In the digital era, it is increasingly common for people to identify with characters from shows and series. The power and influence media creators have on the public give them an added responsibility to compose wholesome characters. They have the power to destroy stereotypes and encourage the youth to aspire for better.
With movements like Representation Matters and #OscarsSoWhite, there has been increased awareness about the issue. Massive communities like BAFTA are taking the flak for their lack of racial diversity. Others, like the Emmy's, are using this as an opportunity to right some wrongs.
If you look at popular TV shows, you will see an effort to create powerful Black characters. However, programs fail to include Asians*. A closer look at wholesome shows like Brooklyn 99 or Suits will reveal a severe lack of representation. Both American series have no Asians, despite six per cent of the American population being of Asian descent. Studies show that even in Hollywood, Asians represent only one per cent of leading roles.
*The term 'Asians' referring to people having origins from the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian Subcontinent.
This issue is not limited to the United States. In the UK, Asians are seven per cent of the population but only compose three per cent of the onscreen population. Often the few roles Asians play are usually stereotypical roles of the socially awkward nerdy sidekick - complete with a thick accent or a ridiculously exaggerated head bobble.
Growing up watching this, young Asians begin to internalise these stereotypes. Some develop hatred towards themselves and their community, striving to be "different". Others cope by confining themselves to these behaviours, further spreading such myths. More dangerously, people from other communities begin to believe in these stereotypes, making it harder for Asians to break the glass ceiling.
The bottom line is, media creators need to be more careful when creating content. Healthy representation matters and those in the industry have the duty to create a more welcoming society.
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