'Argo' Controversy: Was Tony Mendez Latino?

Is Argo's Main Character Tony Mendez Latino?
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 22: Actor Ben Affleck (R), winner of the Hollywood Ensemble Acting Award, poses with former CIA Officer Tony Mendez during the 16th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala presented by The Los Angeles Times held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 22, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 22: Actor Ben Affleck (R), winner of the Hollywood Ensemble Acting Award, poses with former CIA Officer Tony Mendez during the 16th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala presented by The Los Angeles Times held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 22, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

When Ben Affleck cast himself as Tony Mendez in the Oscar-nominated “Argo,” many criticized the move, speaking of whitewashing the movie, and “how dare he cast himself as Latino!?” comments.

Had it not been for him, the six U.S. embassy employees who now famously hid in the Canadian ambassador’s residence in Tehran, Iran, would have most likely died, and few can deny that. The truth is, Tony Mendez is a hero, but he is not a Latino hero.

Yes, the guy’s name is Antonio Mendez, but he himself has said that he doesn’t consider himself Hispanic.

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