Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Title:** The Misconception of "Political Correctness" in Cinema
**Main Argument:** The concept of "political correctness" (PC) is misused and misunderstood, particularly in the context of film. The term's meaning has changed over time, often serving as a shield for those in power to defend their interests.
**Key Points:**
1. **Historical Context:** The term "politically correct" originated in 1793 as a compliment, but its meaning has shifted over time, sometimes being used as an insult by various groups (e.g., Republicans in the 1960s, conservatives in the 1980s).
2. **Double Standards:** People often apply different standards when criticizing casting choices or film content, depending on their personal biases (e.g., outrage over a black James Bond, but not over a woman playing the role).
3. **True Meaning of PC:** The author argues that genuine "political correctness" in cinema refers to making changes to please as many viewers as possible, without altering the film's essence (e.g., modifying violent or disturbing content).
4. **The Real Issue:** The problem lies not with political correctness, but with **inclusion** and challenging the status quo. Many critics are actually "culturally sedentary," resisting change and preferring to maintain traditional norms.
5. **Conclusion:** Cinema doesn't need to be "politically correct" in the sense of avoiding offense or change. What truly matters is the **quality of the film**. Viewers should focus on judging a movie's merit rather than its adherence to traditional norms.
Here are the extracted key facts, each with a number and in short sentences, excluding opinions:
**Movie and Casting Facts**
1. Halle Bailey was rumored to play The Little Mermaid in a new Disney production, sparking controversy.
2. Will Smith played Robert Neville in "I Am Legend" (2007), originally a white character in the novel.
3. Michael Clarke Duncan played Kingpin in "Daredevil" (2003), a character originally white in the comics.
4. Will Smith played Jim West in "Wild Wild West" (1999), a character originally played by white actor Robert Conrad.
5. Pam Grier played Jackie Brown in "Jackie Brown" (1997), a character originally named Jackie Burke and blonde in the book "Rum Punch".
6. Will Smith played J in "Men in Black" (1997), a character originally white in the comics.
7. Eddie Murphy played Professor Sherman in "The Nutty Professor" (1996), a character originally played by white actor Jerry Lewis in the 1963 version.
8. Morgan Freeman played Red in "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994), a character originally Irish in the novel.
9. Eartha Kitt played Catwoman in the TV series "Batman" (1964), a character originally white, and was fired after three episodes due to backlash.
**Awards and Representation**
10. Only three of the nine Oscar-nominated films in a certain year passed the Bechdel test.
11. The three films that passed the Bechdel test were "Little Women", "Marriage Story", and "Parasite".
**Historical and Terminological Facts**
12. The term "politically correct" was first used in a 1793 US Supreme Court decision to refer to using the phrase "The United States" instead of "People of the United States".
13. In 1940, the term "politically correct" began to be used as an insult to describe blind adherence to doctrine, following the Hitler-Stalin pact.
14. In the 1960s, Republicans used "politically incorrect" to describe anti-war protests.
15. In the 1970s, American leftist movements, including feminist groups, used "political correctness" to mock anti-feminists.
**James Bond and Casting Controversies**
16. Idris Elba was rumored to potentially play James Bond, sparking controversy among some conservatives.
17. In 2019, rumors of a female James Bond were met with resistance, with some stating Bond should remain male.