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Perhaps it’s fitting that the explosion of AAPI representation in media, in all forms, comes with the intense rise of anti-Asian sentiments and attacks that have been steadily increasing for a little over a year. Spurred by Anti-Asian sentiment around the coronavirus, anti-Asian content and the perpetuation of racist attitudes have seen a sharp rise. However, Asian-Americans no longer take residence in archaic stereotypes or in quiet voices. Ever-evolving and boosted by new generations, Asian-Americans are opening up, exposing raw truths, and showcasing talent and themselves in previously unseen ways.
Historically, Asian-Americans have been vastly underrepresented in the media. Some studies point to less than 4% representation in TV characters. Stereotypically, they’ve been painted with a broad stroke as quiet, reserved and ultimately, the voiceless model minority. Like most stereotypes, these notions encourage tropes which are exaggerated, often inaccurate, and ignore the humanity behind each individual or even the group at large. “Hollywood whitewashing” is another contributor to the under-representation of Asians. When Asian characters are written or when their stories are brought to a mainstream audience, Asian characters have largely been played by Caucasian actors. This isn’t just problematic because of misrepresentation, but because this leads to a shift in what we are continuously fed as being aesthetically acceptable.
Things are finally evolving. We had an accurate capture of what it means to be Asian-American nearly thirty years ago with The Joy Luck Club. Since then, Korean dramas and K-pop have taken foreign audiences by storm. As has Bollywood. We are starting to see Asians in jobs, sectors and fields which they have typically not been in. We are starting to read about them, from their own voices. We are seeing them in theatre, and in film, as Oscar-winning directors, and Oscar-winning actresses. We see them as journalists and politicians.
With the arrival of AAPI month in May, we celebrate the Asian-American experience! Where can we find more?
Here are some great starts:
Reading Asian Voices:
Television and Film:
Music:
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