November 2, 2005
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The Aftermath
Oh, boy. Here we go.
I was 100% sure I’d have to do another entry on the “Without A Trace” episode regarding what I had said about the episode before it aired.
Because sure enough, the posts: (Post 1, Post 2),
And comments:
THANK YOU for playing a TV drama the hot EVERY SINGLE Korean stereotype out there.
SELLOUT
It may not be a typical ” Asian theme” storyline, but it’s more like
of a “let’s go to the Korean corner store and bust up my sister episode.”
I know it’s about being paid, but you could’ve stood up on this
I just hope you knows [sic] that you are spouting bullshit, but I have this feeling you may have deluded yourself into believing what was written.
And emails started flowing in:
Subj: Without A Trace -Are you Kidding me?
Hey, Parry, didn’t you notice that this EP hit EVERYSINGLE FRICKIN’ Asian stereotype? I just watched it and spent the last hour and a half vomiting. Great job, Parry.
And this has been my official response:
Nope–I’m not kidding you.
I still stand by what I said. I audition a lot and my part was some of the better dialogue I’ve personally read for – Asian part or non. And maybe that’s a sad commentary in itself. All I know is what I know.
There are truths to stereotypes, my friend. I still see this kind of old world expectation stuff and expectations put on college students from their parents all the time–as a matter of fact just yesterday when I was at Northeastern University.
So just because you’ve seen it before, doesn’t mean it’s not realistic.
And the performances were extremely solid on the show because of the writing and vice versa. Not speaking for myself, cuz that would be presumptuous, but Nicole Bilderback and especially Kelvin Yu (he showed some major acting chops at the end) and proved to the world that Asian-Americans can act (the usual excuse of producers in the business to not cast Asians) — and that maybe it’s about time they be utilized in some other stuff. It’s all baby steps, man.
There was nothing to stand up to. You have to work from within the system to change things. And I think we did that–because believe me… it could have been a lot worse in lesser hands (and we couldn’t do that if the show was absolute “ass”).
I feel this one reader’s comment “got it”:
I watched last nite and thought that everyone’s performance was really strong. I’m not familiar with the show, but thought that Nicole Bilderback’s Roshomon like performance was very good, how different she was in each flashback depending on who was telling the story. Although the set up was a little disappointing (Korean grocery store, old world parents, independent gal struggling to break free), I thought the writing and the performances elevated the story above the stereotypical set up. Kudos!
So I’m not saying what all the folks above had to say is without merit – I’m not oblivious to the setup. But a lot of the comments and reactions to the episode have people looking at things very narrowly.
I’m actually kind of glad all these posts are up because it clearly illustrates exactly what I touch upon in my speaking engagements when I say there’s this vat of “haterade” that is often dipped into within the Asian-American community’s ranks and as a result, we are so disjointed as a community.
I mean come on, having me get criticized for playing a Korean because I’m really Chinese? (I got the same flack for playing a Filipino in “BLT” as well. Did DeNiro get this much flack for playing 1/2 Irish in ”Goodfellas”?) And how about Daniel Dae Kim from “Lost” receiving hate mail from the Korean Community because he doesn’t speak fluent Korean — while the rest of the Asian Community bags on him because he doesn’t speak English on the show? Or people who call Justin Lin a sellout for doing “Fast and the Furious 3“ and are so horrified having him do the remake of “Oldboy“?
It’s about looking at the big picture. Daniel’s on a Top 5 rated show – millions of people are seeing a talented Asian Actor kick major butt week after week on screen and is now on the American Public’s radar. Justin is now working at the studio level and gaining respect there – that respect gave him the leverage to offer Roger Fan a very coveted role in “Annapolis” (even though Hollywood had other choices, all non-Asian of course) and then that allowed him to also bring back Sung Kang and Jason Tobin in “FF3“.
Yes, I know, it’s “FF3” – but would it be better to have the film filled with the rappers who can’t act that the studio originally wanted? Should Justin continue doing only little independent films and gain no clout whatsoever? Regarding “Without A Trace”, would it have been better to have even less Asians on screen? Would it be better if Daniel wasn’t on “Lost”? (And I guarantee if Daniel Dae Kim’s character ever gets killed off in “Lost”, the Korean/Asian community would be in an uproar and recanting their previous “Negative-Jin” statements.)
Here’s a true story: After “BLT“, I turned down everything that came my way. I was the biggest snob. I was going to “stand my ground” and any project that had the slightest hint of being perceived as stereotypical or anything less than the quality of “BLT“ – I turned down.
And you know how many projects I worked on the year after “BLT“?
One.
You know how much money I made from acting in 2002?
$384.62
And that’s when I made the decision that I was not doing anybody any good just sitting on the sidelines. I couldn’t change anything that way. And it wasn’t just about the money - it also crippling me mentally as well as professionally.
So I started 2003 with the understanding that it would be a continuing journey and battle — not every project was going to be as progressive as “BLT” and I’d have to take every part that I could and make it a fully realized performance — spin gold out of whatever role I was given no matter the project. Not only continuing to bring in income and working but also doing the best I could representing Asian-Americans on screen to the public. All that negative energy just moping around was so unproductive.
A study from the Screen Actors Guild just came out. In 2004, there were 31,173 total roles in Film/TV.
917 of them went to Asian/Pacific Actors.
Which clearly demonstrates even more so why AA Actors have got make the most of what’s there — which is 2.9% of the theatrical roles. Writing our own roles, etc is obviously the way to go in the long run but as far as what to do in the here and now? In my opinion, the responsibility of the AA actor is to be so good in any role so that audiences, casting directors, producers watching will go “Wow, who was that?” Because once that happens, the “race thing” bleeds away. Or we can continue to have a chip on our shoulders, moan and bitch about every little issue– giving producers more of an excuse to whittle down those numbers and have our representation totally disappear on screen.
Every role I’ve taken after “BLT” has been a real effort in terms of changing dialogue and characterizations to minimize a stereotype or incorrect depiction — that was not the case with my role in “Without A Trace”. It was a dream to work on because I did not have to change or asked the dialogue/situations to be altered — which is why I said it was one of the best experiences I’ve had filming.
But this is what progress is. It’s slow but forward moving. I’m not saying never speak up for certain issues — but it has to be focused in the proper direction, otherwise it’s just a bunch of noise from those “yellow people” again. Racist Ambercrombie & Fitch shirts? Worth speaking up against. Protesting that a housing development isn’t being built conducive to Feng-Sui? Not worth speaking up against. Racist Tsunami song on Hot 97? Worth speaking up against. A bunch of Chinese actors not playing their own Asian ethnicity? Not so much.
Micro-bashing everything in sight is one of the major, major reasons why we as a community are so far behind the solidarity of say, the African-American community (ex: The African-American community does not bag on Terrence Howard for playing a pimp all the time.) We partly oppress ourselves and lose our collective strength when we do.
There I said it – but the truth sometimes hurts. Hate me, un-subscribe from me, set up boycott campaigns for my future projects … but those with leveler heads will look at the bigger picture and realize that I’m on your side and will seriously delve into how we can solve this “haterade” issue as a unified community.
Let the hate mail and comments begin. (Whew, I’m taking a huge breath as I hit “submit” on this one!)
Comments (66)
Better some than none, and I have faith the roles will shed their stereotypes someday. Kudos to you and other Asian actors who have the courage to endure the criticism from all sides, for all reasons… actors like you will help pave the way for many others and for more opportunities for Asian actors in the future.
You have my support.
i feel you.
would you be interested in coming back to Virginia Tech to speak to the Asian American Student Union?
do let me know, gracias..
Baby steps…. I currently just had some insight into media culture and after all, it took women 70 years to finally partially break the stereotype of homeworkers, incapable of independence. The reality is what it is.. Rome wasn’t built in a day
in a world of instant gratification (e-mails, cell phones, etc.) it’s hard to understand that to change the world, it takes longer than one or two days. thanks for paving the road.
Parry, you rock. *HUG*
As one of the dissenters, I want to point out that I nver said you shouldn’t play Korean American (nor Filipino American in BLT). Those parts didn’t seem to have qualities about them that were integral that you actually be Korean (or Filipino).
But come on, dude, you have to admit that it is insulting to have an obviously non-Korean speaking actor in a role where they HAVE TO SPEAK KOREAN. Try to think about how you would feel if the show were about Chinatown and some Japanese actor butchered Cantonese. It would be frustrating to say the least.
I know as an actor you have to work and the woman who played the mom has to work etc. But come on. If the network is going to slap the Asian American community in the face by casting without giving a thought as to whether or not the actress actually is convincing to an Asian American audience, then you have to think, “Well then, who is this show’s audience? Who are they writing this for?” The answer is non-Asian Americans.
So when you say it is one step forward and fighting from the inside, I have to question in which direction and who exactly are we fighting for?
And as for your other argument. Yes, stereotypes exist for a reason. But usually those reasons are ignorant.
I have absolutely no qualms about you taking work. But please be more careful about what you hold up as an achievement for the community. This may be coming off as just player hating, and I do agree with you that the community is often knee-jerky (and I can be too) and too easily divided (I have already felt it on occasion with my own film).
But in this instance, I’d rather you just said it was a gig and you made money and you are working as an actor with no apologies or excuses. Don’t look for we faithful xanga-readers to give acceptance for things that aren’t acceptable. I think what you do here is an invaluable resource to other young artists, but your insistence on defending this garbage makes me re-think your validity.
If you want to know why I am so offended by the episode, please read “Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies and Bucks” by Donald Bogle. It is about the history of African Americans in cinema but it is easily translatable to the Asian American experience. It all comes down to semiotics.
“We partly oppress ourselves and lose our collective strength when we do.” I agree with what you say here.. Asians have to take things in stride and realize that we can’t always get what we want. Eventually (hopefully) there will be a time when we’re represented the way we would like to be on the screen, but these things take time. First we need to get on the screen.. Then maybe later when we have decent representation, we can start to voice our opinions. I’m glad you are continuing to do what you do.
^^^ like JCLightofmyLife said, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” but I can see it coming like the holidays..
great post. acting is a job – just like any other. if you didn’t take that part in “Without a Trace” then some other asian american actor would have gotten it. the story would have aired anyway.
it’s the responsibility of asian americans to take the challenge of getting out there and writing their own scripts, making their own movies, inventing their own pasta sauce or popcorn, or being the number one driver at NASCAR, whatever.
but as with everything else, the entire community will move forward as quickly as it allows itself into the “mainstream” depending on how many people who hate each other, hold it back. but that’s normal. we’re only as strong as our weakest link, right?
it’s up to us to make the change, if we want it.
but, some people are afraid of change. and if they want change, then people are sometimes passive and don’t want to get involved in the change. some are impatient. some are lazy. some don’t have the talent to do what you do.
some are controlling and their perception of how things should be is their way or the highway. and if it’s not, then whatever. so they complain. people are going to complain no matter what you do or don’t do.
meanwhile, continued success in putting an asian american face out there into the public’s eye. the more everyone sees it, the more everyone will get used to it. hopefully, there will be better scripts and roles for you to play – but clearly, that’s beyond your control.
so where are the asian american writers who can write original compelling stories? i’d like to know.
A paychecks a paycheck.
But seriously, the roles are out there and if not you someone else will take it. So I can understand you taking a role even if it perpetuates stereotypes. Fact of the matter is that stereotypes are out there, stereotypes will be used for cheap laughs, cheap conflict or cheap drama whenever it is there for the taking. Understandably people see AA actors/actresses playing roles that have stereotypes and it causes a fervor, but to me, at least people are seeing AA’s in the media. Baby steps. But it is good seeing more roles being given to AA. And once the studio bigwigs see that you all can act, then that will potentially open the doors for better, more significant roles.
btw – personally, i see no difference in having a Korean actor butcher the Korean language and a Chinese actor butcher the Korean language. I can’t understand either.
Mike2cents: I’m in Lousiana right now on an FX show called, “Thief”. Where my Korean American co-star Will Yun Lee is playing Chinese and will have to speak some as well. Even if he totally butchers the language I’m not going to be offended – because 98% of his performance is what’s going to read to the viewers – and not if his Chinese is pitch perfect. However, I would be extremely offended if his performance sucked (which I know it won’t) — because that would be hurting Asian Americans even more so by proving they can’t step up in the acting chops department.
And I wasn’t looking for any acceptance from my faithful readers but just simply stating what I honestly felt about the gig. And please don’t mention about the job being about the money – because if it was, I would come out and say so; I always have (Attack of the Sabertooth) — I have no problems turning down anything I don’t want to do, just ask my agents–question my validity ’till the cows come home.
And that Koreans should only play Koreans comment wasn’t directed at you–but to folks like Ric2 — who feel I shouldn’t be playing a Korean even though I didn’t have to speak a word of the language — and I wanted to address those who felt the same way. Still friends?
I think as long as you like the role and do your best to represent the Asian Actor the best you can there is no shame and there should be none. Its not like you’re going over to Korea or Japan and stealing roles over there (and props to you if you could) but its the freakin states and its friggin Hollywood for Christ sake. Do whatever you gotta do to get work and get your face out there. Keep doing it Perry.
You can’t please everyone. There will always be haters and congratulators. All you can do is trust your best judgment — which you did. So relax, and take pride in your work.
It’d be funny if 10 years from now, this is in some Asian-Am studies textbook. Call the chapter the “Without A Trace” Incident.
good entry, read a similar article by another Asian American actor…
Hey man.. I’m gonna borrow your blog post it on mine if you dont mind.. I actually had this type of debate with a friend of mine, who you can classify as a “natural hater” or what not. Read his post and feel free to rebut if you feel its necessary.. http://www.xanga.com/Dan_Comedian_in_Training?nextdate=9%2f20%2f2005+3%3a58%3a45.780&direction=n
I understand the minimal exposure of asian in the media now to have asian actor visiable in media but furfilling the sterotypes even though it is half true just amplify the sterotype. However I agree it is a progressive movement. Just like anything. The African american had to act our sterotype roles also before more better roles were avaliable or to be created.
So Keep it up and keep all types of Asians represent in media for the better of course even if it takes a few steps backwards.
=P
A job is a job. I don’t feel like it represents who you are. Better having Asians in the industry than none.
“amen” to everything you said…. the points you made are excellent….
Thanks for that post. I think it’s already respectable that you’re out there in the entertainment industry doing your thing. There already is such a lack of Asian-American representation in the media. Some people just don’t get that tv shows and movies are fiction for the most part. Yes, stereotypes still exist in the media but it’s gonna take a hell of a long time to completely rid our society of them b/c it’s so easy to make generalizations. As a fourth generation Japanese-American female, growing up in the East SF Bay Area & attending college in Los Angeles, I consider myself to be extremely optimistic, PC, and have experienced diversity within interculteral and not-so-intercultural communities, but even I tend to use stereotypes sometimes. I have to admit, when I found out that Ziyi Zhang, a Chinese actress, was playing the lead in Memoirs of a Geisha, I was a little bothered that the lead role wasn’t given to a Japanese actress…but I have to be appreciative that the film is being made at all. It’s such a tough debate.
I’m taking an Intercultural Communications course at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and we discuss topics similar to this in class all the time. And it’s usually both of the arguments clearly being written about here…on your blog and from some of the blog readers.
ugh. you have to start somewhere and there’s going to be haters about everything you do. you can’t make everyone happy. if they have their underwear wedged up their asses, then they should do something about it themselves instead of crapping on you about it.
but in anycase, that was one FATTY post.
Well said- nice research.
asians will get their day soon… we better!
hey i recently attended a symposium that Sumi Haru attended and she said many things similar to what you said. Being Filipino her name, Mildred Sevilla, was considered “not oriental enough” and so she changed it to a Japanese name, and so many of her first roles were only in Japanese. Her first english lines were “yes” and “no” and that was it.
and speaking of you playing a Filipino on BLT, a while ago i saw Flower Drum Song performed by a cast of almost all Filipinos…interesting.
hearing her speak gave me the idea that for now, for what it’s worth, it’s the fact that Asian Americans are getting on the screen at all. In the past, and i’ve seen it and Ms. Sevilla talked about it, dialogue that involved an asian language was faked, just gibberish. We’ve made progress on that. Asian ethnicities were either Chinese or Japanese, and we’ve made progress on that (a lil thanks to you too, way to represent the Pin@ys) and many other advances.
I’m just glad it’s getting better, (although i am a bit annoyed at gwen stefani, but lets not go there), thanks for speakin, glad i just subscribed =)
people say what they say because they don’t really know what it’s like…i’ll be up there with you soon bro! go asian american actors!!
I personally love reading about your experiences in acting. The fact that you’re pursuing an acting career and being successful at it is a feat in itself, esp when we’re typically raised to become the next doctor/lawyer/engineer. You’re definitely helping to pave the path so that other Asian people can enter into mainstream media, and hopefully someday the media will portray asians as just another group of americans… but you know, with yellow skin.
Work is work. Props to you.
i don’t see what the fuss is about now…here’s a low down on the simple “actors are trained to perform all sorts of variety. whether if it’s the language, culture, and ethnicity. thats y we are actors.”
parry, hands down you are awesome! a lot of haters out there don’t understand the struggles of asian american performers, and what an accomplishment it is to land any role. There are a lot of thin skinned “angry asian men & women” out there who hate, and whistle blow just to knock any choices you make, which can be understandable since you are role model to so many. They don’t understand the incremental steps that need to be taken, and that pride doesn’t put food on the table. You’re married and will probably be starting a family soon, so make that money, and keep on trucking.
People expect you to jump from point A to Z, but you’re not superman, and what you’re already doing is amazing. You’re right, you can’t be a qualified opinion leader if you stand out in the sidelines, and you need to get your face out there first.
Our celeb film panel this year that comprised of Roger Fan, Jason Scott Lee, Dustin Nguyen, Lynn Chen, and Michelle Krusiec echoed your same sentiments. Forget these haters SDAFF and your supporter’s love ya man!
Jeet (Marketing Coordinator, San Diego Asian Film Foundation)
I agree with you too.. at least they are writing some asian roles… eventually it will change when more asian americans become successful producers, directors, and writers.. that’s where the change comes from…
Hey man you gotta do what you gotta do, there’s only so much an Asian American actor can do so keep up the good work
i agree with you…a role in a mainstream medium with any asian actor in it is a progress….it may be stereotypical roles, but it’s better than nothing. but i tend to seek out more independent films by asian american filmmakers which are much better, such as “saving face” and “the motel” (which was great btw). i think your choice of roles is good, very diverse, not sticking to one type of character or type of film/tv show. i hope to see you more on screen!
I personally never watched Without a Trace before until last week’s episode, and I thought the whole show as a whole is very well done. Nicole’s acting showed her as more than either the bitchy cheerleader or the token asian in all those teen movies with 2 lines. I thought your part would be bigger, and I think your acting has improved since BLT.
I think the people who cry foul like to cry foul. They’re always portraying african americans as druggies and perps on shows like Law and Order. Tonight’s episode had african american girls being portrayed as slutty crackwhores who have babies just to get a welfare check. Was it stereotypical? I didn’t think so because yes, the storyline and the acting went BEYOND the COLOR AND RACE of the actors!
I agree with what you’ve said, Parry. I actually got to talk to Chow Yun Fat latley and even he had something to say about solidarity in the Asian Community. The Asian Community in general isn’t an “Asian Community” like it should be a lot of times. In short, he basically said that the Asian Community was broken up into “The Chinese Community,” “The Korean Community,” “the Japanese Community,” etc etc. Heck, even the Chinese community is broken up into Mandarin, Cantonese, and depending on who you ask, Taiwanese. For me to even word that last sentence like that so that not to offend anyone shows how separated we are as a group. Each community sort of looks out for each other so there’s a sort of splinter. Your point about DeNiro playing 1/2 Irish not ticking anyone off relates to what the “God of Gamblers” had to say. Us Asians have to realize that the general audience won’t know what ethnicity an actor on tv is, Asian or not, as long as they “look” like it. A make-up artist told me that the TV/Film/Theater world is full of perceptions. 3rd degree burns on TV and film don’t really look like real burns. It’s what we preceive as a burn. If the actor is Chinese playing Korean, would it be similar if say… someone Chu Chow got mad if an actor was Hong Kongese or Hakka played someone Chu Chow? I’m sure most Asians don’t even know the difference between those ethnicities of Chinese, and does it matter? I’m going a bit drastic with the example, but another example is, can WE tell the difference between a American, Austrailian and European if we didn’t know anything about the actors? There’s no problem with them because they’re Caucasian. I dont know why we can’t be “Asian.” We have a double standard almost. We, as Asians, want everyone to know our individual cultures, but we don’t even bat an eye at the other non-Asian cultures when they do the same thing. If that were the case, I don’t know how a lot of Canadian actors are working portraying themselves as Americans… especially when you got the likes of Kristin Kreuk (who’s Canadian) playing an All-American midwest girl on Smallville. Heck, she’s half Chinese, too!
Here’s to you, Parry! Hope to work with you one of these days.
it’s easy for people to sit back and point fingers at how upset they are about the way they’re being “represented.” yet, rarely do these people ever do anything to “correctly” represent themselves other than blame other people.
I’m happy for Justin Lin.
And I totally love him for bringing Sung Kang back, cuz Lord knows I love him as well.
So Jason Tobin was able to get back into the states?
Its not just pure “haterade” thats going around man. It’s the weight of unreasonable expectations, the stressers and motivators that many, many AAs experience from, well, everywhere.
This makes me want to see you do well, break glass ceilings, and raise the roof for us as a (right now) pseudo pan-Asian community.
I also understand that you need to feed your family. All good, bro. You do what you need to do and dont let the haters get you down. A lot of them mean well (in an ass-backwards kind of way).
very well said. your dedication to the AA cause is wonderful and I commend you for the proper care and handling you put to the work.
It’s true, the AA community doesn’t band together as well as we should. After all, look at the African American society…they’re one of the strongest communities ever. Look at the Jewish Community…number wise we KILL them. But who has more influence? the Jews or the Asians?
I think one of the main things we as Asians need remember is that we can’t go from 1-100 in a heartbeat. We have to work up to it. And we just need to stick together and go at it.
Keep fighting Perry! Thx
Don’t worry about what others say. It’s hard for them to understand if they don’t know what is really going on. I think it’s awesome that people like you are forcing the way into the mainstream, making it easier for everyone else after you. I don’t think most of us understand the struggle from within the industry. Thanks for shedding light to the numbers. For those to criticize because of technicalities aren’t really paying attention to the whole picture. So what if you played a Korean when you’re really Chinese? I’m happy to see another Asian male on television! Just do your thing. There’s a lot of us that do see the big picture and are rooting for you every step of the way.
Didn’t see the episode but that’s besides the point. I agree with you totally on the detrimental effects of “micro-bashing” and believe also that our community can’t realize how much of the oppressor’s work is accomplished by ourselves, with all our splintering. I think a lot of idealists and haters will continue to criticize you for ever compromising, but it’s all baby steps and you’re doing good work!
I’ll be honest, a few years ago I thought the same way as the “haters.” Then looking back on it, I realized how much of an accomplishment it was to even see Asians playing Asians. Back then, we’d have Caucasians playing Asians; fast forward to years later, we started seeing Asians but only in the definitive stereotypes of martial artists. Now, I see Asians with speaking parts- actual folks who can act, and hold lines- make the characters their own. And I’m so proud of how certain people are even willing to break into this industry.
According to Mike2cents, Asians should probably turn down everything they might find offensive. But as with everything, change is progressive. It doesn’t come out of no where. Earlier minority actors have had to take the less glorious roles- otherwise, there would be no Denzel Washington or Halle Berry today. Forget seeing any minorities on TV. That’s not to say that maybe whatever we see on the big screen is correct or always just. But I personally felt the acting in without a Trace was believable. I could relate wholly to the “stereotypes,” the cliches of having overbearing parents. In all honesty, whatever was portrayed existed and still continues to exist.
We can sit here and say stereotypes come from negative connotations of the past, but we don’t have to end it on a negative note. Why are we so ashamed of where we come from? Everyone has something from their culture that sets them apart. That’s what makes the heritage, the language, the struggles, theirs. That’s what makes us who we are. To try and hide that, or to play roles which are ”non-stereotypical”, would be like pretending our previous generations never happened.
So Parry, you have my support here. You’ve got only one life to live- make it your own.
To nitpick at the fact that an actor isn’t of the right ethnic origin is stupid. Responding to this, I made a post about this today on my xanga. People are quick to bit*h from the sidelines, rather than make changes from the production side. It doesn’t surprise me that asians are the worst in actual representation in Hollywood.
Props to Parry! I hope to perform w/ you one of these days…
You know what? SCREW THOSE GUYS! It’s so easy for them to sit back and criticize and pick apart everything that you do from where they sit comfortably behind their computer screens. If they feel so strongly about the images of Asian Americans that are presented in the media they need to get off their asses and do something about it rather than bitching and moaning and simply being offended. What you’re going through is the dilemma that many Asian Americans in the entertainment industry face- do we scrounge together funds to put out little indies that forward our cause, but are basically seen by the same group of educated people again and again, or do we jump into the mainstream and try to get some traction and power to be able to cast other asians and tell our stories? It’s a Catch-22. With the grassroots path, half the time you end up preaching to the choir, with the mainstream route you risk being labeled a “sell out” by your peers.
What so many people don’t realize is that it’s a slow process. Like you said- you pick your battles. You know something? The Asian American community can be its own worst enemy by being so devisive. Instead of coming together with a common goal, so often we find ourselves picking each other apart. Of course I’m just as guilty as the next person- YES I was slightly annoyed that Zhang Ziyi (an actress I love BTW) was cast as the lead in Memoirs of a Geisha instead of a Japanese actress. YES I wanted to slap silly that idiot Asian girl I saw on MTVs dating show “Next” the other night who said on camera “me love you long time!” no joke! (but maybe I was just being punished for watching such a trashy show.) We all have our issues- but the goal is to move forward and make a difference in whatever tiny way we can, without ripping each other apart. So to all you A-holes who are busy vilifying Parry for his choices- take a look in the mirror first and ask what you’re doing to help the image of Asian Americans.
My last point and then I’ll shut up (not that anyone is listening to me anyway). I have no problem with Parry working (and working his ass off, I might add). Major props for all that success and breaking grounds by having a career as an actor. My beef is not with him. It’s with the show. Just because it has a bunch of Asian faces on it, doesn’t make it worthy of support. I am not out to ban the show, but I am saying call it what it is — crap. We don’t need to support mediocrity to get ahead. Definitely support Parry and Justin and any one else out there making headway, but don’t give props to a bunch of non-Asian TV executives who throw us a cookie (and stale one at that).
Good points, Perry! Our community roared in outrage when Margaret Cho came out in All American Girl. We bashed and compained (and even worse turned off our tv sets) until she was off the air. In hindsight, we should have supported her and asked the network for the changes we wanted to make it less stereotypical. Because a role perpetuates stereotypes does not mean it should be eliminated. Perry is correct in our community lacking solidarity. The African-American and Latino community do not bash their own members the way I often see ours doing. Just because API actors, writers, executives (the vp of cbs comes to mind), or producers (like teddy zee) are in positions to change APIA media stereotypes does not mean they can make this change overnight. The industry would reject them because ultimately money rules. After being rejected, they wouldn’t even be in the position to create change. This applies to API’s in government, too.
and whoops sorry for spelling your name wrong… why is there no edit button for comments?
Dude, just do your thang and represent. I’m filipino and didn’t care that you were playing one in BLT. It’s true - asians like to drink Hatarade but I’m proud of ya and waiting to see what u do next. Next time ur in NYC, round of drinks on me.
just something i noticed: we asians make up around 3% of the american population…and the # of asian actors on tv/film last year was also around 3%…
This Asian double standards got to stop.
Being an actor doesn’t make you confined into a genre or race because the occupation does not recognise that. You turned down shows that do not depict Asian quite right but when they do it right it’s still wasn’t quite right so what gives? The very next time someone gives a hypocritical analysis on Perry’s roles, please take different and many angles. In fact, take off those Asian American glasses. I believe, you will get different results.
downloaded the episode, and in terms of stereotypes it was kind of ehh, but you got do what u gotta do.
i love how people think acting is easy! shoot! good luck parry!
Ignore the haters. You go.
YAY! I’m coming down to Austin for the weekend to meet you! I’m so excited!!!
Omg~ I can’t believe I’m going to comment about this…but is Mike2cents a star like ParryShen?
Koreans/Japs/Chinese/Viets/Flips what’s the difference? The show was very realistic of asians-especially the arranged marriage, store, & fight between the sis & bro (reminded me of my bro &sisters– they’re like SOO jealous of me cause I’m way too americanized for them& have lots of guys after me) NEwayz he didn’t even speak Korean on the show so there was no butchered Korean. (Parry can pass as all asian races anyhow.)
But I do agree w/ doublevision03 of Ziyi Zhang as a geisha?! They should have picked the girl in The Last Samuri- who was taking care of Tom Cruise- for Memoirs of a Geisha. NEhow, it’s the Chinese who strike it big in Hollywood. These Chinese Hollywood stars (instead of not-so-famous ‘other race’ actors) are picked because they are well known & VERY GOOD~
WAT? Ur coming to Austin for the weekend? Y & where? I wanna meet you!
Fair enough counter, but this episode did nothing to break stereotypes, period.
Like I said I can’t fault you totally, because you gots to be paid.
second you know majority of AAs don’t have clue in world on why there is an issue with this one TV show episode
I wondering also where hell are so called FAMOUS( media attention) asian female actresses at when it comes to being down for cause? Lucy Liu? Kelly Hu? Crap I would thrown in Bai ling for that matter. I guess our so called sistas are to busy cuddling up with their white knight to remember there is struggle and they are asian ( only when they look in mirror)
Anyways, Im all about AM actors getting positive Air time, but this episode was pure utterlu bullshyte
P.S. do you know Lucy personally? If so where hell is she on cause? ( Probably too busy doing what I said above)
it’s sad how we’re all so consumed in trying to be or portrayed as ”unstereotypical”, not just in acting roles but life. They’ve cut us so deeply
Aw man, I missed you speaking at UT today! :( What time are you going to be at the festival? I’m like 3 hours away from Austin. I’m in Houston.
hey parry, this is daniel, i just wanted to ask you, besides from all the things about dispelling asian stereotypes, what about the moral ethics behind it? how would you explain to your daughter about murdering a person and getting away with it? just some simple questions on my mind. thanks for your time, Daniel
Ok nevermind my last entry…gotcha ‘closing party’. I’m going to be so nervous! Is there a recording of you on Saturday? (since I missed it)
Hi, it’s me, Marissa from Silk Mangos! I just wanted to say that it was nice meeting you yesterday! I had no idea that you were in HEREandNOW! You are truly an inspiration to us all! Thank you for coming to UT to speak to us. Everyone I asked enjoyed your presentation!
yeah well, people complain about why are we not stereotyping enough http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438052/board/flat/22786344
Hi Parry, it was nice meeting you last nite at Club Zero degrees!
WELL US WHITE PEOPLE LOVE YOU AND THE WORK YOU DO
keep it up
Your Voice is Amazing!
the only thing Parry sells out is movie tickets
that was a GREAT entry. seriously
[that was not sarcasm btw!!]
Amazing. I’m guessing that the people who hate on you because you’re doing what you’re doing are the same people who told me that I HAVE to watch BLT because I’m Asian. With the 2.9% of roles that go to Asian Americans, I’m thinking that these people would be better off being angry with the system, go set up a protest at the studios and stop trying to make an actor feel badly for accepting a role. It’s easier to change the world from within than without.
Another thing to consider is that media studies state that percentage wise, Asians/Asian-Americans are NOT under-represented (I know, hard to believe) because our media representation is correlated to the actual percentage of Asians living in the US.
About 4% of the American popluation is Asian/Asian-American and we get about 3-4% in overall media representation.
African-Americans make up about 13% of the population and are represented in the media about 13%.
Latinos also make up about 13% of the population (and are the fastest growing group – so that number is bound to be higher soon) and they get about 7-8% representation. So studies state that they are in fact an under-represented group.
“Others” (whatever that is) make-up about 1% of the population (with no percentage of media representation that I saw in the studies) and the rest are White… who get more than the minimal representation “minorities” get in the media.
This is mainly based on a UCLA study I remember reading about… if I can find the link, I’ll post it… but other studies have said similar things.
This, of course, is based on numbers only… it does not include discussions about types of roles available… but if the Asian & Asian-American community is already such a small percentage of the actual US population AND we’re divided in our support of Asians in the media, where does that leave us? Even if the community voiced its opinion in a strong and united manner, it would be a struggle to be heard because of the numbers involved but we can totally forget about making an impact as a community if it is divided and fighting within itself.