Soooo I have an Asian dilemma I would like to share with you all and I would like to know what you think about it.
Earlier this week I went to an audition for a feature. The title, I will not name. I was originally called to read for the lead part but upon arriving I was asked to read for a second character as well. The characters are in a Dungeons & Dragons crew and they took the game VERY seriously. It's a quirky comedy that read to me as something along the lines of say the movie, "21" w/ Kevin Spacey, Aaron Yoo, etc. Strong characters and a bit blown into satire. I had no complaints because I was super excited to be asked to do comedy. For those who have seen my headshot know that my serious expression does not read well for a casting director who's casting the next National Lampoon's movie.
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So I got there, saw my competition and was happy with what I saw. A room full of white boys about 5'8, clean cut and smart looking. I found that it's usually a bad sign if I enter the room and everyone looks like me. I like being the dark horse. It gives me a sense of liberation knowing that they have no idea what to expect of me. I usually always submit to roles that specifically says CAUCASIAN MALE because when the casting directors are sifting through 2"x3" pictures of the same faces, my pale asian face with squinty eyes is bound to stick out amongst an ocean of blonde and blue's. They'll stop and think "Hm, why not." And I'm in!
I read for the lead the first time through and they seemed to enjoy it. Then they had an "ethnic" character they wanted me to read for next. I thought... hmm interesting.
"What nationality are you?"
"I'm Korean"
"Can you do a Korean accent?"
"Of course I can"
"Great, let's hear it"
"Anything I should know about him?"
"He's a very bright young man who is sort of the comedic slapstick relief character in the film, have fun with him"
I felt a bit weirded out initially but figured, let's have fun and show these guys how absurd I could possibly be. I blew him completely out of proportion and gave him an extreme Bobby Lee-esque accent with some medieval gestures to go along. I had them rolling on the floor. They asked me to say a few other things. They said I was perfect and offered me the part. I was just happy at that point to have been approved of anything I just did. Finding approval of any sort during an audition process is unheard of so their reaction to me was a nugget of gold. I had spent 20 minutes in that audition room, chatting with them and making them laugh and that in itself is a success because usually you're in and out within 3 minutes. And all actors know that the longer you're in that room, the more you sear yourself into their minds. When I finally came out everyone waiting was wondering what the heck went on in there. I had them in stitches. Big act to follow. I felt bad for the next person. Too bad they didn't know that I had made a fool of myself in doing so. I left not even realizing what had just taken place.
I had dinner with Stacy after and told her the good news only to find myself trying to sell her the idea that this was OK. That's when I knew I couldn't take the part. I would be degenerating everything Asian actors have been fighting for for the past few decades. Right? Who knows if the movie would have done well but would this be something I would be proud of? Would this make others proud of me? Am I misrepresenting? Or is this OK because he's such a far out character. Shouldn't I be taking what I can get? Dilemma...
A lotta fun and a lotta music. My band.. the stratovolcanoes will be playing along with:
So Radman is out and another radman is in. I've been hearing lots of.. "that was pointless" comments, but I say nay. I don't think ya'll understand how slightly crazy and exciting this young man is. He not going put up staggering numbers but he will add a different dynamic and pace to the already diverse Lakers bench. He was a freak in Gonzaga. He was a freak as a rookie even earning him some rookie of the month honors. I think he's dope and I think Lakers could def afford to have someone of his intensity coming off the bench. He was well on his way to becoming a kick ass player too but his ACL had to go out. Nevertheless, guy's going to do some damage. More than Rad would've in the upcoming seasons anyway. 
I was clutching onto my balls so hard! We did it again... I think it had to happen this way to shut Boston up. Without Bynum, again, making it the same squad as the '08 finals. Watching yesterday's game made me realize that we have made some incredible strides in our ability to stay poised while maintaining physical toughness. Although, this could have been an even more definitive win if we shot a better percentage from the charity stripe, a win is a win. Thank you Lamar for toughening up. Thank you Kobe for draining some important 3's in the fourth that made me jump outta my pantalones. Thank you Boston for trying. Good luck in your upcoming games. Just know that if at any point you need your record breaking streaks cut short again, our squad will be there to set you straight... again.
