Photo credit: Tony Hisgett Creative Commons
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your support! Check out this update Disney-ABC to reach out to #AAPI moms for #FreshOffTheBoat!
“Don’t make waves.”
I have heard that mantra countless times from my Vietnamese immigrant parents. We were taught to keep our heads down and work hard in order to achieve the American dream.
Today I’m not just making waves, I’m going to rock the boat.
This week’s premiere of ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat was groundbreaking for me and many of my Asian friends. The best part was that the show was good. Really good. While I’m not Taiwanese American like the Huangs, I could relate to the show as the child of immigrants. I think that any person of color who grew up as the token minority in their community can relate.
I’ve raved about the show to my friends. Not because it’s about Asian American family, but because it’s funny, sharp, and well-written. I want everyone to watch the sitcom, not just Asian Americans.
Then last night, my friend Grace of HapaMama shared the photo above (thanks for the photo Mona!). The photo is from the current mom and dad blogger press junket for various ABC and Disney productions, including Fresh Off the Boat.
Notice anything? Take a look, I’ll wait. (See photo on Reappropriate)
There are no Asian faces on blogger bus. In fact, none of these bloggers seem to be a person of color. All white faces on a blogger tour for the only current TV show about an Asian American family. None. Zip. Zero.
So why were Asian American bloggers not on this trip? Was ABC concerned about our reaction to the Fresh Off the Boat? Would we ask too many deep questions? How come we’re only allowed a voice about the show only as outsiders and not given access to the inner circle?
Asian Americans incredibly influential consumers. Nielsen calls our demographic Significant, Sophisticated, and Savvy. In fact,
Asian Americans make up the leading segment of online shoppers, with 77 percent making internet purchases in the past year, versus 61 percent of the general population.
For marketers, understanding the Asian American population is critical for realizing the bottom-line potential of many key product and service categories.
Because we live in a multicultural world (especially online), Asian American bloggers reach an incredibly diverse group of readers. The readers of this blog are not just Asian, but other races and cultures. The same for HapaMama, Boston Mamas, The Napkin Hoarder, Hey Mona!, and many other Asian American parent bloggers. Our readers connect with us in ways that don’t involve race.
Were Asian American bloggers deliberately excluded? ABC missed a huge opportunity by not hosting any Asian American bloggers on this press trip. Many of our non-Asian friends came to us with questions about the Fresh Off the Boat. “Was this racist? Is it ok to laugh at these jokes? The show makes me uncomfortable.” They trust us and our viewpoints when it comes to Asian culture and race issues. Imagine how an Asian American blogger would be able to approach their readers’ concerns if they had access to the show’s actors and creative team?
This makes me feel that the exclusion might have been deliberate.
In order for this Fresh Off the Boat to succeed, we need everyone to watch this show. Not just Asians. I don’t know all the bloggers on the #ABCTVevent, but it’s important to share thoughts on the show from our point of view. It’s our story and we should have a voice in it too.
I write about race on this site often. I’m always terrified to click “Publish.” The good little Asian in me doesn’t want to make waves. But we can’t create constructive conversations and grow as a society if we don’t rock the boat. Change is not comfortable.
Come rock the boat with me. Leave a comment. Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social media you’re active on with the hashtag #AAPIVoices
Visit the other bloggers’ posts about this #FreshOfftheBoat #ABCTVevent and do the same with their posts.
- Grace Hwang Lynch shares her conversation with Disney: Fresh Off The Boat? How About a Seat on the Bus?
- Hey, Mona!: Fresh off the Boat But Not on the Bus
- Phyllis on The Napkin Hoarder: Fresh Off The Invisible Boat and Bus
- Kathy Zucker: Own Yourself
- Stephanie on Frankly, My Dear: You’re a Pepsi
if you can figure out the criteria for ANY of those press junkets, I’d certainly love to know.
Cosign
Do you write for Disney?I share their press releases, activities and movie reviews. I have went 4 times and been able to hang out with Awesome bloggers! Race doesn't matter to me and these trips are not based on race (although any that I have went to are never just 1 race. ) If you haven't ever written for Disney-whether it is the movies or DVDs then most likely you have never had a chance to be invited. If you have written for Disney, shared their press releases eventually there is a chance to be invited. Send your links to the person you receive the email from, so they know you are posting. I did press releases for 2 years before my first invite, and because I continue to write I have been invited more than once. Just thought I would let you know since you were asking.
I have a great working relationship with Disney, including writing, travel, events, and movie reviews. I don’t, however, plan to use my voice and my influence as a mouthpiece for press releases for any company. My question was honestly more rhetorical. And there are a lot of behind-the-scenes discussions about the types of bloggers that are frequently invited. Meeting celebrities sounds fun but I don’t think I’m the right fit anyway. Thank you for your honest feedback though!
I can't speak for Fadra, but when I read her comment what I took it to mean was that sometimes it all seems so random, not that she wanted to go on one of those trips. The sad fact is that many companies don't seem to choose bloggers based on writing ability or influence or who a writer's audience is, but on certain statistics that don't tend to mean anything in the long run, and especially on a blogger's proven willingness to post glowing things about whatever is presented to her.
I mean, what are the criteria for any of these influencer events? I'm sure you probably didn't mean it to come out that way, but your comment reads as if you're eyeballing the bloggers on the Disney trips wondering what they have that you don't.
Like Becky said, in this particular case a lot of it is demonstrated enthusiasm for the brand and willingness to work, which opens the door to hundreds of bloggers with "small" audiences in a variety of genres who would probably never be chosen for an influencer event based on their name, Babble awards or Cision rank alone.
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I’m pretty aware of how many of the bloggers get invited on the Disney press junkets. The question was more rhetorical. I love Disney but working with them in this capacity probably wouldn’t be my cup of tea anyway.
Yes, I am aware that what you said was nothing more than a passive-aggressive jab. I just thought your comment was frankly, gross, in the same way saying that saying there are behind-the-scenes conversations going on about "these types of bloggers" is also gross. I don't think it needs to be pointed out that bloggers are gossiping and berating their peers, but thanks for the reminder. It's a big part of why I avoid influencer trips altogether.
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My "passive-aggressive jab" is not aimed at bloggers. I think there's a lot to be said for some of the PR efforts that go on on behalf of companies and the thinking behind their blogger outreach. I've worked on both sides and have enough knowledge to say it confidently. I actually came here because Kim is friend, something we once were in the Facebook sense of the word. I understand her frustration (and many other of my Asian blogger friends who were public about this same issue) at not knowing why they might not be considered for such an opportunity that seemed a perfect fit for their community. Reducing my comment to being "gross" or jealousy or whatever else bloggers are calling it these days any time someone makes a comment about a particular event is I guess just plain aggressive. I'm not sure when you decided that this is such a hostile space but frankly, I enjoy the sense of community. I'm sorry you haven't found that.
I love you sis for always speaking up!! I loved the show, could feel myself and my family in it and can't to watch more of it.
I'm glad you liked the show and could see your family in it!
I'm glad you enjoyed the show! I was a little uncomfortable with the name but the previews looked super funny. Mass media still has a long way to go when it comes to diversity. I hope this post gets someone's attention at ABC.
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The name based off the memoir that the show is based off of..
Rock the boat! I haven't seen it but I'm glad that you raised this concern. Makes tons of sense for ABC to be more inclusive to me
I loved the show and this post! Don't EVEN get me started on a lack of color on these press junkets! It's literally the SAME people at all of them so that makes it even more annoying IMO. Would love to know how ABC responded to the question 😀
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I have had those same thoughts. It would be great to get others perspective at these events as well.
Kim you raise some great points and I do hope that it reaches the folks who need to see it.
My brother-in-law immigrated from Japan and I have to say, the show really touched some pieces of being new to the US. Well at least it reminded me of some of the early days of having him here not as a tourist.
your points are well taken and without a doubt, this needs to be addressed. I do stand with you on calling out this practice of “just not noticing” that inclusion may not be operating. I will continue to watch the show in spite of the fact that they had the black kid call him a Chink and then kept the story line moving as if that was cool. I’d like to see reciprocity of support on issues of concern to blacks in similar circumstances. I would hope that the tendency to not make waves does prevent you from support in similar circumstances even though you are the parent of back and Vietnamese children.
Patricia, that scene where Eddie was called a chink was unexpected, but not unrealistic. I've been called Asian racial slurs by all races. The kid's attempt to NOT be at the bottom of the racial totem pole happened and still happens. I definitely support similar issues for other people of color, but in ways that I can because it's not always my story to tell. However, I will share and spread the word.
Cool Kim. That works for me.
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First I want to say that I respect people's opinions and the viewpoint of this post but I'd like to offer another view point. While I've personally have never been on any of these Disney junkets I do know several people who have been and every picture I've ever seen (which is quite a few) I have always seen people of various ethnic backgrounds attending. I know people who have gone and know those who are people of color. I'd also like to say just because you don't see anyone in the picture that you would consider a person of color in the picture you shouldn't assume they're not there. I myself am half Vietnamese and was born in Vietnam. If I had been in that picture you would have assumed I was "white" because I don't look Asian. Doesn't make me any less Asian. Just something I felt the need to point out, we should never assume by looks and well we should just never assume.
I have been to these press trips with Disney and ABC, and as a Caucasian person with naturally blonde hair, I've actually felt the minority! Lots of beautiful bloggers from different states and ethnic backgrounds (including several Asian-American women). I'm sorry you got the wrong impression from a photo where it appears many people have lighter skin tones, but there has got to be more diversity than meets the eye in a group of 25 people. I wish you luck in the future for being a candidate on these kinds of trips! They are fun and you would enjoy making friends with a number of unique bloggers.
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I would have LOVED to follow along on your experience at this event, or Grace’s, as this is indeed a BIG deal. Such a failed opportunity on so many levels.
nice of you to ask if you could use the Instagram photo before publishing this post.
It would be nice to see some sort of application process and new blogger faces. It does apear to be the "same" bloggers over and over.
Just to say..there are quite a few ethnic bloggers and mixed races that you might assume don’t belong…there are also half of us are new to the trips..we work hard to get here and don’t slander those who get to do things we don’t…good luck in your future!
You're assuming from a photo of a few bloggers on the trip that other races weren't represented, which is highly presumptuous. The show appeals to many people, not just Asians. And, in fact, I've been two several of these events and I'm of Irish heritage and enjoy the show. There are several bloggers that attend with me that are Latina and a few that are Mexican-American and likely more than that, though I didn't take a complete poll. I also didn't assume that from this one Instagram photo alone.
While I appreciate this post and trying to bring light to minorities, you are absolutely wrong about this event. You only saw a picture of not everyone on the bus, not everyone on another shuttle. While I’m not a mom blogger, I do own my website and work hard to attend press conferences. Everytime, I’m at a press event, there are a plethora of different people there.
I think what’s more important here is that ABC made a mediocre show. It’s not inappropriate, but it wasn’t innovative as well. And you sure didn’t rock the boat.
Interesting observation! Last I checked, 'diversity' should include Asian-Americans…
100% agree, Tia! This coming from an entertainment based Latina who has not attended an ABC/Disney 'event' of any sort.
As a first generation American, I watched and tried to love the show. The kids actually asked to change the channel, because the thought it was “too racist.” The jokes even made me uncomfortable. As far as underrepresentation goes, unless I see a group picture, I can’t tell what was what. I usually say their money, their choice… their party, they can invite whomever they’d like. Probably wouldn’t matter who blogged about it, I’d still think the show was mediocre at best.
You are assuming something from a picture of a handful of bloggers when in reality there are at least 25 bloggers on each event trip. I regularly post the press releases and share and boost posts from bloggers that attend these events. I have never been invited to one. I have never once thought it was because I'm much older than all of the other bloggers or for any other reasons. No one knows the criteria used to invite bloggers to these events. Get a grip! The sooner everyone stops screaming "discrimination" each time they don't get their way, the sooner the world will be a better place!
Here's a video that humorously yet truthfully captures what Asian American actors face today: http://youtu.be/qOwBGPkY0ZU
Reminds me of the conversation we had at BlogHer this past year, and why I said Disney is a bad player.
I don’t think this comes off in any way as Thien-Kim asking for trips. I think what she wants is representation by Asians on a topic that deals with Asians. It makes sense. It’s irrelevant whether the show is good or not. Asian bloggers would likely be able to review it in more depth. It is just suspect that no Asians were included on this junket. Thank you for this post.
It's sad to just read over these comment. Instead of coming together to support a show, I see a divide over one silly photo. Yes, these bloggers work hard to get on these press trips, but I honestly believe YOU have a great point.
There should be Asian Americans offering their opinions about this show, and ABC should be open to hearing those comments. I'd love to see a post with a compilation of different view points about the show from a wealth of backgrounds, BUT a huge portion of Asian Americans sharing their insights and/or stories. Thanks for speaking up!
It's marketing 101. A show that features a predominantly Asian cast. A public Instagram photo showing bloggers on the FOTB blog tour. Don't see an Asian face – someone who speaks to an audience of Asians. Head scratcher. If there were Asians maybe not pictured but who were on the bus, then maybe ABC/Disney can address that. The writer is talking about representation of something very basic.
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As the person who took the photo used (without permission) in this article and others, I have a few things to say.
First off, the photo itself was just a fun selfie on a shuttle bus with 25 bloggers. The photo only shows a small handful of the bloggers on the bus. This was not in any way an official PR shot. The trip itself was for McFarlandUSA, with a number of other events (including Fresh off the Boat) tacked on, most likely at the last minute.
Did you or any off the other writers contact any of the bloggers on the trip to ask about diversity? To ask if there were any multi-cultural bloggers on the trip? Not that I know of. I was certainly never contacted. There were in fact a number of different types represented.
I'm a bit offended on a number of levels with this. First, that facts were not fully checked before starting to blast a trip, a company, a network and a group of bloggers. Second, that my picture (just a fun, silly photo taken during a packed 3-day event) was used without my permission. It was intended to just share the fun and excitement of the trip, and not be used for political gain. Not only was it used without my permission, but I received no credit or link whatsoever. That's just courtesy 101 when you steal someone's photo.
I ask that you please remove my photo from this post immediately and hope that you do reach out and get more information about the trip so that you can make a more fact-based decision. Thank you.
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Were there any Asian American bloggers on the press trip? Since the show features an all-Asian cast for the family about a show with specific-Asian challenges (like being called "chink"), it would make sense to have some Asian bloggers represented who have a connection to the show. My understanding is that some of the bloggers writing about this have reached out to DisneyPR but have yet to hear a response. The Asian bloggers are not knocking fellow bloggers who are on the tour, but rather Disney PR's possible exclusion of any Asian for a show about Asians.
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This post is ridiculous and I agree with Andrew offensive on so many levels. I have been part of a Disney press trip and know that the criteria is based on hard work and isn't based on color of my skin. As a Latina I would have been offended to be invited to the screening of this show or the McFarland USA movie because of my skin color or heritage. We need to stop this race complaining. I am so tired of it and it's so old.
I am very disappointed in this post as you and several others have posted without facts from present and past trips. As I said on your facebook page and another blog post:
You have this all wrong. Check the last trip I was on and then tell me again there are never ethnic races on these trips. How to get invited has nothing to do with color of skin but showing enthusiasm for the shows, the brands and posting when they send info. It doesn't work for everyone but for those it does they will get invited and invited again because they are Disney enthusiasts. How never to get invited is to blast the brand essentially saying they are excluding races other than Caucasian. Because had you researched past trips you would see your post is incorrect in its assumption that it's only Caucasians on this trip (or any other for that matter).
There are so many things that go into why the people get chosen for these trips (sending links to the rep, having x amount of social following, showing enthusiasm for the brand/show/etc). In fact I would love for some of the ladies from my last trip to weigh in, the ones who are not Caucasian, because then you'd see it's not how you have perceived it. *updated to add that one of my fellow bloggers who is Asian american posted at cookies and clogs…please go read it before assuming you know all the facts when that is not the case at all* It's really disheartening to see a brand who is amazing and works with bloggers on such a great level to have bloggers posting this type of post and making very wrong assumptions.
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Adding to what Andrew and Toni have stated above:
First let me say that I was not on this particular press trip, but I have been on many in the past and I know lots of people who were on this one. You cannot make a basis or assumption about anything based upon ONE photo you saw. If you've ever been on a Disney press trip, you'll know what the process looks like, and it is in no way exclusive of any color, creed, religion, gender, disability, etc.
If you have not been on one of these trips, let me break something down for you: The MAIN press trip was for the McFarland movie, the budget was for the movie. The choosing of bloggers was for the movie. Since all of these writers were ALREADY THERE, ABC wanted to utilize them for a little press coverage. They often tag team these events, no harm, no foul, and with no intention to exclude anyone. I am 99.9% sure that ABC was not responsible for the invitations that went out.
Also, from a business/PR perspective, most of these trips are done to raise awareness outside of the major norm. You don't need to market a Marvel movie, to Marvel fanatics. I once went on a press trip for the Muppets movie, which included a Marvel movie, and a few ABC shows, General Hospital, Grey's Anatomy, all after the movie portion was over. They used the same press group, with no real need to invite any others, and I think that this press trip went the same way.
So you think ABC should have invited more Asian Americans? Valid request, but you need to take that up with ABC, as they didn't have their own personal press junket. Did you ask ABC if you could be involved? Your battle with "Disney press trips" as a whole is invalid. While they are the same company, their operations are run completely separate. Let me agree with you on one thing: Asian, Latino, Black, and multicultural races are underrepresented in the media, and in films and TV, no question about it. If any form of media does their best to include the races, the huge conglomerate of a company called Disney would be the one that stands out most.