Asian-Americans deserve more representation and visibility
- Sep 23, 2017
- 1 min read
Despite increasing cultural diversity in the workplace, Asian-Americans are still fighting for visibility and representation in Hollywood and on Broadway.
This opinion article appeared in Panther Press and examines the struggles Asian-Americans face in the entertainment industry.
Check out the article’s excerpt below and click the link to read the full story!
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Maytinee Kramer/Opinion Director
When Diana Huey, a Seattle-based Japanese-American actor and singer, accepted the role of Ariel in the touring musical production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” some weren’t pleased. Not because of her talent or skills, but because of her ethnicity. Angry Disney fans say the production should have cast a white woman as Ariel.
First off, “The Little Mermaid” is a Danish fairy tale and Ariel is an animated mermaid, which means there’s no rule that Ariel has to be white. Secondly, why are people more willing to accept fantastical, mythical creatures, but not a diverse cast?
Despite increasing cultural diversity in the workplace, Asian-Americans are still fighting for visibility and representation in Hollywood and on Broadway. In an interview with The Buffalo News, Huey said she’s been dealing with negative social media comments about her casting since the tour began.
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Photo Credit: Mark & Tracy Photography/ Photo retrieved from: Diana Mika Official Facebook Page
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