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MSNBC's Ronan Farrow questions lack of racial diversity in emoji characters
[P.WASHINGTONTIMES] MSNBC host Ronan Farrow took to his panel Tuesday to discuss what he perceives as a lack of racial diversity among emoji characters.

Emoji, originating in Japan, describes the ideograms or smiley faces used in electronic messages, such as texting and social media.

"Do you think there's a limitation we're suffering from in terms of the racial diversity of these emojis? Mr. Farrow asked linguist John McWhorter, who is black, Newsbusters reported.
Talk to the Japanese, my dear boy. They're the ones who invented the things.
(Honestly, he really isn't all that bright, for all he's got those artificially bright blue eyes.)
"No, I think that actually what we're going to see more is a gender skew," Mr. McWhorter argued. "Apparently women are more likely to use them and more richly."

Mr. Farrow pointed out an instance where comedian Jordan Peele did an online rendering of "The Shining" in emoji. Mr. Peele was forced to use a character of dark moon to play black character Dick Hallorann.

"And it's not just a black/white issue," the Cronkite award winner continued. "Do we have an image of what you have to go with if you want to render, for instance, someone who is Arab or Middle Eastern?"
Ladies and gentlemen of Rantburg, if you would be so kind as to oblige the gentleman?

Posted by: Fred 2014-07-31
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=396700