Shenmue Dojo

Hey everyone,

I have a dumb question, and if I offend anyone, then please understand that I don't teally mean to.

I'm currently working on a follow-up to our short film Shenmue: 'Suka High called Shenmue: Yokosuka Blues. The short features Goro and Tom. I posted a picture of myself and my cousin in costume, portraying Goro and Tom. I received a text not long after from my other cousin saying I should be careful posting pictures of the Tom costume because people may be offended. Keep in mind that the cousin who texted me this is the definition of "offended by EVERYTHING ".

Now, growing up with the game, I never thought Tom was a black character. American, yes. But at the very least ethnically ambiguous. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter. But I just wanted to question the Shenmue fandom, as this is ultimately who we are making this film for, abd your opinons matter to me.

He could be mixed as in having both both black and white parents. I always thought his "Jamaican" accent rather forced though.

Tom is American, originally from Jamaica. Is that right?

Basically, "American" and "Jamaican" are nationalities, not races. "Black" is a pretty relative term, depending on who you ask. Skin color may or may not be the only factor in someone being considered "black" or not.

A friend from Jamaica with very dark skin and "African features" told me once they weren't "black", which didn't make sense to me but I didn't care either so whatever. But I wasn't making a vid...

I think most of us find the variety of skin color, hair and features of people beautiful and interesting, and not a basis for social issues, (honestly I don't even like the word race anymore because, we aren't different, just minor difference in looks, and not even that much) but the world is a strange place and sadly issues exist. Portraying races in media can get volatile fast.

I haven't seen the vid yet, but I'd say, for fun, Tom or any character could be portrayed by an actor of any appearance and background, though for absolute accuracy, either (1) a Jamaican person with dreads, a cool Jamaican accent and skin tone close to Tom's, or (2) for ABSOLUTE best accuracy, a Canadian voice actor with a bad dreadlocks wig and ridiculous Jamaican accent.

Tom isn't very dark but I think his character is really cool because of portraying a "foreigner" in 80s Japan being a friend of the protagonist- it adds depth. And someone who went from Jamaica-America-Japan, entrepreneur, a real on his own, self made man with a great attitude.. Well we all love Tom don't we, I think if he's portrayed with love, anyone who's triggered is going to be triggered by anything. Tom would want you to make the vids lol

Despite not having prominent black facial features (e.g., Smith Bradley or Honey Johnson), yes, Tom is black, unless he 'identifies' as purple or something

Thanks so much for the responses, guys!

Your Boy Leroy wrote: Hey everyone,

I have a dumb question, and if I offend anyone, then please understand that I don't teally mean to.

I'm currently working on a follow-up to our short film Shenmue: 'Suka High called Shenmue: Yokosuka Blues. The short features Goro and Tom. I posted a picture of myself and my cousin in costume, portraying Goro and Tom. I received a text not long after from my other cousin saying I should be careful posting pictures of the Tom costume because people may be offended. Keep in mind that the cousin who texted me this is the definition of "offended by EVERYTHING ".

Now, growing up with the game, I never thought Tom was a black character. American, yes. But at the very least ethnically ambiguous. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter. But I just wanted to question the Shenmue fandom, as this is ultimately who we are making this film for, abd your opinons matter to me.

Wait, you're THE Leroy Nguyen? Wow, all this time I never realised that. Glad to see a guy like you on the forums, I'm sure we all appreciate it. Loved 'Suka High by the way!

I assume he's what you Americans call "light skinned". But yeah, it seems like he's supposed to be a stereotypical rasta black dude from the states.

Step forward, step again and then kick. Oooookay?

I have a better question: What race is Mr. Satan?

I read this as "Is Tom Johnson back?" And I was going to reply "I read this as is Tom Johnson black?" But then I re-read it and it turns out it really IS "is Tom Johnson black?"

south carmain wrote: I have a better question: What race is Mr. Satan?

Devil Race.

(I know, horribly lame joke involving his last name)

Henry Spencer wrote: Step forward, step again and then kick. Oooookay?

Unbelieeeee-vible mon'! xD

...

I wonder, how does the Shenmue strategy guides describe Tom? It's a shame we never got a high-poly render of Tom on the passport disc haha...

Wasn't the guy that "guessed" your name in SII also "jamaican" ?

shredingskin wrote: Wasn't the guy that "guessed" your name in SII also "jamaican" ?

Barry Jones? That dude wasn't even from this fucking planet!