In an informal presentation to about 100 people Friday night, The View's Lisa Ling reflected on the underrepresentation of Asian Americans in the mainstream media.
"Of the 26 primetime shows on television, not one showcases Asian Americans in leading roles," she said. "Even when the corporate networks are attacked for lack of racial diversity on television, minorities still only play small parts."
Citing her experience on ABC and her previous job as a television reporter, Ling talked about the lack of diversity in the media and explored the lingering Asian stereotypes in the news.
"Asians are only put on spotlight for violating human rights or stealing nuclear secrets," Ling said. "It conveys the wrong associations to the general public."
Ling attributes these American biases to remnants of a deep psychological distrust generated by American wars in the 20th century.
"Look at the wars that America fought in-World War II, Korea, Vietnam-and look at who the enemies were," she said. "On top of that, there is a sense of paranoia from Asian successes in America, especially in the early '80s, when the [Vietnam] war was just over."
Ling said both factors drove her toward her chosen profession. "There is a lack of diversity at the executive level, which translates into less sensitivity to minority issues," she said. "Unfortunately, there is little incentive for more minorities to apply in the media industry and improve the racial situation, which is what I want to do."
However, Ling is hesitant to serve as a role model for the Asian-American community. "Just because I am on TV does not mean I should be pressured to represent an entire generation...," she said. "Does Barbara Walters represent an entire generation of middle aged, post-menopausal women?"
Ling suggested that if more Asian Americans applied for positions in the field, the media would lose some of their biases. "The time is ripe for Asian Americans and minorities to pursue media," she said.
Ling closed her presentation by encouraging Asian Americans to break racial norms in the media industry. "I didn't know many people when I decided to enter television either," she said. "Believing in what I want to do and hard work got me where I am now. Ethnicity can only help you.... It is not an impediment."
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