by Elevensixty » Sat Oct 28, 2017 8:58 pm
Tom is American, originally from Jamaica. Is that right?
Basically, "American" and "Jamaican" are nationalities, not races. "Black" is a pretty relative term, depending on who you ask. Skin color may or may not be the only factor in someone being considered "black" or not.
A friend from Jamaica with very dark skin and "African features" told me once they weren't "black", which didn't make sense to me but I didn't care either so whatever. But I wasn't making a vid...
I think most of us find the variety of skin color, hair and features of people beautiful and interesting, and not a basis for social issues, (honestly I don't even like the word race anymore because, we aren't different, just minor difference in looks, and not even that much) but the world is a strange place and sadly issues exist. Portraying races in media can get volatile fast.
I haven't seen the vid yet, but I'd say, for fun, Tom or any character could be portrayed by an actor of any appearance and background, though for absolute accuracy, either (1) a Jamaican person with dreads, a cool Jamaican accent and skin tone close to Tom's, or (2) for ABSOLUTE best accuracy, a Canadian voice actor with a bad dreadlocks wig and ridiculous Jamaican accent.
Tom isn't very dark but I think his character is really cool because of portraying a "foreigner" in 80s Japan being a friend of the protagonist- it adds depth. And someone who went from Jamaica-America-Japan, entrepreneur, a real on his own, self made man with a great attitude.. Well we all love Tom don't we, I think if he's portrayed with love, anyone who's triggered is going to be triggered by anything. Tom would want you to make the vids lol
Elevensixty has received a thanks from: Your Boy Leroy