I Chose to Stay Asian Instead of Being White

Growing up in a multicultural environment, I was always fascinated by the intersection of race, identity, and representation. This fascination was particularly evident in the media I consumed, especially in martial arts films. From classic shows like Drunken Master, featuring the iconic Jackie Chan, to the more obscure Kung Fu, starring David Carradine, I often found myself reflecting on how race and culture were portrayed onscreen. These early experiences shaped my understanding of representation and the complex dynamics of race in the entertainment industry.

Despite my youthful excitement, I remember feeling a disconnection when watching Kung Fu. As a child, I couldn't comprehend why the lead character seemed so out of place or why the show felt slow and heavy. It was only later that I learned about the controversy surrounding the casting decisions and the broader implications of race in Hollywood.

Race as a Business Decision

Understanding the historical context of race in American media is crucial. In the early 1970s, the demographics of the United States played a significant role in casting decisions. At that time, approximately 87% of the American population identified as white, while Asian Americans represented a mere 0.75%. This stark difference influenced the likelihood of a show being successful based on its audience demographics, which ultimately led to the decision to cast a white actor as the lead in Kung Fu.

The rationale behind this choice was clear: a film or show featuring a predominantly white cast was more likely to attract a larger viewer base. If the show had failed, it could have detrimental effects on the careers of everyone involved, all of whom were white. Today, these patterns persist, revealing that race continues to be a critical factor in business decisions across various industries, not just in entertainment.

For example, my recent experience while creating an audiobook for my book Buy This, Not That: How To Spend Your Way To Wealth And Freedom, exemplifies this ongoing issue. After finalizing the written version, I was excited to delve into the audio production. I received a message from the audio producer expressing enthusiasm about my writing style and suggesting potential narrators.

The decision to narrate myself or not

As a podcaster, I felt a strong inclination to narrate my own audiobook. Initially, I was disappointed that the producer did not inquire about my interest in doing so. I believed that my voice and experience would lend authenticity to the narration. However, after conducting a survey among my newsletter subscribers, I discovered that 70% preferred I narrate the book, while 30% advocated for a professional narrator.

Concerns about the quality of self-narration lingered in my mind. I had seen listeners criticize authors for their poor narration skills, noting how it detracted from the listening experience. This led me to a compromise: I would record the introduction and conclusion, while a professional narrator would handle the chapters. This solution satisfied my desire for authenticity while ensuring quality.

More narrator options that didn't fit

As I listened to the suggested narrators—Sean Patrick Hopkins, Mike Carnes, and Sunil Malhotra—while walking at the San Francisco Zoo with my daughter, I felt they didn't quite resonate with the tone of my book. My wife shared my sentiments, and we decided to request more options. The producer was accommodating and offered additional choices.

Through this process, I began to realize that the initial selections consisted solely of male narrators, which I assumed was due to my own gender. It struck me that this choice might not have taken into account my identity as an Asian American author. I expected a narrator who could closely represent my background and voice.

Overcoming awkwardness and a realization

Listening to the samples with my wife, it became clear that I had to confront the discomfort of someone else narrating my words, particularly given the racial dynamics at play. I was presented with options that included three white males and one Indian male, which made me question why there was a lack of Asian representation among the candidates. I realized I desired a narrator who could reflect my identity more closely.

This prompted me to request more Asian American narrators. Realizing that my preferences should be voiced was a significant step in advocating for myself in a professional setting.

Final narration options: Vietnamese-American and Chinese-American narrators

After my request for more diverse narrator options, I was introduced to:

• David Lee Huynh, a relatively new voice in audio narration.
• Feodor Chin, an experienced narrator known for his acting background.

Both narrators had unique strengths. David's youthful energy reminded me of my own voice in my 20s, while Feodor's gravitas resonated with how I envision my voice in the years to come. To avoid bias, my wife and I conducted a blind test, ranking our top choices without knowing the narrators' identities.

Ultimately, I chose Feodor, who provided a voice that aligned well with my vision for the audiobook. After selecting him, I researched his background and found he was a San Francisco native, which added to my comfort level with him as a narrator.

Let's change the default setting

This entire experience made me reflect on the default settings in narrator selection processes. I realized that the industry often defaults to white male narrators, even when the author is from a different racial background. The audio producer, unaware of my identity, may have unconsciously leaned towards a familiar representation.

Insights from this experience include:

1. The default setting for narrators often does not include East Asian individuals, highlighting an oversight in representation.
2. Speaking up is essential; I had to assert my preferences to ensure a wider range of narrator options.
3. Job opportunities in the narration industry are not equally distributed, and biases exist in favor of those who mirror the dominant demographic.
4. It can be challenging to voice concerns, especially if one's career is at stake, as minorities often face pressure to conform to prevailing norms.

These realizations underscore the need for greater representation and awareness within creative industries.

Personal finance is relevant for everyone

Using my audiobook narration experience as an example, I want to emphasize that such challenges are not trivial; they accumulate over time and can impact a person's confidence and career trajectory. The barriers faced by minorities in various sectors can lead to a sense of self-doubt and diminish the belief in their own capabilities.

It is crucial to confront these issues head-on because the path to success is built on the understanding that everyone deserves equitable opportunities. The majority of people are not inherently racist, but rather conditioned to favor familiar representations due to upbringing and social circles.

The racial makeup of published authors is telling. If the majority of publishing professionals and reviewers are white, it stands to reason that biases will favor white authors. According to data, only about 1% of writers secure literary agents, and only about 10% of those agents manage to ink deals with major publishers. Minority authors face unique hurdles in this environment, deserving acknowledgment for their perseverance.

Facing hard truths but trying anyway

I know that Buy This, Not That might not achieve mainstream success due to persistent biases. Understanding this reality is essential, yet I remain committed to providing value through my work. I hope my insights resonate with a diverse audience, as they have on Financial Samurai, which has garnered over 90 million visitors since its inception in 2009.

Despite the challenges, Buy This, Not That became an instant Wall Street Journal bestseller! This success led to a follow-up two-book deal with Portfolio Penguin, highlighting that hard work often pays off despite the odds.

Embracing the role of the underdog can be invigorating. Achieving success against the odds provides a sense of satisfaction that is unparalleled. It validates one's efforts and reinforces the belief that hard work can lead to remarkable outcomes, regardless of external circumstances.

Financial education is for everyone

My objective is to empower individuals, regardless of their background, to enhance their financial literacy. The financial landscape is not limited to the elite; it is accessible to everyone willing to learn. My experiences and the insights I share aim to demystify finance and offer actionable guidance for all.

As a final note, I encourage readers to explore what their potential narrators look like—it's intriguing to visualize how a voice corresponds to a face. Only one of my potential narrators, Mike Carnes, surprised me with his appearance, contrasting my expectations.

Purchasing a hard copy of BTNT features my Asian face on the back cover. Will I align with what you envision?

Have you ever contemplated adopting a different identity—through your name or appearance—to gain an advantage? Do you think my decision to remain true to my identity might impact my book sales?

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