The Ghostbustersremake has been inspiring opinions and think pieces since it was announced. With the release of the trailer, a new controversy over political correctness is brewing — this time, over Leslie Jones’ MTA-worker character.
Critics were quick to label the film problematic as Jones, the only lead character of color, plays an MTA worker alongside three white scientists (Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig.) Bustle‘s Kadeen Griffiths wrote, “…the fact that the only woman of color on the Ghostbusters team is also the only member of the team who isn’t a scientist or any sort of expert in this field is particularly grating to modern audiences.” HitFix worried that Jones would play a “sassy sidekick.”
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For her part, Jones says fans and critics are overly sensitive. “Why can’t a regular person be a ghostbuster,” she tweeted. She retweeted a comment reminding fans that “ghostbusters” is a fake job and, therefore, probably not worth getting worked up about.
Why can't a regular person be a ghostbuster. Im confused. And why can't i be the one who plays them i am a performer. Just go see the movie!
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) March 4, 2016
ITS NOT A MAN, WOMAN, RACE, CLASS THANG!! ITS A GHOSTBUSTER THANG!! AND AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED WE ALL GHOSTBUSTERS!! STAND TALL!!
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) March 4, 2016
While certainly taking the time to defend herself, Jones also makes it clear that she’s not taking angry comments to heart. She tweeted, “P.S. Always love your haters they keep you on your game. And aware of how bomb you are. if you wasn’t they wouldn’t give you the attention!”
P.S. Always love your haters they keep you on your game. And aware of how bomb you are. if you wasn't they wouldn't give you the attention!
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) March 7, 2016
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If this semi-controversy isn’t enough to get you to the theater, maybe Jones’ pride in her work will do the job. Ghostbusters hits theaters July 15.
I'm glad y'all didn't make the movie cause it would suck!I'm proud of my work and cast mates work.@paulfeig is a genius! AND IM DONE!PEACE!
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) March 5, 2016
More: 6 ways the new Ghostbusters trailer pays homage to the original
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