Approaching the half-way mark of 2021 (yes, can you believe it), a lot of old things are being made new again. Movies and shows we loved in the past are being given new life, but an unwarranted result of this has also been something that we have known for centuries yet still inflicts a fresh new wound every time it comes about.
The beloved show iCarly is one of the past loves that is being resurrected this year. Set to return on June 17 with original stars Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, and Nathan Cress, the new cast members have not received the same warm welcome.
Laci Mosley was announced to play Harper, Carly’s (played by Cosgrove) roommate and best friend. The reception of this choice was faced with hateful comments complaining about the existence of the character, and worse comments targeted Mosley as an African American woman.
On Twitter, Mosley describes her feelings of distress when she finds out that her younger sister is exposed to the hate Mosley is receiving through videos on Tiktok. In a follow up tweet, Mosley exclaims that “y’all can’t break me” she adds that “being a Black woman is so hard but so lit I’m gonna go harder you’ll be mad forever.”
Mosley released an official statement, explaining that her character was not meant to replace Sam. She also acknowledges the talent of Jennette McCurdy who played Sam. Mosley explains how she is coping with the backlash, declaring that “I felt silly being so upset because I’ve been in this little brown body my entire life and racism isn’t new [,] but it still hurts.”
Laci Mosley also stresses the hard work of the entire team and expresses her disappointment and shock
“When a celebration of all the hard work we’ve put into making this reboot was overshadowed by the most racism I’ve ever experienced in my life over the course of 72 hours.”
iCarly show writer Franchesca Ramsey also took to Twitter to speak out against the racist comments and show her support for Laci Mosley. Ramsey speaks of the unfortunate fulfillment of her harsh, though accurate, expectation regarding the announcement of Mosley’s casting and her character, “If I’m being honest… I kinda expected it. And I hate that. It’s heart breaking that Black women just EXISTING results in an onslaught of racist abuse.” Ramsey also released a statement on behalf of the entire iCarly writing staff, denouncing all the racist attacks.
In subsequent tweets, Ramsey addresses the character of Harper (Mosley), the talent of Mosley and the fact that “something changing doesn’t erase/replace the original nor does it lessen its importance in your life” Ramsey posted photos of the racist comments, urging fans to call out racism when they see it. “It’s not ok.” She states, “And being a bystander isn’t ok either”. She tweeted a photo released by Paramount+, in collaboration with the iCarly production, speaking about the racist backlash. The photo was also shared by Cosgrove on her own Instagram account.
Ramsey also implies through one of her tweets that even the youngest member of their cast, Jaidyn Triplett, has been facing racial slander.
Racial issues have not escaped the realms of children’s shows and other forms of entertainment aimed at children. The non-English dubbing of Pixar’s Soul has been called out due to the White actors who voice the Black protagonists of the film. Arguments such as a lack of the demographic for casting were debunked by the fact that other minor roles in the film were dubbed by Black actors. Thankfully, raising awareness on these issues has caused people to re-evaluate pre-established systems and address these accordingly.
Nickelodeon stars such as Nathan Janak, Miya Cech and Blue’s Clues & You! Filipino American host, Josh Dela Cruz, have also come together to speak out and express how to stop Asian-American and Pacific Islander hate.
It is important for all these issues to be brought to light, whether it occurs online, in recording studios or on the streets. Awareness is the first step required for people and institutions to take a second look within themselves, and spark concrete change. Even children’s entertainment and media are not exempted from these very real issues.
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