Myx TV's "I'm Asian American and..."

Definitely something I'm going to have to check out. The show premieres at 8 p.m. on April 23.



Here's a link to the Variety article.

Mnet + Angry Little Asian Girl, Kollaboration

Cool.

Mnet (www.mnetamerica.com), the first and leading national, 24/7 English-language television network in the U.S. for all things Asian cool, has taken the hottest line-up of original shows inspired by Asian entertainment to the next level with its 2012-13 programming slate. The network’s new programming includes the original series Angry Little Asian Girl, where animation gets an Asian American attitude. Also, YTF unites the biggest YouTube sensations, and Kollaboration takes U.S. cities by storm, scouring the nation for the hottest talent. The line-up was unveiled as the network celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May with a series of announcements, including a new content everywhere initiative.

These three new shows join returning original favorites Short Notice, which is launching a film festival tied to season three; Beats Per Mnet (BPM), covering the world of Asian Pop culture; and the daily K-pop music show, Hello Pop!.

“As our programming strategy evolves, we have been able to present original series that exemplifies our passion to bring the best of Asian pop culture to America,” said Ted Kim, acting president & CEO of Mnet. “It is stimulating to watch our new original programming join forces with the previously successful series, further expanding our reach to millennials that love all things Asian cool.”

Uploaded: The Asian American Movement

If you haven't already seen this trailer for the documentary "Uploaded: The Asian American Movement" definitely check it out (the team has already been asked to be on the Anderson Cooper Show) and if you're so inclined - and inspired after watching it - get on down and help them out so they can finish post-production on IndieGoGo.

Because You Want To Know More

A documentary that explores the increased visibility of Asian Americans in popular culture since the advent of new media such as YouTube.

It aims to uncover the extent to which Asian Americans have utilized the Internet and Youtube to infiltrate American popular culture and where this momentum will lead. It will focus on the current struggles and successes of important Asian Americans in entertainment, from both new media creators to long time industry professionals.

Directed by: Kane Diep
Executive Producers: Farah Moriah & Julie Zhan
Lead Editor: Rommel Andaya
Assistant Editor: Mark Anthony Gadia
Starring: AJ Rafael, Clara Chung, David Choi, Jennifer Chung, Feats in Inches, Ross Ching, Paul J Kim, George Shaw and more

http://uploadedtaam.com/
http://www.uploadedtaam.tumblr.com
http://twitter.com/uploadedtaam

An Open Letter To The Golden Globes

Dear Golden Globes,

While this probably comes as no surprise to you (or me for that matter) I just have to ask the question again about all the major category nominees and why there's almost no People Of Color, and *gasp* no members from the APIA community?

Sure, maybe you can say that it's because of the lack of APIA faces in television and movies, but you know what? It's your job to seek them out. It's your job to elevate - make another major category if you have too so at least I can see some people that look like me in the coverage of your awards show and maybe (it's a slight maybe), people might start to go "Hmmm...I should cast them in my film, or television show".

But then again, maybe I'm in la la land (which some will say I am), because at the end of the day, I guess it's just the Golden Globes?

Not Really Yours (Unless You Want To Give Me A Handjob And Even Then I'd Still Probably Throw You To The Curb),

Slanty

The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition To ABC, CBS, Fox And NBC: You Got 3 Years To Create Asian American Stars

Throwdown time.

Concerned with the slow progress of TV networks in the area of diversity casting, the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC) has released its 2011 report cards grading the networks' past 2010-2011season while simultaneously challenging ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC to castat least one Asian Pacific American actor as the mainstar in a TV show within the next three years.

"Since APAMC began meeting with the networks in late 1999, only two new shows have starred Asian Pacific Americans (APAs)," said co-chairs Guy Aoki and Marilyn Tokuda in a Coalition statement, "'Cashmere Mafia' with Lucy Liu and 'Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann (Inaba),' both on ABC. We believe that, without a timetable, the networks will never confront the perceived obstacles to using APAs as the faces of their series. So we have issued a challenge that within three years--by the Fall of 2014--they air a series which stars at least one APA clearly cast as the central character (the star's name usually appears first in the credits when they aren't listed alphabetically)."

For example, the star of "Parks and Recreation" is Amy Poehler, not Aziz Ansari.

The Coalition challenge included a further condition: "Because many actors are part-Asian Pacific and viewers are unaware of what their heritage is, we always encourage the networks to make it clear within the context of their shows that the character is Asian Pacific. However, if all we end up getting are stars who are part-APA but don't look it and who don't play recognizably APA roles, then the goal of more meaningful inclusion will not have been reached."

Last year, the total number of APA regulars amongst the top four networks jumped from 32 to 38--an all-time high. This past season, that number dropped to 31.

Overall, NBC, with a B (up from a B-), ranked highest in this year's APAMC report cards, which marks the 10th anniversary of judging the inclusion of APAsin eight categories: actors, unscripted show participants, writers/producers, directors, development, procurement, executives, and network initiatives.

No other network has ever received this high a grade from the coalition. Out of 12 report cards since 2000, NBC has received the highest overall grade 8 times (5 of them ties with other networks). This past season, the peacock network also had the highest grade for actors, development deals, and writers/producers, and tied for top honors in procurement, executives, and diversity initiatives.

CBS maintained a B- for the third year, ABC slid from B- to C+. Fox fell from C+ to C-, the worst network grade since CBS received the same rating in 2005.

"Last season, NBC had 13 regulars of Asian Pacific descent (boosted by five regulars on 'Outsourced'," Aoki stated. "This was the highest number any network has been able to achieve in the 11years the Coalition has released report cards. Accordingly, we have issued our highest grade in the actors category ever, a B+. NBC is the only network to receive this high a grade, which they also received in 2004."

According to the APAMC report, between 2006 and 2008, ABC either had the highest number of APA regulars or tied for that distinction. But ABC's record has declined noticeably since then. This past season, ABC could claim only 5 regulars and 4 recurring characters, their exact numbers in 2005. Of all four networks, ABC received the lowest grade in the actors category, a D+.

The day after the new "Hawaii Five-0" debuted in September of 2010, theAPAMC encouraged CBS to hire writers and actors from Hawaii in order to truly capture the essence of the people of that state.

"We have been disappointed that most of the APAs used are as suspects or villains and increasingly, most of the guest stars-who often get more screen time than regulars Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park and Masi Oka-are white and from the mainland," Aoki said. A meeting with CBS has been set for next week to address these concerns.

ABC scored best in the unscripted series category for the fourth consecutive year. Since 2008, the network has featuredAPAs in many of their unscripted series, including Carrie Ann Inaba as a judge on "Dancing With the Stars."

CBS made the biggest improvement in reality shows, jumping from a C- to a B- for its profiles of two Asian American CEOs in "Undercover Boss" and many contestants on "The Amazing Race" and "Live to Dance."

"The networks have always struggled with using APA directors on their shows," said Coalition co-chair Tokuda, reporting that Fox had the highest number (11) of APAs directing a total of 28 episodes. Except for one episode of "Traffic Light," however, all of those shows were animated. Still, Fox earned the biggest grade improvement in any category this past season, jumping from a D- to a B-.

However, Fox had no development deals with APAs, receiving an F in that category, as well as an F/Incomplete for its failure to report verified procurement data (they have promised to provide this in the near future). The network also received the lowest grade for diversity initiatives (C-), as the head of the Diversity department left in October of last year and the entire team was eventually dismantled. Fox is now taking a different approach with its "Audience Strategy" department, and we look forward to seeing whether its promising new diversity initiatives bear more fruit at the network than have past efforts.

The Coalition singled out CBS President Nina Tassler, praising her for convening a second meeting with her show runners and the APAMC to discuss ways to include more people of color (POC) in their series. In the 2011-2012 season, CBS will have at least 10 APA regulars, the highest in its history. Unfortunately, this includes the heavy-accented restaurant owner played by Matthew Moy in "2 Broke Girls," which many in the community feel sets back the cause. Fox's numbers also look better for this new season with the inclusion of three Asian Indian/half -Asian Indian regulars as part of the main family on "Terra Nova." Also, the network once again includes an Asian American doctor--played by Charlene Yi--in "House."

Despite losing five regulars on the now-cancelled "Outsourced," NBC only slipped from 13 to 12 as it included 7 new API regulars on 7 new series.

Although the road to reflecting reality has been an ongoing challenge, since the 1999/2000 meetings, the networks have implemented many initiatives to increase the presence of POC before and behind the camera. Although the programs do not guarantee employment, they provide access and a means to getting a foot in the door in areas POC have historically been denied.

APAs have gained ground as writers, with some elevated to producers, co-producers and executive producers on such series as "ER," "Lost," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Prison Break," "Law & Order: SVU," "Bones," "Medium," "The Walking Dead" and "Body of Proof."

"For actors," Tokuda stated, "winning a place in the network showcases is like harnessing the brass ring. The exposure can lead to solid agency representation, multiple auditions and, in some cases, an ongoing mentorship with casting executives. People like Carrie Ann Inaba ("Dancing with the Stars") and Liza Lapira (21, "Traffic Light") were discovered in the showcases."

Graduates of directors programs have gone on to direct shows like NBC's "Community" and the Julia Roberts film Fireflies in the Garden.

Jackie Chan And The Crappy Scrabble Word Of The Day

From scrabble-word-finder.com

Verb to shanghai (third-person singular simple present shanghais, present participle shanghaiing, simple past and past participle shanghaied)

◦(transitive) To force or trick (someone) into joining a ship which is lacking a full crew.
◦(transitive) To abduct or coerce.
◦(transitive) To commandeer; appropriate; hijack

Which kind of reminds me of this:



Which then reminds me of this:

Clara Chung, Ryan Higa + The White House

And you didn't think the White House could be this damn cool.

When: October 14, 2011
Time: 4pm PDT/7pm EST

Watch live stream here:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whitehouseaapi

Submit questions and comments via twitter:
#AAPITownHall

The Initiative cordially invites students, youth, and community advocates across the country to attend its first ever Virtual Youth Town Hall. The online event will be available for viewing at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whitehouseaapi.

During the Virtual Town Hall, the White House Initiative will explore increasingly important issues relevant to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth. YouTube personality Ryan Higa, singer and songwriter Clara Chung are among the prominent AAPI role models that will serve as Town Hall panelists and address issues such as bullying, access to education, and AAPI representation in the arts and media. The Town Hall will be moderated by Sefa Aina, Vice Chair of the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs.

The Virtual Town Hall will be live-streamed, and will include a question and answer session in which the community can submit their questions online. Questions and comments can be submitted before and during the town hall event via Twitter using the hashtag #WHIAAPITownHall. The Virtual Town Hall will be hosted in front of a live audience of youth in Las Vegas, Nevada, where a limited number of participants can attend and share their own stories.

Good Luck To Jeff Yang

While news from a week or so ago, just wanted to post up R.I.P to Jeff Yang's Asian Pop column in the SF Gate if you didn't already know. While I didn't always agree with the things he said (but a lot of times I did) - it didn't really matter - because he was a voice for the APIA community in a major newspaper that let him do things his way.

Washington Post + Verizon + Ads + I Accept My Model Minority Stereotype?

Caught this down at the WP. Not anything we don't already know, but always good to keep the dialogue going.

Verizon Wireless also says it’s a mistake to read any larger meaning into its TV spots featuring Asian American actors. The company cast actors of Asian descent because the commercials were originally intended to run on Korean- and Chinese-language TV programs and not because it was trying to suggest that Asian Americans have superior technical knowledge or talent, said spokeswoman Brenda Raney.

The casting, she said, was simply part of Verizon’s efforts to portray diversity: “We work very hard to make sure our general-market advertising is reflective of society as a whole.” Verizon subsequently decided to run the ads on English-language programs, too, Raney said.

Scholarly research shows that Asian American consumers accept the “model minority” advertising stereotype about themselves. In a study conducted last year, Yoo, the University of Texas researcher, showed panels of Asian Americans two sets of mock ads for mobile phones, the first featuring Caucasian models and the second with Asian models. Then, she repeated the experiment with ads for a “non-tech” product, cologne, alternating ads with Caucasian and Asian models.

Result: Asian American consumers were more favorably disposed toward the tech products when they were endorsed by the Asian models. They also liked the non-tech products more when they were endorsed by Caucasian models.

Oh wait - that last part maybe I didn't know...but let me think about that for a second...

So anything not tech related I want to see from White People and I accept the model minority stereotype?

Who knew??!!!

Kudos to the Washington Post for reprinting Yoo's awesome findings.

The LXD: Season 3 Episode 1

Michelle Phan, Ryan Higa, And The NY Times

NY Times

Nice to see the headlines still come out on the Asian American YouTube revolution.

ASIAN roles in Hollywood have come a long way since Mickey Rooney played a Japanese neighbor in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” But the dearth of Asian lead characters today suggests that there is still a way to go.

It’s an entirely different story, however, on the democratized platform of YouTube, where a young generation of Asian-Americans has found a voice (and millions of eager fans).

Of the 20 most-subscribed-to channels on YouTube, which include series like College Humor Originals and Annoying Orange, three belong to Asian-Americans. Ryan Higa, 21, a Japanese-American comic who lives in Las Vegas, has 4.1 million subscribers to his channel, in which he melds sketch comedy and personal musings. Until recently, he was No. 1 in total subscribers; he is now No. 2.

Michelle Phan, 24, a Vietnamese-American in Los Angeles, has 1.5 million followers, the most-subscribed channel of any woman, Asian or not, on YouTube. Her slickly produced videos offer beauty tips and makeup tutorials. One is inspired by Belle from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Another is by the computer-generated, downloadable, neon-blue-haired Japanese pop icon, Hatsune Miku, who has performed onstage as a hologram. Nowhere else in the media, other than the Internet, are there “really strong Asian roles,” Ms. Phan said.

CBS's Mike And Molly Ching Chong (And Some Laundry Jokes)

I sat down from a long day at work and decided I just couldn't quite watch the Spurs, so I decided to tune into CBS -- and while I don't watch this show a lot (a few episodes early) Mike & Molly was on - and of the few episodes I have actually seen - they've been cute, they've been funny. And I was definitely with them on that whole Marie Claire blog hoopla from late last year.

So there I was enjoying some of the cute and the funny when out of the blue came full on straight up RACIST SPEAK in the form of CHING CHONG, LAUNDRY JOKES, and "Hey - let's make fun of Korean food while we're at it too" which went something like this * (the premise is that Carl has a key to Mike's apartment, is seeing someone new and takes her over to Mike's apartment to have sex - Mike and Molly stumble in on this and Molly wants Mike to get his key back from Carl):


MIKE: "Why can't you go over to her place?"
CARL: "I can't have sex with the smell of kimchi six feet below me."
MIKE: "She's Korean?"
CARL: "I think so. Is "tum yum boo tam Korean?"
MIKE: "I think it's fake."
CARL: "Why can't you bring her back to your place?"
MIKE: "I can't do that. My Grandma will have her doing the laundry."

And then after another couple of lines Carl is imitating this woman and goes into straight on Ching Chong saying some gibberish that's supposed to be Korean - because you know - what better way to imitate the Asian woman your dating than "Tuk tee tam too mee kam tuk tuk" (aka ching chong ching chong ching chong).

I mean when you sum it up it all kind of comes out like this:

Carl finally has a woman.

She's kind of a kink and likes to tie him up (this news later on in the episode).

He can't stand the smell of her food (because you know, our food is disgusting and smelly) but that doesn't matter because he just wants to fuck her.

His grandma will make her do the laundry if he takes her home (because that's of course what everyone thinks about when they see an Asian woman) but that's okay because he has the key to Mike's place.

So he can fuck her there.

And apparently Carl's new woman also speaks like a MF idiot in a language that absolutely no one can understand.

But that's okay too.

Carl doesn't actually need to hear what she has to say.

Carl just wants to fuck her.

So Let's Recap

Ching Chong? Check.

Dirty Asian Food? Check.

Asian Woman Cum Fuck Me Suckee I Do Anything No Ticky No Washy?

Check that off the list too.

Say No A Priori Say No

It's amazing to me that a show who comes out and makes it a point to talk about not discriminating against people because of their weight - that when it comes to the APA community - apparently - they just don't give a fuck.

* Just For The Record

This was from the episode "Carl Gets A Girl" which aired tonight on CBS 9:30/8:30c. I don't have the actual transcripts - nor do I have it recorded - so the above is paraphrase - but it's pretty damn close to the actual dialogue (and the spirit is definitely there - the spirit of BS racist speak - but a spirit nonetheless).

Hopefully CBS will put this up on their site soon hereafter so you can view it for yourself (or better yet, maybe there's a transcript of it floating around).

Trailer Love: K-Town Reality Show Sizzle

Been seeing this everywhere and wanted to post up on here too.



Can't.Wait.To.See.This

History Channel's Top Shot: Jay Lim And Athena Lee

While you may not think this would be that interesting - actually - guns, sharp shooters, and eliminations where someone actually pulls a trigger to cast their vote isn't that bad of a recipe for reality tv (because it could be worse - just think Jerseylicious*).

Jay Lim

Age: 35
Hometown: Fullerton, CA
Occupation: Golf Instructor

"I'm not just a shooter, I'm an athlete. I'm a thinker. I'm all that. Whatever I think--I can get my body to do." Jay Lim is an amateur shooter who believes his natural abilities can earn him the Top Shot title. Boastful? Maybe. But this golf instructor can back it up. He has competed in archery events on a national level, once taking him all the way to the 2004 Olympic Trials. And he doesn't just excel at archery--Jay competes with the air pistol, air rifle, skeet and handgun. He's a self-described over-achiever who loves marksmanship because "there is perfection in shooting, and that is what I strive for."

SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

* Competes in local and national archery and air pistol events, placing within top 10%
* Qualified in 2004 Olympic Trials for archery
* Olympic and American skeet training by medalist Kim Rhode
* Shoots Olympic air rifles, air pistols, freestyle hand thrown clays, handguns, and blow guns; also throws knives

Athena Lee

Age: 32
Hometown: Katy, TX
Occupation: Oil company contractor

"Who doesn't want to see a short, Asian chick kick butt?" On the pro circuit, kicking butt is exactly what Athena's done. After winning two world IPSC Championship titles on the Philippine Ladies Team--and getting increasingly frustrated with the restrictions on professional shooters there--Athena emigrated to the U.S., where in 2008, she helped win a world title for the American women's team. In addition to competing, she was also a firearms instructor in Houston where she is passionate about opening people's minds about the sport of shooting--and who can be good at it. "It's a good feeling to be competing with a bunch of guys who are bigger than I am."

SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

* 2002 and 2003 World Speed Shooting Open Women's Champion
* 1999 and 2008 IPSC World Shoot Open Women's Champion
* 2001 and 2007 Australasian Open Women's Champion
* 2002 and 2007 USPSA National Open Women's Champion

Check out more at the History Channel.

* I'm not going to tell you I'm proud of this fact, but yes, I have watched an episode or two...just for research...

Bill Imada, Outsourced, And Guy Aoki

Caught this article down at Advertising Age and wanted to pass it on.

"It would have been more ground breaking and refreshing if [NBC] had an Indian American as the star -- someone who had to go to India but has no knowledge of the culture or language," states Guy Aoki, founding president of Media Access Network for Asian Americans (MANAA). Aoki believes that casting an Asian-American actor as the "Outsourced" lead character would have forced viewers to put aside their preconceived notions about Asian Americans, who are often viewed as perpetual foreigners because of the way they look. According to Aoki, "It would send the message that we can't assume that someone with an Indian face is a foreigner and not as American as anyone else. Maybe [NBC] could introduce a character like that in the future."

But even Aoki agrees that the program has merit.

"'Outsourced' is positive in that it tackles the issue of outsourcing jobs head-on," notes Aoki, who has taken on the networks and studios for not portraying real-world issues and challenges. "I was surprised that people would watch a series about Indians at call centers because there is so much resentment about American jobs going to India."

Read it in full here.

The LXD Season 2: Episodes 1-3

If you missed any of the episodes, make sure and check out Jon M. Chu's next installment of The LXD.

Episode 1: The Legion



Episode 2: Lessons



Episode 3: Rising

Dyana Liu + Tower Prep + 8 Questions

Head on over to 8Asians where you can get to know a little more about Dyana Liu on Cartoon Network.

People complain that there aren’t enough Asian Pacific Islanders on TV, and it’s true. So when someone actually makes it, we should celebrate and recognize them. That’s why I’d like to highlight the über talented and beautiful Dyana Liu, the newest star of the Cartoon Network’s second live-action show Tower Prep. Her character, Suki Sato, is NOT the stereotypical dragon lady, geisha, or awkward nerd (although her character is very intelligent). She’s as three dimensional Asian American female as I’ve seen on television for a long time.

B.D. Wong On Race

Caught a good article with veteran actor B.D. Wong talking about race and Hollywood:

The actor said he began to accept his identity around the time he landed a lead role in the Broadway production of “M. Butterfly,” which brought him the 1988 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play. Wong, who has appeared in several movies and TV shows, has been a staple on “Law and Order” since 2001.

Despite progress, Wong said, an “undercurrent” of stereotyping and prejudice remains in entertainment, where the “subliminal message” is still found that white is superior.

Read it in full here.

And Your Random Bing Commercial For The Day

Even though this is a little older, I've been seeing it around a lot more lately, so I just thought I'd post it up just because I can.

On Glee, Thinking Asian People Took Over The Show, And Yes, It's Totally Busted

Yeah - it's a long shot - but after berating the show last year (only when it was deemed necessary of course) and then tuning in for the premiere tonight - I just have to wonder if someone out there in FOX TV Land has actually been listening to me (and yes, we all know the truth, but at least let me have something on a day where people are using the word filibuster much to my chagrin).

I mean a romance between Tina and Mike (who actually kiss each other in that teen angsty Asian camp sort of way)?

Semi-funny jokes with Asian Americans?

Abs of steel via Harry Shum Jr.?

And Charice Pempengco upstaging - well - pretty much everyone?

Yeah...I'll just pretend it was all my idea...