Asian Representation in Western Society: Survey Results by Joeydolls
Asian representation in Western society has been a contentious topic for many years. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in anti-Asian hate, highlighting the importance of increasing Asian representation.
Joeydolls, a start-up company that aims to produce cultured dolls to represent and celebrate Asian diversity. We conducted this survey to explore the perceptions of Asian representation and how it affects the acceptance of cultural diversity.
As this is such an important topic, we have taken the time to review the survey responses, analyze the results and wish to share our findings with all of you! The findings from this survey have provided valuable information about the current state of Asian representation and highlight the need for greater awareness and education.
Do you feel that Asians are underrepresented in Western society?
The majority of respondents (95.1%) in the Joeydolls survey believe that Asians are underrepresented. This sentiment is not new, as Asian representation in Western media has long been an issue of concern. The lack of representation can lead to feelings of invisibility, marginalization, and erasure of Asian experiences and perspectives.
Where do you feel that Asians are underrepresented in Western society?
The Joeydolls survey found that respondents believe Asians are underrepresented in various fields, including television (85.5%), movies (83.1%), toys (96.5%), books (87.1%), and leadership positions (93.5%). This lack of representation is problematic, as media and popular culture shape societal perceptions and influence attitudes and behaviours towards different groups.
When asked where they would like to see more Asian representation, the responses were similar to those of the previous question. The respondents wanted more Asian representation in television, movies, toys, books, and leadership. The desire for increased representation in these areas highlights the importance of having positive and accurate portrayals of Asians in the media. This would help to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about Asians and increase understanding and acceptance of the community.
Leadership is another important area where Asian representation is crucial. The lack of Asian representation in leadership positions can be a source of frustration and a barrier to progress for the community. The absence of role models in positions of power and influence can limit the aspirations and career choices of young Asian individuals. Increased representation in leadership positions would help to empower the community and provide opportunities for the Asian community to be heard and have their perspectives and experiences represented in decision-making processes.
The media and other industries must take steps to increase the representation of Asians positively and accurately. This can help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding and acceptance of the Asian community. Increased representation in leadership positions would also help to empower the community and provide opportunities for the Asian community to be heard and have their perspectives and experiences represented in decision-making processes.
Do you feel that Asians are often stereotyped in Western society?
Another question asked whether respondents, if Asians were, are often stereotyped and if so, inaccurately or accurately. Most respondents (79.2%) answered yes and stated that the stereotypes are inaccurately portrayed. This result highlights the importance of challenging and correcting negative stereotypes about Asians in the media and broader society. Negative stereotypes can contribute to discrimination and prejudice toward the Asian community, and it is important to address these issues through education and media representation.
Do you feel that Asians are often represented as one monolithic group in Western society?
In another question, respondents were asked if they felt Asians were often represented as a monolithic group. The survey found that 88.3% of respondents believe that Asians are indeed often represented as a monolithic group, indicating that they feel that the diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives of the Asian community are not accurately represented in the media. The tendency to depict Asians as a one-dimensional group reinforces stereotypes and reduces the complexity and diversity of the community.
Do you think more should be done to increase Asian representation in Western society?
The vast majority of respondents (98.6%) believe that more should be done to increase Asian representation. This result highlights the need for increased representation of the Asian community in various aspects, including media, leadership, and education. The lack of representation can be a source of frustration and a barrier to progress for the community, and steps must be taken to address this issue.
Respondents were also asked what changes they think should be made to increase the representation of Asians in Western society. The responses included the following:
- Acknowledging that a lack of diversity exists in mainstream media
- Educating children from a young age
- Acknowledging holidays of all cultures
- Providing training workshops to manage biases
- Encouraging businesses to be more committed to an inclusive workforce
- More inclusive product offerings
- Increased diversity in media and advertising
These suggestions highlight the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing the issue of representation, including education, media representation, and workplace diversity and inclusion.
Do you believe more Asian representation will help combat the recent rise in anti-Asian hate?
Most respondents (62.7%) believed that more Asian representation would help combat the recent rise in anti-Asian hate, while 33.4% do not have an idea about it. This result highlights the importance of increasing the representation and visibility of the Asian community in the media and wider society. The media has a powerful influence on shaping public opinion and attitudes, and positive and accurate representation of the Asian community can help to challenge and correct negative stereotypes and promote understanding and acceptance of the community.
It is important to note that representation alone is not enough to combat anti-Asian hate. It is crucial to address the underlying issues that contribute to this rise, such as xenophobia and racism. However, increased representation can be a step towards building greater understanding and acceptance of the Asian community.
Do you believe colorism is an issue that exists within Asian communities?
Another question asked if colourism is an issue that exists within Asian communities. The majority of respondents (86.3%) believed that colorism is an issue that exists within Asian communities, while 11% of respondents said may be. Colorism is a form of discrimination that privileges lighter skin tones over darker ones. Colorism refers to the discriminatory treatment of individuals based on skin colour and is an issue affecting many communities worldwide, including the Asian community. The existence of colorism within the Asian community is another example of the need for increased representation and visibility of the diversity of the Asian community in the media and wider society.
Do you think that having one of our Asian cultured dolls would have been beneficial to you as a child?
The importance of representation in toys cannot be overstated. It is widely recognized that children's toys play a crucial role in shaping their perception of the world and the people in it. Toys are often the first tool through which children learn about themselves and others, and their impact can last a lifetime.
In this context, the overwhelming agreement among respondents (94.2%) that having access to Joeydolls' Asian cultured dolls would have been beneficial during their childhood is significant. The lack of diverse representation in toys can make children feel excluded, undervalued, and invisible, leading to negative self-perception and stunted cultural understanding. In contrast, seeing a toy that reflects their cultural identity can be a powerful tool in validating children's experiences and instilling pride in their heritage.
Furthermore, toys with diverse representation can help children develop empathy and understanding toward other cultures. When children have access to toys that represent people from different backgrounds, it can help them challenge harmful stereotypes and biases that perpetuate negative attitudes towards certain groups. By promoting a more diverse range of perspectives, toys can foster a more tolerant and accepting society.
Demographics of Respondents in our Asian Representation Survey
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity, we conducted a survey on Asian representation in media with 636 respondents. Out of the total number of respondents, 83% were parents and an additional 3.9% were also caregivers. 33.7% had kids under 1, 49.2% had kids 1-3 years old, 33.2% had kids between 3-5 years old, 28% had kids between 5-10 years old, and 13.6% had kids over 10 years old.
The majority of our respondents, 76.5%, were from the United States, with 19.3% residing in Canada. Respondents from other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore, also participated in the survey. Furthermore, a significant proportion of the respondents (96.5%) were female.
The primary ethnicities represented among the respondents were Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Indian. It is important to note that the demographics of the respondents may have influenced the survey results and, therefore, should be taken into account when interpreting the findings.
Final Words
In conclusion, the results of the survey conducted by Joeydolls highlight the importance of representation and its impact on the Asian community. The majority of the respondents feel that Asians are underrepresented, particularly in the areas of television, movies, toys, books, and leadership. They also feel that the existing representation is often stereotypical and perpetuates colourism within the community. The results show that having accurate and diverse representation from a young age through culturally diverse dolls can have a positive impact on a child's development and self-esteem.
The Asian community believes that more should be done to increase representation and combat the rise in anti-Asian hate. They suggest that changes such as acknowledging the lack of diversity in mainstream media, educating children, and promoting diversity in the workforce and advertising will help create a more inclusive and accepting society. By working towards increasing representation and addressing the issues within the community, we can help promote a more equitable and just society for all.