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RSSThe show's fantasyland environment (immersed in Candyland colors) was just so easy to fall for (especially considering today's grim headlines), just the way "Grease" and "Hairspray" were. I was enchanted by the scenic southern Utah backdrop (even more vibrant on a plasma screen); heartened by the comity displayed by the student body; and amused by the non-stereotypical names given to the cast (Zeke, Chad, Sharpay, Martha?). And how could you not be dazzled by all of the intricate dancing?
However, one quizzical omission dawned on me as I watched. Despite its all-inclusive cast of characters (Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, mixed race, smart, dimwitted, overweight, jocks, even a kid with gay tendencies were all represented), where was the Asian-American kid?
Considering that the U.S.'s approximately12 million Asian Americans are such a rapidly growing part of the population, I found it a curious oversight. And "Asian" covers a lot of territory - India, the Philippines, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and at least half a dozen more nations. Admittedly, it was somewhat refreshing not to have the math whiz be Asian (Hispanic Gabriella played that role), but couldn't there have been a role somewhere in a cast this large?
Perhaps this blunder will be rectified as part of a refreshing new angle for "HSM3" (a new nemesis for Sharpay!), and then we'll have a complete Magic Kingdom.
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Vanessa Hudgens, who plays Gabriella is, in fact, of Chinese and Filipino descent.
So she has an Asian mom, which would make her Asian American.
Have you totally missed it? Or you only referring to Asians who live in America? (not most Asians)
Here in actual Asia the kids love this movie. Which begs the cultural question, "Does a viewer need to be racially involved to enjoy and relate to a bitof media. Hold on, I'm white. Did I understand and enjoy Roots? What about hip-hop? Or Shindler's List. Do I need a racial equal to buy into a common cultural idea?
The kids here in Vietnam say no.
Do you need a cultural icon of Frydlewicz lineage to understand an idea?
Or do you think silly clients only need that to buy in?
Reconsider Rob. Cause here in actual Asia they're buying High School Musical. Even if what they're buying is a pirated copy.
The series, which targets 2- to 5-year-olds, is the network's first about Eastern culture. It follows a bilingual five-year-old girl named Kai-Lan Chow as she learns about her intergenerational family. The curriculum focuses on social and emotional lessons, multicultural values, basic Mandarin language skills, and cause-and-effect thinking. The show is currently scheduled to premiere October 22, 2007.
I'm looking forward to seeing it, as the series could very well be one of the first children's television shows about Asian culture.
Ashley www.ChildrensMediaConsultant.com
http://www.teenhollywood.com/d.asp?r=123403&c=1038&p=10