JayArgonaut said:

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/12/star-wars-stereotypes-not-force-201412172145780714.html

Can't quite work out what to make of this article. It's irritating alone for repeating the wildly inaccurate claim that the Jar Jar Binks character is offensive to Caribbean people. My parents and extended family are from the Caribbean and none of them sound even remotely close to Ahmed Best providing the voice talent for an alien species...

I object to your use of the word "talent" :P

I agree the racist claims are at least exaggerated, though eyebrows are understandably raised on some accents. I think a better example is in the Polar Express where at least one elf seems to be Jewish (he speaks Yiddish) and says "time is money!"

KilroyMcFadden said:

Perception is reality. If most people think it's racist, then it has the effect of being racists even if it isn't. The Zeitgeist is a harsh mistress.

Agreed and I think zeitgeist is playing an increasing role in our society.

Maybe it was remarked upon on these forums someplace else, but there is a claim that there is a controversy over Boyega in Stormtrooper armor. I wish we could ignore this nonsense and not give it so much play.