race lift

Definitions

The changing of the race of a character, protagonist, etc., in a work of art, literature, etc.

Examples

“Characters who are ethnic minorities in original works are recast as Caucasians in adaptations so frequently that the phenomenon has its own⟳ nickname: it’s called a race⟳ lift⟳.”

“But here's what gets me: They did do a "race⟳ lift⟳" of a martial arts-oriented character. They took Elektra Natchios, who, if you couldn't tell⟳ from her name⟳, is supposed to be Greek, and cast⟳ the French-Cambodian actress Elodie Yung to play⟳ her.”

“2017 Rangers' "gritty" teaser trailer sees five stroppy teenagers (all smooth enough to have⟳ come⟳ from the High School Musical set⟳) glower at one another in clothes most of us probably can't afford⟳ (styled to look⟳ almost-crap), get⟳ CGI powersuits, and fight⟳ a villain that's had a Hollywood "race-lift" for no reason⟳ other than I-don't-know.”

“No, I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon in the wake⟳ of Marvel Comics' announcement of a black Captain America and a female Thor—although if there were ever a politically opportune moment to give⟳ the Hulk a Race⟳ Lift⟳, this is it.”

CEFR level