A Martian Wouldn't Say That!

I just bought this book called "A Martian Wouldn't Say That!" by Leonard B Stern and Diane L. Robison. It's such a funny book. It's a bunch of compiled memos from movie producers to employees etc. They are so ignorant, it's hilarious.

Here's one:
The sons of Italy are pressuring us to not have all gangsters portrayed as Italian. Could you change the name of Rocco Balboni to Seth Balboni?

Here's another one that shows how dumb they are:
The opening sequence bothers us. The camera following the actress from behind as she walks down a dark alley. We cannot see the fear in her face. Would prefer to see her walk toward the camera.

Reply: Can't be done. It would be too expensive to reshoot.

Reply: You don't have to reshoot - just flip the film.

This is a classic:
Memo: We cast a black actor as our lead but the way you've written the dialogue you can't tell that.

Reply: THAT'S WHAT WE INTENDED!

Reply: Okay, but how will the audience know he's black?


Memo
Re: A documentary about the American Indian Family

We'd love to do such a picture but as we know, not enough Indians have TV sets.


Here's another one
Remember, our lead is an Indian. In the scenes in which he runs through the streets and across Central Park, make sure he runs appropriate to an Indian.


These are the people who decide what we watch!!! Their ignorance, stupidity and narrow mindedness is passed on to viewers and accepted as truth. They help to support and continue stereotypes of "minorities".