On the Luna Test and why it does not work
Since it doesn’t have the usual “do not repost” disclaimer I’m assuming it is alright to post this. Otherwise I’m willing to make concessions.
So recently the acclaimed cartoonist Joshua Luna has suggested a new test in the similar vein as the classical Bechdel Test and more recent tests like the Riz Test, the Aila Test and the Mako Test. Suffice to say, while the intentions are good(ish, well get to that in a second), it has some serious problems.
First off, there’s a fundamental misunderstanding as to why these tests exist. For example the Bechdel Test is often misconstructed as a seal of quality, that a movie with two women talking about things other than men is inherently a superior thing to one that doesn’t. But as often cited, this is simply an observation; My Immortal passes the Bechdel Test while 90’s Mulan does not, for example. The Riz Test, while having some problems of its own (Muslims as victims of terrorism is somehow analogous to portraying them as the perpetrators somehow?) has similarly the same sort of caveats, as its authors do enjoy movies like Breadwinner.
By contrast, the Luna Test is by author admission a seal of quality on representation, regardless of context, regardless of caveats. Worse, he flat out admits passing this test is virtually impossible, making it rather pointless. As it is, it is like making a chair test to see if movies have chairs in them.
Probably the worst part about this test is how it doesn’t have a clear, direct objective. The Bechdel Test is about whereas women talk about othet hings besides men. The Riz Test is whereas Muslims are portrayed as associated with terrorism. The Mako Test is whereas female characters undergo a full character arc. But the Luna Test? We have eight different objectives, some of which stepping on each other’s toes. It’d be more productive to make several tests accounting for each individual problem, not shove them all together like a Frankenstein’s Monster.
And some of the cited “problems”, oh man:
Its Single Asian Female all over again…
See, Joshua Luna has some pretty severe issues with Asian women. Many of his comics are about policing their behaviour, flat out considering them dating other ethnicities to be hurting Asian men. Jesus fucking Christ, the incel meter is off the roof!
No Joshua, women dating people of other races (key word both here and in the comic being DATING, aka CONSENSUAL AFFAIRS) are not hurting Asian men unless they happen to be deeply insecure. Like you.
Why the hell would this be in a test supposedly meant to prevent racist depictions in Hollywood?
In all honesty, the test seems more like a disconnected laundry list rather than a concise, poignant set of questions on media representation. It has no clear objective and it undermines itself by being taken by the author’s less charitable issues.
My advise? Start with a concise goal in mind, order the questions as pertinent to the point you’re trying to convey, and don’t be like the Single Asian Female guy.
