Vance said:
Temple of Doom certainly had more than a few racist overtones in it (particularly in Pankot) ... and some of the behind the scenes commentary about George Lucas certainly reinforces at least his racism. If you don't believe the film was racist against Indians, India would disagree with you, since it was banned in that country for that reason for a number of years.
This is the heart of the matter.
'Racism', if not overt, as in the systematic degrading of a race through statement or action, may be perceived based on the viewer's cultural perspective.
As such, the Indy movies may be regarded any way you like, as The Drifter remarks on my tongue-in-cheek example:
The Drifter said:
How was this playing off of anything racist or stereotypical? That would've been funny if it had been anyone! Even if it was Marcus Brody (that would have been funnier to be honest).
There are some who will find racism in the slightest thing, because it's what they want to find, in order to build a case.
The Drifter said:
I agree. But, I think it's all done in fun. I don't think any malice was intended at all.
That's the way I see the films. Though it could be argued, and has been argued, that willful ignorance on the part of the film-makers equates to racism.
I don't think Lucas and Spielberg cared enough about real culture and history to bother researching facts. The films were intentionally negligent because all they needed to create was an environment that allowed them to play out 1930s and 1940s fantasies for a 1980s audience.
There were obviously those that either didn't see the intention, didn't want to see the intention, or simply didn't like the intention:
Vance said:
Temple of Doom certainly had more than a few racist overtones in it (particularly in Pankot) ... and some of the behind the scenes commentary about George Lucas certainly reinforces at least his racism. If you don't believe the film was racist against Indians, India would disagree with you, since it was banned in that country for that reason for a number of years.
The original films and serials were filled with racism: ignorant/stupid/simple-minded natives; non-white races in subordinate roles playing for laughs. They often under-valued/degraded/demeaned non-white races. Since these films and serials were often aimed at children they were in effect instilling in them hierarchical stereotypes.
The films reflected their times, and Lucas was reflecting the films. Yet, he makes certain amends: Sallah, Katanga, Short Round, etc etc. The hero may still be white, and he may have inherent imperialist views, but he is more respectful than his original forefathers.
(Incidentally, the Charlie Chan films actually invert the situation in 1930s Shanghai: the Chinese detective is superior to the idiotic, simple-minded black chauffeur/servant. Though Charlie Chan was famously played by non-Asian actors, which muddies the water).