One Piece threatened by Government and Activists

Summary

The video discusses the controversy surrounding the casting of Russian actress Lara Abova as Nico Robin in the live-action adaptation of 'One Piece' on Netflix. Critics argue that casting a Russian actress is inappropriate given Russia's current geopolitical actions. Despite Lara having lived in Germany since the age of 13 and having no connection to the Russian government's policies, she faces backlash from Twitter users, including a Ukrainian parliament member. The video also presents counterarguments defending Lara, emphasizing the importance of not conflating an individual's actions with their government's and highlighting the need to separate art from politics.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The controversy is about the casting of Lara Abova, a Russian-born actress, as Nico Robin in the live-action adaptation of 'One Piece' on Netflix.
• 🎭 Lara Abova, who was born in Russia, moved to Germany at the age of 13 and has spent more than half her life there.
• 🔥 Critics argue that casting a Russian actress is inappropriate given Russia's current geopolitical actions, comparing it to the fictional character's backstory.
• 📊 The debate has sparked a significant reaction on Twitter, with many users expressing both support and opposition to Lara Abova's casting.
• 🇷🇺 Some critics associate Lara's Russian origin with the ongoing conflict and question the suitability of her playing a character who is a survivor of genocide.
• 🏆 Supporters argue that Lara's personal history is similar to Nico Robin's and that she should not be judged by her birthplace.
• 🗣️ There are calls for Lara to use her platform to condemn the war, with some accusing her of being silent on the issue.
• 🤔 The debate raises questions about collective responsibility and the extent to which an individual can be held accountable for the actions of their country.
• 📺 Netflix has not made any official statements regarding the casting choice or the controversy.
• 🔗 The video script provides a link to a live stream where Lara Abova discusses her casting, allowing viewers to form their own opinions.

Q & A

What is the controversy surrounding the live-action adaptation of One Piece?

The controversy is about the casting choice of Lara Abova, a Russian actress, to play the character Nico Robin, who is a survivor of genocide in the story. Critics argue that it's inappropriate given Russia's current geopolitical actions.

Where is Lara Abova originally from and where did she move to at the age of 13?

Lara Abova is originally from Russia, specifically from a small village in Siberia. At the age of 13, she moved to Germany.

What is the main argument of those who are against Lara Abova's casting?

The main argument is that casting a Russian actress to play a character who is a survivor of genocide is insensitive and inappropriate, considering Russia's current actions which some liken to state terrorism.

How has Lara Abova's background been defended by supporters?

Supporters argue that Lara Abova has spent more than half her life in Germany, has not been in Russia since 2005, and no longer holds a Russian passport, thus her personal connection to Russia's current government is minimal.

What is the significance of Nico Robin's character in the One Piece story?

Nico Robin is a character who survived a genocide, and her story is a significant part of the One Piece narrative. She was blamed for the sins of her country despite being only 12 years old and having no involvement in political decisions.

What has been the response from the One Piece fan community regarding this casting choice?

The response has been mixed. Some fans are supportive of Lara Abova, arguing that not every Russian is evil and that it's not a crime to exist. Others are calling for a boycott of Netflix and expressing disappointment with the casting choice.

Has Lara Abova made any public statements regarding the controversy?

The script does not provide direct quotes or statements from Lara Abova regarding the controversy. However, it mentions a video where she celebrates her casting, but the content of her speech is not detailed.

What is the stance of some Ukrainian individuals and politicians on Lara Abova's casting?

Some Ukrainian individuals and politicians have expressed strong disapproval, with some calling for a change in the cast and others accusing Lara Abova of being a propaganda tool, given Russia's current geopolitical actions.

What are some of the arguments used by those defending Lara Abova against the accusations?

Defenders argue that Lara Abova's personal story is similar to Nico Robin's, as she left Russia at a young age and has no control over her birthplace. They also point out that she is an actress, not a politician, and should not be held responsible for the actions of her country.

What is the role of social media in this controversy, particularly Twitter?

Social media, especially Twitter, has been a platform where the controversy has unfolded with many users expressing their opinions, both in favor and against Lara Abova's casting. It has also been a place for sharing memes and art related to the issue.

Outlines

00:00

🔥 Controversy Over Lara Abova's Casting in One Piece Live Action

The first paragraph introduces a controversy surrounding the casting of Lara Abova, a Russian actress, as Nico Robin in the live-action adaptation of the popular anime 'One Piece' on Netflix. Activists are upset because of Lara's Russian origin, associating it with the ongoing conflict involving Russia. Despite Lara having moved to Germany at the age of 13 and having no clear political stance, the casting decision has sparked outrage on Twitter. Some users argue that she should not play a character who is a survivor of genocide due to Russia's current geopolitical actions. Others defend her, pointing out her personal history and the fact that she is not responsible for her country's actions. The paragraph also mentions a tweet from a Ukrainian parliament member urging Netflix to reconsider the casting, which has received significant attention and support.

05:01

📽 Public Reactions and Calls for Boycott

The second paragraph delves into the public's divided reactions to Lara Abova's casting. It highlights tweets that both criticize and defend the decision, with some users calling for a boycott of Netflix. The paragraph also mentions a video posted by Netflix where Lara celebrates her casting, though it does not play the clip to avoid copyright issues. The video is from a longer live stream that is linked in the description for those interested. The summary concludes with a call for viewers to share their thoughts on the situation and to engage with the content by liking and subscribing to the channel.

Keywords

💡Twitter cops

Twitter cops refers to individuals on Twitter who actively monitor and criticize content, often in a moralistic or politically charged manner. In the video, they are upset about a casting choice for a live action adaptation, illustrating how Twitter cops can mobilize around specific issues, in this case, the perceived inappropriateness of a Russian actress playing a character with a different background.

💡Live action adaptation

A live action adaptation is a film or TV show that is based on a previously existing work, often a comic book, animation, or novel, but produced with real actors rather than animation or illustration. The video discusses the casting controversy surrounding the live action adaptation of 'One Piece,' showing how such adaptations can become lightning rods for fan expectations and controversies.

💡Casting choice

A casting choice refers to the decision of which actor will play a particular role in a film or TV show. The video's central theme revolves around the controversy sparked by the casting of Lara Abova, a Russian actress, to play Nico Robin, a character of significant importance to the 'One Piece' narrative, highlighting the impact of casting decisions on audience reception.

💡Outrage

Outrage, in the context of the video, refers to the strong negative reaction from fans and activists on social media platforms like Twitter. The outrage is directed at the casting of a Russian actress in a role that does not align with their political stance, demonstrating how social media can amplify and spread discontent rapidly.

💡Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another culture, often in a way that is deemed disrespectful or insensitive. While not explicitly stated, the video implies a discussion of cultural appropriation through the criticism of a Russian actress playing a character that has experienced genocide, suggesting a sensitivity to the representation of cultural and historical experiences.

💡Genocide

Genocide refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group. The video mentions the character Nico Robin as a 'survivor of a genocide,' connecting the character's backstory to real-world concerns about representation and sensitivity towards historical atrocities.

💡Activists

Activists are individuals who advocate for, or work towards, social, political, economic, or environmental change. In the video, activists are leading the charge against the casting choice, using social media platforms to voice their opinions and rally support, showing their influence in shaping public discourse.

💡Netizens

Netizens are individuals who use the internet, particularly those who participate in online communities. The video discusses the reactions of netizens to the casting decision, illustrating the diversity of opinions and the role of internet users in shaping public opinion and driving narratives around media content.

💡Cancel Culture

Cancel culture refers to the practice of publicly calling out and boycotting individuals or entities that are deemed to have done something offensive or unacceptable. The video mentions people calling for a boycott of Netflix due to the casting decision, reflecting the use of cancel culture as a form of protest in the digital age.

💡Representation

Representation in media refers to the depiction of certain groups or individuals in film, television, or other forms of popular culture. The video's narrative is centered on the debate over the representation of Nico Robin, with discussions on whether Lara Abova's casting is appropriate given the character's background and the actress's nationality.

💡One Piece

One Piece is a popular Japanese manga and anime series. The video discusses a controversy surrounding the live action adaptation of One Piece, particularly the casting of Nico Robin, showing how beloved franchises can become focal points for debates over cultural representation and fidelity to source material.

Highlights

Twitter controversy over the casting of Lara Abova as Nico Robin in the live-action adaptation of One Piece.

Lara Abova is a Russian actress and model who moved to Germany at the age of 13.

Critics argue that a Russian actress should not play a character who is a survivor of genocide.

Supporters of Lara Abova highlight her life story's parallels with Nico Robin's character.

Some Twitter users call for a boycott of Netflix over the casting decision.

A member of the Ukrainian parliament tweets against the casting, comparing it to cultural invasion.

Defenders argue that Lara's ethnicity and country of origin should not define her acting roles.

The debate reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Some critics accuse Lara Abova of being silent on the war, while others defend her right to work.

The casting decision sparks discussions on collective responsibility and representation in media.

Lara Abova's casting is seen by some as a form of propaganda, while others see it as an opportunity for dialogue.

Twitter users share memes and art accusing Lara Abova of being a terrorist, sparking further debate.

The video includes translations of tweets from Ukrainian users expressing their disapproval.

Supporters of Lara Abova emphasize the importance of not conflating an individual with their government's actions.

The video concludes with a call for viewers to engage in the discussion and share their thoughts on the situation.

Transcripts

well it looks like Twitter cops Twitter

activists are once again offended and

angry at one piece this time they're not

seething about yam being a woman it's

actually a specific casting choice for

the live action adaptation that has them

all upset allow me to give you the

context and show you what's going on one

piece Netflix says introducing broke

works most dangerous Duo Mr O and miss

all Sunday with power cloaked in mystery

and intentions hidden behind ominous

Smiles these two will stop at nothing

and if you direct your attention to the

bottom left you can see the actress Lara

abova now before we get to all the

outrage you need to know this Lara abova

is a Russian actress and model she grew

up in the village of slav in Siberia

according to her the village is so small

they don't have it on the map however

when she was 13 she moved to Germany now

the part that's got Twitter cops all

Angry is that she was born in Russia

apparently these people hate anyone who

was simply born in Russia and regarding

Lara as mentioned she's spent more than

half her life living in Germany having

moved there at age 13 and that takes us

back to Twitter we've now got an influx

of tweets like this 21 injured including

three children in Carie today but

Netflix is letting an actress whose

country is currently committing a

genocide play character that's literally

a survivor of a genocide real Nico Robin

would hate this that tweet getting over

3,800 likes this response reading Robin

was attacked because she was blamed for

the sins of her country even though she

was only 12 years old and had nothing to

do with their political decisions that's

a pretty huge part of her story no

someone else mentioning how Lara left

Russia at age 13 saying her story is

literally almost identical to robins and

someone else says I can't believe I'm

watching this unfold in real time many

other responses would also defend Lara

here's a few more examples however

there's also still a lot of hate and for

the record I'm not going to be showing

anywhere near all of it in this video

and as you can see in that example this

person even mentions how there's so many

hate posts like the one we just read and

that it's sad we we' got someone here

who claims to be a member of the

parliament of Ukraine and they actually

make a tweet about this situation saying

casting a Russian actress as Nico Robin

in the popular show hash onepiece whose

family was killed by Terror feels

particularly inappropriate given

Russia's current role is a terrorist

State there's still time to fix this at

Netflix that tweet getting over 5,500

likes he would then go on and say all of

this Russians are killing thousands

literally for existing not Putin

personally or government ordinary

Russians they kill actors children one

piece fans everyone has anyone among you

been tweeting about this there are many

one piece fans in Ukraine and during a

real genocide do you understand how they

feel watching a Russian actress in this

role we are simply asking to change the

cast instead of empathy you criticize us

for being hurt and wish harm upon me are

these the values you've taken from One

Piece do you get the point a Russian

actress could use her voice to condemn

the killings did she or is she silent

like most an antiwar Russians playing

the victim now and on screen Ukraine has

seen this before first anti-war Russian

actors often with Ukrainian passports

were pushed on us then tanks followed

for years we were convinced that

Russians were part of our cultural space

and brothers spreading their narratives

through films music and TV russophobia

is self-defense not xenophobia in the

immediate responses people would say

things like this your point means

nothing it's a role in a show she's a

model and actress not a politician she

hardly has any social media posts in the

last 20 years harassing a person because

ethnicity did this what you learned from

One Piece you're referring to soldiers

who are fighting a war so could you just

stop pushing your politics into

everything she literally moved to

Germany as a child she has nothing to do

with the war he would also further argue

with people in the responses for example

this tweet said Nico Robin is literally

a Russian if you knew anything about one

piece then you would know that and he

says I even know where she came from and

how canonical it is so I didn't even

want to respond to such similar comments

and including this image one that many

people are likely already familiar with

reader saying hello Oda I have a

question if one piece took place in the

real world where would each of the nine

straw hats be from signed Michael

Jackson's brother OA saying well here's

the image I have and as for Robin you

can see in the parentheses there says

Russia here's a tweet with over 7,800

likes where this person seems to have

made art that essentially accuses Lara

of being a terrorist once again also an

example where someone defends her though

in the responses saying Robin is Russian

so they got a Russian actress to play

her not every Russian is evil and it's

not a crime to exist like one piece

always preaches about maybe listen to

the show's morals that you worship I

mean that said I doubt this person

worships one piece if anything they're

probably a tourist here's a meme of

sorts that a lot of these hate accounts

seem to all be sharing around conversely

a defense tweet would read you're not

welcome in the one piece Community

hating someone just because of their

ethnicity is not what Luffy is teaching

us they'd get a response from that

person in Ukraine and there's a

translation via deel of what that

response seems to translate to here's

another tweet with over 5,400 likes once

again translated from Ukrainian to

English via deel where this person seems

to lament the casting choice and also

demand a boycott of Netflix few more

examples here with ashboy Cott Netflix

this one saying you are a disappointment

and other one saying canceled my

subscription because of her you should

be ashamed of this choice and this one

saying Lara abova supports the genocidal

Imperial War on my country by upholding

the fascist protin status quo she's a

propaganda tool who was supposed to

portray a genocide Survivor in one piece

at Netflix keeps paying Zionist and

fascists cancel you subscription in the

responses we can see someone ask can you

tell me exactly how she is supporting

the war and someone else saying you

won't get an answer so far as of

recording there has not been an answer

the initial tweet was also made 14 hours

ago those responses from 13 hours ago so

it does seem at least somewhat likely

that the op would have seen that

question we'll go over just a few more

examples of this stuff of course by all

means if you want to see more of this

entire situation you can easily find all

of this stuff over on Twitter for now

here's a few more like I said this tweet

reading a Russian has no right to play

ni Robin that is immoral at its finest

Nico having her home shelled her relativ

slaughtered cannot be represented by a

person whose government friends

relatives do the same to Ukrainian

children shame on you a person defending

her in the response is saying how do I

say this she hasn't been in Russia since

2005 and no longer has a Russian

passport either the op not having it

saying have you read my Tweet Russians

do not have a right to be promoted she

spoke nothing of what her government's

doing this woman and her grandkid were

killed today in their own home Ordinary

People now tell me how a person from

Russia who condemned nothing can be

Robin and lastly we've got this one

reads it's shocking to see a Russian

actress cast at Netflix Nico Robin was a

survivor of genocide casting an actress

from a country committing genocide is a

monstrous decision Collective

responsibility exists rejecting it is as

absurd as denying post World War II

German Collective guilt as for Lara

herself there is a video that Netflix

posted where you can see her celebrating

how she got cast as Neo Robin I'd like

to play that brief portion in this video

however considering that's Netflix and

you know how copyright happy some of

these corpos can be I think it's better

to not play with fire the clip does come

from a 2-hour 15 minute long live stream

that Netflix actually hosted here on

YouTube and what I can do for you guys

though for those who are curious I'll

link to that live stream in the

description of this video and I'll link

exactly to the timestamp where Lara

comes on stage and talks about all that

stuff so that way you won't have to sit

through the entire like 2our plus live

stream if you're not interested in the

rest of that and of course if you are

well you'll be at the live stream anyway

so you can see the whole thing if you

want as for this video that's where

we'll be concluding this one as always

thank you so much for tuning in and let

me know what think about this whole

situation in the comments also if you

enjoyed my coverage please consider

liking and or subscribing to the channel

appreciate you and I'll see you in the

next one