to offend, try Googling this question. You'll be all set.
1
Thank you. From one Asian American to another — thank you.
143
@ASG It is truly sad that non european americans are identified as such both by society and themselves as "(fill in the blank)-Americans." I nor nobody has ever identified me as a "European-American." I get so tired of American racism and need to put people into the "other" category.
You go Loan, full speed ahead. I'm a 50 year old white male, loved you in Star Wars. Your experiences related to your part have put one of the darkest spots on one of my favorite things. I'm just appalled at the things people will say. Your piece is wonderfully written and I'm so very very glad to hear you stand up for everyone who feels marginalized. I look forward to seeing Rose grow in SW9 and even more so to see you rise above the anonymous hate people spew on line.
I don't know who the people are who think Star Wars is a white male dominated universe. Just because the 70s movies were like most 70s movies its just ludicrous. I've really reflected on your rotten treatment and that of many of your peers, and its made me really sad. Being in Star Wars is a privilege and should just be a super fun time in your life and absolutely not something to be made to feel bad about. Argh. It makes me crazy.
I'm super happy you wrote this piece and hope you make your future a great place. I hope you'll be able to embrace your time as Rose with joy as you go on to do all the other great things you will undoubtedly do. Cheers.
15
I've been told, "There is a catalog of globally ancient techniques for messing with people's heads (individually and collectively) and there is a concomitant moral philosophy that condones, even exalts, use of those techniques alongside more forceful means. The antidote is for us all to learn about it, to try to spot the tricks, and to share the word with others." But of course this is a lie. THOSE people want to take away our tribe's power to hate the other tribe. Come be my soldier.
"I had been brainwashed into believing that my existence was limited to the boundaries of another person’s approval." These are beautiful words written! Thank you for sharing with us these deep thoughts!
5
I’m very glad you’re feeling empowered to speak up and be yourself. It seems evident that Disney didn’t feel the same way when they introduced multiple new female characters in The Last Jedi and quickly had them all killed off. Rian Johnson might get most of the blame for that as well.
2
You can do it! Stand up- keep going.
1
Good on you for realising that these people are not worth worrying about, there are always going to be people who think they are superior to people of colour, we’ll they are wrong we are all the same. Looking forward to seeing you in more movies.
Thank you, Loan! Your eloquent words are so incredibly needed right now.
1
Keep on, Loan! You are not alone. You already know this, but there are others who are also fighting to change the distorted world you describe. Your smartness, courage, and beauty uplift us all. Thank you for speaking up!!
2
I hope Loan's words help people understand why storytelling by people of color is important for all humanity.
1
Loan, my name is Tina, and I am pleased to know your name. I am so sorry for the harassment you have endured.
1
Loan,
Beautifully written and insightful. I hope that your essay is read widely by whites and that they would empathize (and therefore change their attitude and perception) with your experience as it is the experience of most colored persons living in this white-dominated society.
1
What do you mean by, "I want to live in a world where women are not subjected to scrutiny for their appearance, or their actions, or their general existence."? Many appearances, actions, and even existences deserve all the scrutiny they garner. The poorly written Star Wars films you have been in deserve it certainly.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam (your home country) virtually no foreigners are granted citizenship or comparable property or legal rights to nationals. Also, we are tested for HIV and tuberculosis every two years to maintain our residency status. People in the company I work for have fondled my genitals through my clothing out of curiosity. Sorry you were mistaken for a exchange student.
17
@Mitch Thank you, Mitch. I think that Ms. Tran needs to get some perspective.
4
@Mitch
Thank you, Mitch, for showing us all exactly what Ms. Tran is fighting against.
Even if the film itself deserves criticism, Ms. Tram certainly should not have been subjected to vicious, personal diatribes against her appearance, her gender, her ethnicity, her non-whiteness. You seem to miss the point, and in doing so, illustrate her point.
You emphasize her point when you impudently instruct Ms. Tran (in parentheses, no less) which country she should consider her “home country” and at the same time recast her as Other. With that phrase you also imply she has some responsibility for the discrimination you experienced in Vietnam. “Sorry you were mistaken for a [sic] exchange student,” is pure snark and condescension. Characterizing Ms. Tran’s experience by selecting an incidental experience and ignoring more egregious ones reveals an outsized sense of entitlement— i.e., your experience is the one that matters, not hers. Her experience is invalid because yours is worse?
Why make this into a competition? In my experience, men, whites, —and especially white men— tend to do that because it maintains their default higher position in the social hierarchy while airing a grievance. I believe this is true of you because you completely ignore the misogyny inherent in the treatment of Ms. Tran. It shouldn’t be too much of a stretch to see yourself on the same team, fighting discrimination on all levels social and institutional.
19
@David Really? How do you think so as a man?
It seems to be a narrower issue than racism or misogyny. It appears to be a nexus of cruelty bred by internet anonymity, an ugly self-reinforcing echo chamber, and the hyper-prioritization of a particular fictional mythology allowing the devaluing of individuals that challenge it.
As such, I'm not convinced that Ms. Tran's troubles are as much a factor or racism against Asians or misogyny against women who do not meet some physical ideal as they are some problematic pathologies of Star Wars fans. Jake Lloyd (the young white actor who played Darth Vader as a child) was abused to the point of suicidal depression. Hayden Christensen (another white actor who played a young Darth Vader) was cyber-bullied and harassed for years for his role in Star Wars.
It does appear that Ms. Tran's charges of racism and misogyny and bringing the criticism of her work in Star Wars into the context of her wider life-long struggle is a little intellectually lazy and self-indulgent. Losing the specific context of what is driving this particular criticism seems to leverage an ugly racial and gender victimization that, which obviously applies to society generally, but does little to really address the factors actually affecting Ms. Tran's.
11
@JSD It’s both. Yes, online forums make abuse easy, and micro-cultures online encourages abusive behavior as much as they fail to stigmatize it.
And yet the abuse Loan received has in terms of kind and quantity is far and above what Hayden and Jake received.
Loan started receiving substantial abuse from the very moment she was cast. There is no question, in that context, without any information about the movie or the nature of her role, that misogyny and racism were at the heart of this from the beginning.
Following the fandom, the heat and hideousness of the abuse Loan received from the pre-production speculation, to the pre-release press junket to the after premier response, has made it obvious to those with clear eyes that Loan has been the special target of misogynists and racists.
I often run into abusers who deny this, but it usually just takes a few more clicks to trace throughout their post history and see the misogyny and racism they spew in all forums at a host of targets.
You must know this if you follow the online fandom at all. One can only speculate about the motives behind your gaslighting.
13
@Bobby Blue As adults, we can certainly disagree about social phenomena without accusing each other of gaslighting.
Does racism against Asians and misogyny against non-traditionally beautiful women exist; has Ms. Tran been subject to them; and does it drive at least some of the abuse she has received?
- Yes, yes, and obviously yes.
Is resorting to racism and misogyny as sole explanations for the narrow scope of this particular abuse while ignoring other clearly destructive pathologies helpful?
- I don't see how it is. Sub-cultures like Star Wars fans develop insular codes of membership and propriety that conflict with the larger culture. They can develop groupthink justifications for tormenting those that break their norms. In this case, I largely see the same dynamic as with the Star Wars fanbase that I did with Jake Lloyd - It wasn't simply disapproval or dislike; it was active white-hot hatred that could justify anything- including cheering on his brush with death last year.
The reason I don't believe Ms. Tran's putting this dynamic in the racism box or misogyny box is because it is intellectually lazy. There aren't active racists entering the "Star Wars space" to target her, nor did Star Wars fans target her before she entered their space. Rather, her abusers seem to be people committed to the Star Wars mythology, who are guarding their walls in an inappropriate, ugly and illegal manner.
Labeling it purely racism or misogyny misses this dynamic.
1
Loan, I first heard about you when you were cast in TLJ. I marveled at your enthusiasm for the part, your engagement on social media, and finally, at your performance as Rose. It is despicable how others, especially those claiming to be Star Wars fans, treated you online. This piece is wonderful, and kudos for you taking something like this and coming out stronger, as evidenced by this Op-Ed. You've got a fan in your corner for life, for what it's worth.
4
Loan,
Your performance was one of the high points for me in Last Jedi. Please start/continue to use your real name. Anyone worth your time will take *their* time to learn about who you really are.
1
Yay, Loan! You go girl.
1
I thought you were fantastic in Star Wars. “Haters gotta hate” and they don’t deserve our attention. It’s disappointing that my fellow SW fans acted so despicably; they should know better that..
“Fear is is the path to the dark side.
Fear leads to anger.
Anger leads to hate.
Hate leads to suffering”
You just keep on rocking the boat! :)
13
Thanks for speaking out, Loan.
1
Keep on, Ms. Kelly! You are not alone. You already know this, but I want to say it again that there are many of us who are also fighting to change the distorted world you describe. Your smartness, courage, and beauty help and uplift us all. Thank you for speaking up!!
8
Loan, there are some of us who appreciate diversity. this is the first I am hearing of the harassment you have suffered: that is terrible! in my opinion, that waitress who thought you were an exchange student is the one who should feel shame. the people who harassed you online should feel shame. anyone who does these things to others based on their race, creed, origin, sex, gender identity, appearance, etc are the ones who should feel shame, not you! May the Force Be With You.
1
More power to you, Loan! Thanks for this wonderful post.
A couple of ideas from a "certain age" white woman. First, as you know, escaping color discrimination won't do squat about gender discrimination. Women of any color in this society face a constant struggle against marginalization, male resentment and discrimination open and subtle. Those who find a way to surmount it, please shut up for a moment: most of us try and can't entirely. So you're trying to jump out of one frying pan but into a larger, deeper one. I've no suggestions except, be prepared.
Second, your restaurant story suggests a generational change that Asian Americans have faced but I haven't seen described. As your well-meaning waitress suggested, in the not-so-distant past there were far fewer people here from Asian countries. Asking someone who looked "Asian" something like "where are you from?" drew a smile and an answer like "Korea" or "China". The question itself was meant, and I think generally taken, as friendly, like saying "you are most welcome." It was even considered an anti-racist measure to demonstrate this welcome. Now the same phrasing strikes people as a startling insult, in suggesting that, by virtue of being Asian, you're somehow "Other." No answer here, either, except to suggest that some people are still adjusting to the dramatic demographic changes in our country and to hope that good intentions aren't entirely irrelevant even if someone is trailing the times and all-too clueless.
8
Loan. Kelly.
The line from the movie.
It was made for this, for you.
#wearethesparkthatwilllightthefire
2
Well said, Loan... glad to hear from you again, big fan.
Rock on.
2
Born in the USA in 1937, I was told by my university advisor to "Go back to your own people." However, I don't think I would have survived being sent to the "countryside" and Mao Zedong's Red Guards. I am grateful that my great grandfather landed on these shores to help build the transcontinental railroad across the Sierra Nevada mountains and then work as a shoemaker in San Francisco. Like the majority of American immigrants, our ancestors were the outcasts of Europe and Asia.
Keep your hair on, Loan, and don't complain so much. Being white may not be an advantage in 2100 CE.
3
It’s tough for Asian Americans who grow up here. While African Americans face discrimination, they also have built up their own culture and pride within America over the centuries, sustained by a big enough population.
In some Asian Americans this results in this inferiority complex. Some of my friends were like that. It’s too bad. I suggest to those that you learn more about the history, culture and language of your heritage. For me as a Chinese American, I had no inferiority complex growing up. If anything I had as a kid a superiority complex. After all, China has been the greatest civilization for 17 of the last 20 centuries. And it is doing very well so far in this century. I can read Chinese stories from over 1000 years ago because the language hasn’t changed too much. In America, we do well at school and professionally despite being a minority (many of us poor) and despite overtly racist policies at like Harvard.
So there is much to be proud of while still being able to be American and doing everything American. For kids, if you carry yourself with respect and like you belong, others will eventually be forced to recognize you for who you are. That’s why Jeremy Lin was such as sensation.
67
@Jay Wong I grew up in Hawaii, where Asians as a group were a near majority. I think it is different for people who grow up in more diverse places, like NYC, LA, Seattle. Still, there is the media at large, and what people choose to read and believe.
@Jay Wong China is the white of Asia in my opinion. Tibetans are being discriminated against and violently forced to assimilate and lose their own religion/culture.
Glad you're able to have your own history and own it. But one of the reasons why China is great, is because they severely harm other countries. I don't think thats so great.
5
@Jay Wong
I respect what you are saying but being roughly 13% of the US population does not make it easier for African Americans. Even if the percentage was higher, or even equal, the contempt, discrimination, and microaggressive behaviors many African Americans encounter on a daily basis would be the same. It's not a matter of numbers.
2
Thank you for sharing your experience, Ms. Tran. It is something everyone needs to hear. With the strong cultural power that Star Wars has, especially with kids, your prominent role as Rose will help toward building the world you and many of us want to live in! And I can't wait to see what else you do beyond Star Wars.
3
This hits home. I am reminded of this every time my wife, who is Caucasian, go out to eat. Invariably at the conclusion of our meal we are always asked if we would like "separate checks". It's been almost 10 years and it happens several times a week. What it says about our culture and what it means to be a minority was beautifully covered by Ms. Tran.
355
@Peter Nguyen
I'm black and my husband is white. We are constantly asked if we need separate checks. I've had so many people tell me to change my behavior (make it obvious you are together, etc). But, the fact is my same race friends NEVER have this happen to them.
51
@Peter Nguyen It says so many wonderful things about our country that a harmless incident like this is the worst example of oppression you can think of. More evidence the U.S. is the least racist country in the world.
3
@Peter Nguyen I am sure you have faced many cultural hurdles in your life that I have not as an American-born white male, but I don't believe the question about separate checks is one of them. Nowadays men and women (or same-sex pairs for that matter) who may or may not be a couple share meals all the time, so the safest bet is to routinely ask about separate checks. Happens to me and my white female (and male) companions all the time.
10
As a Latino immigrant, brought here as a small child, I’ve come to learn that I’ll ALWAYS BE AN OUTSIDER! Marie Tran should know this. As long as we look different or possess a mild accent, the dominant culture will see us as the OTHER. Living in NYC or LA blinds us to this fact. It’s what it is.
As far as the harassment you received on Twitter, I wouldn’t take it personally, other actors and the director were targeted as well, although probably not as intensely as you were. But, the fact is that it was NOT A GOOD STAR WARS MOVIE, a lot of hard core fans got upset.
3
@Rad NONE of what you typed excuses any of the treatment she, you, or any other marginalized group receives. "It's what it is" mentality would have kept women from being able to vote, Blacks on the backs of busses, etc. WE speak up. YOU can go hide in the corner if you want.
Meanwhile, the quality of a movie has extremely little to do with anything. She starred in a Star Wars film. Big deal. She didn't write it, direct it, or produce it. She was hired to do a job. Put it in all caps all you want, but hows about not blaming a hired hand. Grow up.
10
When I heard about the sickening web attacks on you, Loan, for no reason other than you didn't "fit" these anonymous little jerkish cyber-bullies' stereotype of what a Star Wars Heroine should look like, I was horrified, even before I saw the movie. How dare they? They aren't brave enough and talented enough to get in front of a camera for the biggest film "dynasty" of the last 40 years.
And when I saw your performance I saw a wonderful, interesting character, who was both real and unique, simultaneously. I was not surprised--it's (almost) unheard of for a Star Wars actor to be less than ideal--which made those cyber-bullies even sadder and crueler.
Of course, the cyber-bullies are only one symptom of the problems you address: How, as a woman, our society dictates what you "should" look like and the insecurities it inflicts on you. My wife, like most women, struggles with it as well, what people she doesn't know, will think about her appearance. Yes, we all like to look good--but we need to be the judge, not others.
Then there's the deeper problem of race. Yeah, I'm a middle-aged White guy, but my younger child is Brown, from Central America. He's smart, polite, talented, good-looking, a little shy, yet, I know Trump and his ilk see my boy as "Other" and "MS-13" despite his ONLY link is---his skin color. And I'm TERRIFIED for him and his safety, not to mention discrimination.
My town in NJ is a polyglot and that's one of the things I like best about it.
153
The words "I want to live in a world where children of color don’t spend their entire adolescence wishing to be white" brought back memories of how when I was a teenager and writing, I used the name "Courtney Madison" to publish my adolescent, angst-ridden poems in a magazine to appear as one of "them" that I desperately wanted to be. Couldn't get a more plain-Jane, American name, right? I was in denial of why I was so ashamed, but Loan hits it right on the head. And like her, I use my real name now for any and everything. No more shame!
121
@ATS: Kelly Marie Tran used that name to put on her work in Star Wars -- the most famous thing she has done -- and she is 29!!! she is not 10 years old! She could have changed her name back to Loan! Do you think the Star Wars people would have forced her to use Kelly Marie on the credits of the film if she did NOT want to do so?
1
Thank you, Loan. This is so beautiful and I thank you for sharing your strength with us.
And I LOVED Rose.
18
Hear, hear! (Or 'Hear her!). Can we as white Americans, and everyone else too, stop making assumptions about people of other races, and simply let them tell us about themselves if they decide to? An Asian-American may be from Asia or from the US. They may speak an Asian language or not. A black person may or may not have experienced urban poverty, or they may have attended elite schools and shop at Whole Foods. (In any event you don't need to touch their hair. Would we want anyone other than a romantic partner to touch our hair? Surely not.) A rural white person may be intellectually impressive, I've met one who had very country mannerisms and a bachelor's and masters from Harvard.
You may meet someone and not be able to discern their ancestry or some other fact about them. So what? Don't ask, let them volunteer it if they will. If you don't ever find out what you're wondering about someone so what? You add that to the file of your life's interesting little mysteries.
28
@Jordan Smith
Exactly!
Thank you Loan from the bottom of my heart. I am a white woman born in America. I too was taught that female was inferior. I am recovering and my life is so much better w the help of many strong women.
I will continue to watch your public life w joy & hope.
6
Loan, your courage in sharing these painful moments will leave a lasting impact on so many people. Thank you.
1
Wow, Loan! Your account is inspiring and will stay with me and make me think. You have a valuable perspective and, I think, as much as I look forward to seeing you in more movies, I also look forward to having the opportunity to read anything else you choose to write. Btw, I loved your acting and the character you played in IX and look forward to seeing your return in X. I find, in general, that movies with characters that range through many types and genders and looks are richer and more satisfying to watch. You keep telling your stories and I'll keep watching. And reading.
1
Loan, thank you. I thought your work as Rose was very special. I look forward to help building a better world.
1
This is what courage looks like. Thank you for sharing your story. Your vision for the world is one I want to live in, too - one where voices like yours, and so many others, are held equal in their humanity; one where no one is forced to change their name, their face or their identity to "fit in" to a dominant cultural, racial, gendered or other narrative. A world where we celebrate our differences and our shared humanity, instead of fighting, denigrating, ignoring longstanding privilege and creating a zero-sum game and a consumer culture that puts buying more, looking better/sexier/white, etc. ahead of all else. There are many of us, and we stand with you and are fighting for that same goal.
...and for what it's worth, I thought you were the best part of that movie.
29
I am so glad you're 'getting started'. Loan. Wishing you victory after victory, and the wisdom to enjoy it.
If I may, I'd like to express a preference of mine.
Please don't focus on your Asian heritage, or your gender, or your looks alone. Because its not just you or Asians or women suffering this horrid treatment, this devaluing of identity and personal worth. As I'm sure you know.
When women, or black people, or fat people, or gay people advocate only for themselves (as they have every right to do) they often make enemies of those who ought to be their staunchest allies.
The point, it seems to me, isn't to win legitimacy, success, compassion for Asian people, say, but to win a society with compassion and care for every member.
There's an army out there experiencing what you experience, suffering what you suffer.
It should work as a single, powerful force to improve things for everyone, to make justice, empathy, success the rule of the day across the board.
7
@oogada Don't do that. Don't "all lives matter" this wonderful statement that she released. It is not the job of marginalized people to make their platform more palatable for a white audience, nor should they diminish their own struggle to ensure equal audience with other minorities. It is up to engaged white allies to give them the space and platform they need, to stand back and listen, and use our privilege to help when necessary. Not everyone has the same struggle. Her experience is unique. The idea that all people experience discrimination or racism should come forward with a homogeneous message is ludicrous. What you're doing is saying "I don't have time to care for ALL the different people, if you could please organize yourself and give me a position statement that would be great."
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Brava. Thank you.
@oogada Her statement and advocacy for Asian women IS part of the journey to win acceptance and compassion for all people.
Shouldn’t that be obvious?
She is telling her story, which is the only one she has to tell. And if anyone finds it compelling (I sure as heck do), it doesn’t take a huge additional measure of empathy to imagine that the same forces might be affecting other people, who are just as deserving of respect and justice...
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Great piece.
I still hesitate to tell people my Chinese name when asked because as a child it felt like a trap; an opportunity for other kids to laugh and make fun of the language. These are hurtful memories I still carry with me. Thank you for sharing your story.
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I was moved by this piece. People should not be forced into picking one group over another. People should embrace the whole American experience. The world is getting more diverse and we should embrace it.
One of my favorite movies is Donnie Brasco starring Johnny Depp. The movie depicted the real life of Joseph Pistone, an FBI agent who infiltrated and busted the Mafia. Pistone is an American of Italian heritage. The reason why Pistone was successful in infiltrating the mob was because the spoke perfect Italian. Being able to speak perfect Italian, the mob trusted him. They felt a kinship to him.
If one is lucky to being borne into another culture, embrace it. You don't have to give up your other heritage while embracing American culture. I often attend Oktoberfest festivals. It's a celebration of German culture in America. People should accept America as a melting pot and respect other cultures within our country.
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Thank you, Loan! I could not have said it better. I am a white, middle aged woman and I want to live in that world, too. Let's ALL work, and not stop, until we create it.
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This is stunning and a must read!
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Thank you for this wonderful piece. Your voice resonates for me and I am sure for many women of color.
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Beautifully written Loan. I can’t wait to get to see you again in IX and I hope your part is just as big or bigger. You were one of my favorite parts in my favorite movie.
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Loan, thank you for sharing your experience. I am a 51 year old WoC and I can completely relate to almost everything you wrote. I wish you continued success and growth.
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The best word to describe this piece is Truth. Every last word. I loved you in "Star Wars" and to be honest, your ethnicity did not play into my love of the movie or your character. I look forward to more from you in and far beyond "Star Wars."
I know how hard it is to be judged based on race and ethnicity. Unfortunately, it is the world in which we live. You will come to learn that it is a life-long struggle despite your accomplishments. Surround yourself with the best, love yourself, and always give it your all even when others are praised for doing far less. Be proud of who you are and don't fall victim to those who are made insecure by your light! You are just fine. You are the only and the best Loan.
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Please, do not ever stop telling stories.
I know you from Star Wars, but I can't wait to see more.
Loan, you are worthy, you are amazing, and you have so much to offer to the world.
I wish you the best and I hope some day you find the courage to come back to social media, but I sure would understand if you didn't.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones.
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You know what group has the lowest rate of reaching to executive position in corporate America? Its Asian women. I was shocked to hear that the first time. We were told to be pleasant from our family and from this society. Everything Loan expressed in this article I have felt the same way before. For anyone who knows me they will tell me sometimes I am too confident for my own good but I often get rejected from an job interview saying I am not confident enough. I used to always think its probably me. I should've said this or that I should've be more confident. But maybe, maybe its not me, maybe people already put me in a box the sec they saw who i am that's why I almost always get pass phone interview. The society however it is changing, during the course of the tide turning i guess we will just have to stay strong and pave the way for whoever follows.
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@Rebecca I have a book to recommend to you and all women, but especially women who are minorities since there are special sections devoted to them. It's called "What Works for Women at Work" and talks both about the barriers women, minorities face as well as how to overcome them diplomatically and gracefully. Don't let people pigeonhole you and if an employer rejects you based on their prejudices, consider it a blessing: they don't deserve you anyway. I have to say, similar to how women can be just as prejudiced as men when it comes to treating women, Asian-Americans can also prejudge. I have been invited to speak at meetings where I show up, and absent my biosketch/ photo beforehand, people assume I am the executive assistant or secretary rather than the speaker. I've even had fellow Asian-Americans make assumptions.
That last line gave me the chills!
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Loan - Thank you for this great piece; I will be sharing with gratitude your clear perspective on your experiences and now your declaration with friends and family far and wide - your words resonate.
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Hits home. This piece should be required reading by all, especially those that society taught, in the words of Loan, that they are heroes,saviors,inheritors of the Manifest Destiny. Loan, I am so happy that you are finding your way back to your culture. To who you really are. I too lived what you described here, and it took me a long time to start finding my way back, and it is a work in progress.
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Please don’t stop. And if you do stop because the stories are no longer necessary to share, then we will be grateful for your contributions.
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Thank you Loan, I have long waited for a response from you over Instagate, finally, here it is, and I was not disappointed. You are an amazing actress, and from what I can tell, just a wonderful person. I love you, you are a hero and inspiration to so many people. You forever have my support. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I cannot wait to see the evolution of Rose in Ep IX. Keep up the truly amazing work you do....
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Wow ... an amazing piece written by an amazing person. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. I was heartbroken and disgusted when the news of the online trolling that you were experiencing began to surface. I really want to believe people in general are better than that, and words like yours give me hope. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors!
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While I can't empathize with what the author has experienced, and her perception of those experiences, I will say two things:
1) Your family is not the first, or last to change their names upon immigrating to this country. In fact millions of immigrants of all backgrounds have done the same to assimilate. If you're unhappy with your parents' decision, you need not follow their lead.
2) I know not what you experienced online, or in restuarants, but I do feel that much of the vitriol directed towards you has to do with being terribly miscast in star wars. That is my opinion, but I suspect the source of much of this scorn.
Unfortunate.
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@Jason with all due respect to your opinion, you are dismissing her point of view. Literally what has occurred in this country to so many people of color. Dismissing her perspective at the expense of being “miscast” verges on not understanding the bigger cultural issue she is addressing.
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Rose is one of my favorite characters ever - and Kelly Marie Tran portrayed her beautifully.
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@Jason you know it is entirely possible to talk about Loan, a real person, without mentioning a fictional role she played in a movie. They are two separate things.
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Thank you, Loan. My experience as an Asian Indian American was very similar growing up in the Midwest, right down to assumptions that I was an exchange student. I wish I had a strong voice back then, which is why I am so grateful that you are making yours heard now. My kids and so many other young people need heroes like you more than ever. Thank you.
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Ditto
thank-you, Loan. I am a white male. Your expressing your deep inner self makes me a better person for then with open heart I understand my short comings better. I then see the further inner beauty of humanity in many more other people. I then see we are all in this wonderful life together to share and learn from the uniqueness of each individual. It makes us better understand and feel the value of all our communities. It is all what life is all about and you again continue to make it all better.
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Eye-opening and insightful. I loved this piece.
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There are so many bright things I want to say, besides thank you -- but the first is this: How wonderful to meet you, Loan. At last.
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Thank you for you powerful voice of change. Keep going and help change the society. Here’s to making real strength and boundless resilience in diversity.
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Beautifully written, Loan, heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. It’s a fight we must all support.
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Wonderful piece - more power to you, Loan! Change the system!
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