For many Polynesian girls, Lilo and Stitch was the first mainstream representation we had onscreen, particularly Nani Pelekai—brown skin, Polynesian features, a thicker build. So, naturally, we were all very confused when we saw the actress who would be playing Nani in the upcoming live action remake. 


Why are lighter skinned individuals playing dark skinned characters? Let’s say it together, COLORISM. 


In this episode, Keely brings her sister Taulia back on the podcast to discuss their thoughts on colorism within the Pacific, the history of colorism in films, and why a light skinned wasian playing a brown Kanaka Maoli character is not the same as Ariel being black. 



Sources:


Actors. Data USA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2023, from https://datausa.io/profile/soc/actors 

IMDb.com. (n.d.). Sydney Agudong. IMDb. Retrieved April 23, 2023, from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5867620/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm 

S, S. (2018, January 20). Difference between ethnicity and nationality (with examples and comparison chart). Key Differences. Retrieved April 23, 2023, from https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-ethnicity-and-nationality.html 

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