"Cho Chang" Controversy: Racism & Katie Leung's Harry Potter Story | News

Is the name "Cho Chang" in the Harry Potter series simply a coincidence, or does it echo a history of racism? The controversy surrounding the character's name and the subsequent online abuse endured by actress Katie Leung suggests that the issue runs deeper than mere happenstance.

The fictional world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as conceived by J.K. Rowling, has captivated audiences for decades. However, within this realm of magic and wonder, certain aspects have come under scrutiny, particularly regarding representation. One such point of contention centers around the character of Cho Chang, the only prominent East Asian character in the series, and the subsequent controversy surrounding her name and the experiences of the actress who portrayed her.

The debate surrounding Cho Chang is not new. Over two decades after her introduction in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, people are still expressing their discontent with Rowlings choice to name her only East Asian character "Cho Chang." The name itself is reminiscent of "Ching Chang," a derogatory term often used to mock and demean people of Chinese descent, and many critics have argued that the name perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reflects a lack of sensitivity.

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The selection of Katie Leung, a Scottish actress of Chinese descent, to portray Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films brought this issue to the forefront. Leung, who was only 16 when she was cast, has spoken candidly about the racist abuse she endured online following her casting announcement. This included being told to deny seeing the racist attacks, a situation which highlights the pressure placed upon her and the lack of support she received during that time.

The character of Cho Chang is a Ravenclaw student at Hogwarts, known for her academic focus. She is a seeker, and Rowling, in her descriptions of the series, notes that the best seekers are often small and light. While this detail could be interpreted as a simple physical description, some critics have also noted the implicit connection between the character's physical attributes, academic aptitude, and the stereotypes often associated with Asian individuals.

The very act of naming a character "Cho Chang" in a series with a global audience is now viewed by many as insensitive, especially when placed into the context of the derogatory slur ching chong chang. The debate also extends beyond the name itself to encompass the broader issue of representation in popular culture, and the burden placed on the only person who has been cast to play the role in a major blockbuster movie, with a lot of expectation and public attention.

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The criticisms do not stop at the name. Some argue that the character of Cho Chang embodies several of the negative stereotypes associated with Asian people, such as being particularly studious, quiet, and reserved. Moreover, there is a perception that the character lacks depth, existing mainly as a love interest for the protagonist, Harry Potter, and her personality is undeveloped. Furthermore, her character is not connected to her culture, in a series where other characters are connected with their cultural heritage.

The issue of the name gained further momentum as social media users began to debate its significance. Many pointed out the historical context of racial slurs and stereotypes, arguing that the name "Cho Chang" was, at the very least, an example of poor judgement and potentially racist intent.

The debate highlights a recurring issue in the media industry: the treatment of actors of color in high-profile roles. When faced with online abuse, Leung was reportedly advised to ignore the comments. This lack of support from the production team demonstrated a larger problem, one where the well-being of the actor appeared to be of little importance when contrasted with the need to maintain a positive public image for the franchise.

Rowling, in her defense, may have been trying to create a character from a different race, but in so doing the author failed to take into account the historical significance of the potential name and how it could potentially be interpreted. The problem, as stated by many, is not necessarily the inclusion of a character of East Asian descent but rather, the name given to the character. This name, in the view of her critics, would fall into the stereotype and racist category.

Conversely, the decision to cast an actress with actual Scottish and Chinese heritage must be considered. Had Rowling whitewashed the character, giving her a distinctly European name, the outrage may have been even greater. However, for a series that often celebrated diversity in its characters, the choice of name, the characters lack of cultural ties, and Leungs own experience, cannot be excused or overlooked.

Moreover, some critics have also taken issue with the character's overall portrayal. They argue that Cho Chang is a supporting character, playing a role in the main characters love life. The main character is not linked to her culture. This creates a situation that can be seen as reinforcing stereotypes and providing little in the way of a well-rounded representation of people of East Asian descent.

The argument concerning Cho Chang's name and her function within the story is part of a wider discussion around representation, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of creating nuanced characters that go beyond stereotypes. The fact that this discussion has continued for so many years demonstrates that the issue of representation in media remains relevant and that there is much work to be done.

The conversation around Cho Chang has led to a deeper examination of Rowling's writing, the ways in which she has addressed the issues of race and diversity in her works, and the impact of the media on both the perception and experience of people of color. This will be a lasting legacy.

The choice of name, Cho Chang, and the lack of care offered to the actor who played the role, demonstrates the need for writers and creators to be more aware of the potential impact of their work. It also demonstrates the need for media outlets and studios to provide support and protection to those who are subject to abuse.

Katie Leung, now in her 30s, is now using her platform to speak out about her experiences. As society continues to grapple with issues of racial representation, hopefully, her experiences and the criticism directed towards Cho Chang can serve as a teachable moment.