April Could've Been Black

[Huzzah]

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

Black April has a 'fro and the big round earings. Talk about stereotypes.

You bring up the fro as being a stereotype in several comments, the fact is, the fro is often the natural state of many black women's hair, it's not a stereotype, it's a common occurrence when many black women choose to go natural. Weave, sew ins, or perm would fall more under a stereotype. Natural hair, however is not as common.

Round or hoop earrings are still common types of jewelry, worn by all races not just black women.

Also, you said in another discussion that people weren't ready or wouldn't be accepting of a black April, when I think it's you personally who is not accepting to the idea. Frankly I've been a proponent of the idea for years and think it would have no real bearing on the character as a who,e, since their is no one defined April, you're not doing any previous character version a disservice.

[victory_angel]

Originally Posted by Huzzah

You bring up the fro as being a stereotype in several comments, the fact is, the fro is often the natural state of many black women's hair, it's not a stereotype, it's a common occurrence when many black women choose to go natural. Weave, sew ins, or perm would fall more under a stereotype. Natural hair, however is not as common.

Round or hoop earrings are still common types of jewelry, worn by all races not just black women.

Also, you said in another discussion that people weren't ready or wouldn't be accepting of a black April, when I think it's you personally who is not accepting to the idea. Frankly I've been a proponent of the idea for years and think it would have no real bearing on the character as a who,e, since their is no one defined April, you're not doing any previous character version a disservice.

Highly agree. Besides April in the Mirage comics looks like she could be any number of nationalities aside from caucasian.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Just depends on the writing and acting/voice-acting. Other than that, it wouldn't matter to me whether April was black or not.

Hell...if they did a TMNT movie in the 80s, I would have been fine to have Whoopi Goldberg ala Jumpin' Jack Flash as April.

I could picture this scene as if it April talking to the Chief (ala Chief Sterns) after being attacked (perhaps by the Foot).

[Commenter 42]

Making April Black means she's often in trouble/needs saving/trying to solve a problem.

These are all things that scream white. I've never met a real sista that needs "help", or tells you she in trouble, and 9 times outta ten she's solved any mystery long before anybody else.

April has white people problems.

[CyberCubed]

If anything people would accuse the show of being racist if a black April was constantly the damsel in distress and getting beaten up by Karai an Asian woman like in that Season 1 episode.

[Coola Yagami]

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

If anything people would accuse the show of being racist if a black April was constantly the damsel in distress and getting beaten up by Karai an Asian woman like in that Season 1 episode.

Karai's not white though, so who cares if a trained ninja whupped a whitebelt's ass?

[CyberCubed]

Originally Posted by Coola Yagami

Karai's not white though, so who cares if a trained ninja whupped a whitebelt's ass?

You think an Asian girl beating up a black girl is any better? That's just asking for controversy especially in a kids show.

[The Happy One]

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

If anything people would accuse the show of being racist if a black April was constantly the damsel in distress and getting beaten up by Karai an Asian woman like in that Season 1 episode.

Sorry, nope, nope. That's just digging way too deep for excuses man. If wriiten right and casted right then it could work. And it isn't even a matter of 'who's ready, who's not'. April was African American in the comics and there's thousands of African American kids (and adults) who I am sure would be thrilled about it- as well as other tmnt fans. If they can go and make April part Kraang and make Hun Asain, then they can make April black. Just sayin'.

[GoldMutant]

Cubed whining about things not supposed to change again? What else is new?

As for April being black, I think it's a good idea to expand beyond the norm. Personally, I feel it just comes down to how the character looks and if it fits that particular incarnation, not forced for the heck of it. Based on Ciro's drawing though, looks like it would have been a nice addition; maybe someone can attempt it down the line or the show does an alternate reality with it.

[Xav]

Originally Posted by The Happy One

April was African American in the comics and there's thousands of African American kids (and adults) who I am sure would be thrilled about it- as well as other tmnt fans.

April wasn't black in the comics. She just had darker skin for a couple issues.

[Casey]

Originally Posted by Huzzah

You bring up the fro as being a stereotype in several comments, the fact is, the fro is often the natural state of many black women's hair, it's not a stereotype, it's a common occurrence when many black women choose to go natural. Weave, sew ins, or perm would fall more under a stereotype. Natural hair, however is not as common.

Round or hoop earrings are still common types of jewelry, worn by all races not just black women.

Also, you said in another discussion that people weren't ready or wouldn't be accepting of a black April, when I think it's you personally who is not accepting to the idea. Frankly I've been a proponent of the idea for years and think it would have no real bearing on the character as a who,e, since their is no one defined April, you're not doing any previous character version a disservice.

Insert clapping hands emoji.