Joss Whedon probably doesn't want to kill Asian people

[seriousfic]

You know, perhaps it's just me, but having seen people saying that Joss Whedon has "well-documented issues with Asian culture" because there were no Asian characters in Firefly, I feel inclined to point out that it's a TV show that lasted 14 episodes and a movie. It's not like Friends, where they spent ten years shooting the shit and Tom Selleck got more screentime than the African people. They were canceled midway through the first season.

Besides which, they spent most of their time dealing with corrupt military/business types, criminals, prostitutes, and psychotic rape-cannibals. So if there had been an Asian character, there's a good chance you'd just be complaining "all the Asians in Firefly are villains or geishas!" I'm just saying, name a random recurring character and then imagine if they were played by an Asian. Would it be a "complimentary" role? Niska? "Fu Manchu wannabe!" Badger? "Scumbag!" Saffron? "Dragon lady!" Hell, you'd get that if one of the main cast were Asian. Jayne? "Oh, the Asian guy is treacherous, thanks Whedon!" Kaylee? "A cute, perky Asian girl? Fuck you, Whedon!"

So please, a little perspective, and let's conclude that while Joss Whedon may be flawed, as is his prerogative as a human being, he doesn't hate Asian people. That's M. Night Shymalan's bit.

ETA: Dichen Lachman as the Wasp? I could live with it. Although after watching her in Dollhouse, I'd buy it if you told me she was playing Captain America. Although then I'd have to start shipping Steve/Tony, because damn, Lachman and Downey? Hotness called, it wants its hot back.