Asian Representation in Television (Stacey)

What do the names, Aang, Chin Ho Kelly, Mike Chang, Vince Masuka and Tina Cohen-Chang mean to you?  Are they familiar? Do you know where they come from? 

            These are all extremely popular Asian characters that are making a mark in American Television.  Aang, is the main character from the Nickelodeon series “Avatar Airbender.” Chin Ho Kelly, played by Daniel Dae Kim is from the new series this fall, “Hawaii five-o.”  Mike Chang and Tina Cohen-Chang, also known in real life as Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Ushkowitz, are the loving duo in the ever so popular show “Glee.” And last Vince Masuka, is played by C.S. Lee in the thrilling series “Dexter.”  What all of these characters have in common is that they are all supporting characters in their series, but never playing a main role. 

            In today’s television society we have seen many shows that have embraced the idea of a “melting pot” cast.  But what people are still concerned about is that Asian Americans are still not getting represented fairly compared to African Americans or Indian-Americans.  On T.V. we have had a select few of shows that are focused on ethnic groups like “The Cosby Show” and “The George Lopez Show.”  And now today we have a new show called “Outsourced” that is based on Indian Americans.  So why hasn’t anyone decided to do a show based on Asian Americans?  Asian Americans are tying to break through this glass ceiling and become more then just a stereotype. 

          Unfortunately when Asians are represented on T.V. they carry very specific traits and stereotypes.  One example is that Asian Americans are extremely smart and excel in careers like being a doctor, lawyer, and scientist.  A great example of this stereotype is Christina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy.  She is the smartest, most driven, and the least emotional out of all the characters on the show.  Also in one episode her mother is there, and even her mother is stereotyped as very strict and structured.  This stereotype is the most common among Asians and although most people would find this as a compliment, it can be frustrating to be seen as only one-way.  With the new trend of having “melting pot” casts on television, hopefully it will allow Asian Americans a new chance to be viewed as more then just smart.

            Although it’s been a slow process, there is hope for Asian Americans in the future, and CBS is taking that first big step.  As mentioned before the new series, “Hawaii five-o” is taking television by storm.  Most Americans were very excited about this great show coming back to television after making a first appearance in 1970.  But what Asian Americans are finding the most exciting is the fact that at least 50% of the cast is Asian, and are representing well.  Daniel Dae Kim had this to say about the show, “I can't think of another TV show on the air today that represents Asians in a better light, not only in numbers, but characterizations, too.”  This is a great step in the right direction toward a larger variety of ethnic diversity in the television world, especially Asian Americans. 

            As we look into the future of television for Asian Americans, we hope to see them not stereotyped as only smart, exotic characters but as people who deserve a starring role in a hit T.V. show.