Hyphen Magazine released its weekly round up of Asian Americans on television this morning. It got me wondering, where would Asian Americans be without reality TV?
With the exception of the new TBS hospital drama Monday Mornings, the entire blog is devoted to Asian Americans on reality television shows. From Brenda the Asian American cheerleader on Survivor to guest judge Roy Choi of LA’s Kogi truck fame on Top Chef, its all about reality TV.
Reality television tends to show the best and worse of people. You can say its raw and unedited, but it really isn’t. The producers will choose to use stuff on the edges and leave everything else on the proverbial cutting room floor.
The last Asian American reality star I’ve really gotten excited about is Yul Kwon of Survivor. Not only did he win, but he won with a conscience talking openly on the show about stereotypes faced by Asian American men. He’s gone on to use his fame to advocate for such noble causes as bone marrow donations and really has become a role model in the community.
Jessica Sanchez, last year’s runner up, comes in a close second. Her debut album is expected out soon and she’s especially won the hearts of the Filipino community. It’ll be fun to watch her represent. Lets hope she doesn’t do a Britney on us and get all weird cutting off her hair or something like that.
And lets hope the future will see more Asian Americans, men and women, in strong positive roles that will get people talking.
Who will be the next break out reality Asian American star? Read Hyphen Magazine and let us know if you see any stand outs.
