But as a teen growing up in the 90s and seeing the Chakotay character … it still had a big impact on me. When I first learned of his character, there was no internet (or the internet as we know it) and it was years later that I learned about the whole thing about the fake consultant. For a few years before I learned about the background, Chakotay had a major impact on me. I thought the whole character had a lot of cliches and stereotypes and I even knew that back then but still I felt really proud that they included any kind of indigenous character in there, even if it was a bit cheesy or goofy. And for a few years after, I really liked the character.
Then I learned about the background and the whole game consultant. Then I liked the character less.
But now I’m starting to appreciate the Chakotay character again. I think Beltran was performing in good faith, they just happened to have the wrong person as a guide and reference. So now I think of it all differently. I enjoy Chakotay’s character now just because he is one of the first, a flawed first but at least a first.
I must be hallucinating, I thought I already replied. I hear you about Chakotay, I think I went through similar phases of opinion on the character. Yeah, Beltran did appear to perform in good faith, so I can’t fault him either. It’s awful that it even happened, though.
I grew up watching TOS reruns and was exposed to pretty good representation via Sulu. There was a noticeable difference between Sulu and all other Asian roles on TV and in the movies when I was growing up (80s), and it sure sucked seeing all the gross stereotypes and blatant racism played off as jokes. I’d imagine you can probably relate. Representation matters, especially when you’re a kid!
The Chakotay fiasco was pretty messed up.
But as a teen growing up in the 90s and seeing the Chakotay character … it still had a big impact on me. When I first learned of his character, there was no internet (or the internet as we know it) and it was years later that I learned about the whole thing about the fake consultant. For a few years before I learned about the background, Chakotay had a major impact on me. I thought the whole character had a lot of cliches and stereotypes and I even knew that back then but still I felt really proud that they included any kind of indigenous character in there, even if it was a bit cheesy or goofy. And for a few years after, I really liked the character.
Then I learned about the background and the whole game consultant. Then I liked the character less.
But now I’m starting to appreciate the Chakotay character again. I think Beltran was performing in good faith, they just happened to have the wrong person as a guide and reference. So now I think of it all differently. I enjoy Chakotay’s character now just because he is one of the first, a flawed first but at least a first.
I must be hallucinating, I thought I already replied. I hear you about Chakotay, I think I went through similar phases of opinion on the character. Yeah, Beltran did appear to perform in good faith, so I can’t fault him either. It’s awful that it even happened, though.
I grew up watching TOS reruns and was exposed to pretty good representation via Sulu. There was a noticeable difference between Sulu and all other Asian roles on TV and in the movies when I was growing up (80s), and it sure sucked seeing all the gross stereotypes and blatant racism played off as jokes. I’d imagine you can probably relate. Representation matters, especially when you’re a kid!