Hollywood producer and entertainment executive Teddy Zee’s op-ed appeared in the April 25 New York Times’ “Room for Debate” discussion, “Whitewashing on the Small Screen.” Zee’s take on HBO’s hit series, “Girls,” and its lack of minority representation, is excerpted below:
As a producer who is very sensitive to the presence and portrayal of minorities in media, I think it only makes for good business for the cast of shows to reflect the audiences they hope to attract. After all, it’s human nature for viewers to want their shows to be a reflection of themselves. Unfortunately, there was a profound absence of Asians, African-Americans and Latinos in this show....
I too support the freedom of expression of our writers, directors and producers since many stories are so personal in nature. I can only assume that the creators of "Girls" drew from their own personal experiences. If true, then the lack of color in "Girls" is an accurate reflection of how those associated with the show have experienced the world in their 20s....
....Whether outrage about the casting of "Girls" is justified or overblown, it presents a platform for the underrepresented to make their case. We must take advantage of these opportunities to open the debate about race in America so that one day, diversity can become synonymous with equality.
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