Stereotypes: Axe Cop creator's SECRET ATTACK?

[theotherbaldwin]

Update: Ethan issued a public apology. More info and repost here.

Or: OH JOHN RINGO ETHAN NICOLE NO

Near the beginning of this year, the web comic Axe Cop took the Interwebs by storm. It was a pretty inventive premise. Professional comic book artist Ethan Nicolle, age 29, would illustrate a comic written by his younger brother, Malachai.

The hook?

Comments

[agoutirex]

Let me tell you, Internet, it is so hard to be white.

Axecop is total bullshit and I don't believe for a minute that it's actually written by a 5 year old. There's too much calculated RANDOM wackiness that nerds jizz themselves over.

[theotherbaldwin]

Let me tell you, Internet, it is so hard to be white.

Or even worse, a Christian white male. They are so under-represented and so opprossed, it's like man you would not believe.

Axecop is total bullshit and I don't believe for a minute that it's actually written by a 5 year old. There's too much calculated RANDOM wackiness that nerds jizz themselves over.

Eh, I can, though from the FAQs and videos of the writing sessions it seems more like his little brother comes up with a zillion ideas, big brother asks more questions and filters. Maybe "drawn by a 29 year old, written by a 5 year old" sounded catchier.

[deadshrimpblues]

That's because five-year olds and internet nerds work at basically the same level.

[theotherbaldwin]

That's because five-year olds and internet nerds work at basically the same level.

At least little kids are usually a lot more honest.

[kynn]

*sigh*

Way to stomp on a fan, Ethan.

[theotherbaldwin]

I know. I feel really, really uncomfortable supporting the guy now.

I mean, his follow-up comment makes things worse. Also, here's was he said to the asian fan who said that stereotypes are more about confirming biases:

"Stand back and ask what is really offensive about saying asians in general are bad drivers. Is it true? So what? Is it really worth getting all bent out of shape about? Wouldn’t life be better if you could just laugh at the joke and make one back? "

To quote Booker T, "Tell me he did not. just. say. that."

How fucked up do you have to be to say that to someone? Hey there, asian person, let me tell you an asian stereotype! Hah hah! Why is that bad? So what is it's bad! It's your problem for being hurt! Where's your sense of humor?

[kynn]

Oh man. :(

[ellindsey]

Mmm, smells like privilege... "I don't see what all those minorities are whining about, everything looks fine from where I am!"

Admittedly, it can be hard making a privileged white guy see privilege, a bit like teaching a fish to see water. It's an easy trap to fall in to, to think it's everyone else who's as fault for not being as comfortable with the situation as you are.

Yeah, I never saw the appeal of Axe Cop either.

[theotherbaldwin]

To me, it always read as if it were a comic little shawn would have written if he were more focused on action movies and cops instead of dragons and super-heroes.

"Admittedly, it can be hard making a privileged white guy see privilege, a bit like teaching a fish to see water. It's an easy trap to fall in to, to think it's everyone else who's as fault for not being as comfortable with the situation as you are."

Yeah. And I fail on that front too sometimes. I forget that men and women will have different experiences in the same culture because it exerts different pressures, for example. But that's an important thing to do sometimes-- look past one's discomfort to try and seethe other side. Honestly, while I liked Scott Pilgrim a whole lot, I should be willing to acknowledge the flaws it has, and until recently, I was reluctant to do so.

[erf_]

I will angrily defend Knives Chau to the point of absurdity because stereotypes or no, she's the most easy-to-identify-with Asian character in indie comics I've ever seen, and she speaks to the Chinese second-generation immigrant experience with an earnestness I'd never seen before. Sure, Wright didn't succeed in capturing all of the humanity O'Malley gave her in the graphic novels, but I'd chalk that up to the usual problems with trying to adapt six volumes into a two-hour film.

That said, Nicolle's response does shock me. I think he's talking more out of ignorance than malice, but it's still troubling.

[theotherbaldwin]

Man, Knives had the best line in the movie, the "I'm too cool for you anyway" was GOLDEN.

[woekitten]

Strange thing (and I only gathered this through reading Ng's comment because I haven't seen the movie yet) is that in the movie Scott apparently makes continuous commentary on Knives' Asian heritage. He made little or no comment on it in the comic, not that I can remember. Knives' family didn't want her dating a white guy, but even that was laid to rest with a sword fight.

I mean, the majority of Toronto's population is of Asian heritage, or in the neighbourhood. It's not like, "Whoa, I am totally dating a Chinese girl!" It just happens.

Oh, and you're right, Knives gets the second generation experience down pat. "What did your father say?" "I dunno, he was speaking Chinese or something!"

[theotherbaldwin]

He made little or no comment on it in the comic, not that I can remember... I mean, the majority of Toronto's population is of Asian heritage, or in the neighbourhood. It's not like, "Whoa, I am totally dating a Chinese girl!" It just happens.

Wow, I had no idea on either count.

[kuniopt]

I knew he would pull some shit like this as soon as he joined that "Draw Muhammed" thing.

[theotherbaldwin]

WHAT?!

WHAT?!

That would put him from "someone who just needs a clue" to ",a href="http://theotherbaldwin.livejournal.com/267439.html">someoen who thinks religious bullying is okay and make him a double hypocrite considering his post re: Christianity.

*google searches*

Oh...

OH ETHAN NICOLLE NO

[theotherbaldwin]

Oh, man it gets better. And by better, I mean worse.

He drew an offensive caricature looking all crazy eyed because he 'despise[s] political correctness'. Oh, and before he posted a link to that twitpic on his personal twitter, he did so from the official axe cop twitter account.