Ep 5. Breaking Through

Asian Americans season 1 episode 5 "Breaking Through" explores the struggles and triumphs of Asian Americans in the entertainment industry. The episode delves into the experiences of Asian performers who have challenged stereotypes and paved the way for future generations.

The episode features interviews with actors such as Tzi Ma, who shares his journey from being a struggling actor to becoming a respected Hollywood veteran. Ma discusses the challenges he faced as an Asian actor in the industry, including being typecast and overlooked for leading roles.

The episode also highlights the impact of the Broadway musical "Miss Saigon" and the controversy surrounding its casting decisions. The production faced backlash for casting white actors in Asian roles, leading to protests and calls for change.

"Breaking Through" also profiles the groundbreaking work of Margaret Cho, a stand-up comedian who broke barriers with her bold and unapologetic comedy. Cho discusses how she used her platform to tackle issues such as racism and prejudice in a way that resonated with audiences.

The episode further explores the experiences of Asian Americans in the music industry, featuring interviews with artists such as Glenn Suravech who discusses the impact of hip hop on the Asian American community and how he blended his Filipino heritage with his music.

The episode also highlights the emergence of K-pop and its global popularity, featuring interviews with fans and industry insiders who discuss how Korean pop music has transcended borders and brought together fans from around the world.

"Breaking Through" concludes with a look at the future of Asian Americans in entertainment and the progress that has been made, but also the work that still needs to be done. The episode highlights the importance of representation and diversity in media and the impact it can have on shaping the perceptions of Asian Americans.

Overall, "Breaking Through" is a powerful and inspiring episode that showcases the resilience and creativity of Asian Americans in the entertainment industry. It sheds light on their struggles and achievements, and how they have paved the way for future generations to share their stories and break down stereotypes.