is recognized as a pillar in reality television, but it’s hardly known as a model for diversity and inclusivity — especially when it comes to casting its leads. The show’s 21st season, which premiered July 8, saw Jenn Tran make history as the . Since news of her casting broke, the 26-year-old Vietnamese American health care worker has been the target of , but she’s also broken ground for the descendants of Asian immigrants.
Now, there is cautious optimism about what Tran’s season will bring. Grace Wang, an associate professor of American studies at the University of California, Davis, told Yahoo Entertainment that Tran’s casting is “pretty groundbreaking” because it is still rare to see an Asian American woman at the center of her own narrative. Wang said she watches far less reality television nowadays partly due to the “frustrating” way Asian Americans are represented.
She was, however, proud to learn of Tran’s casting and will be tuning in to show her support. “It sends a clear message that an Asian American can be the lead in a mainstream television franchise — that a whole season can revolve around the hopes, desires and feelings of an Asian American woman,” Wang explained. “I really applaud Jenn for putting herself out there because being the first in anything is the hardest — you get the hardest hits, the most backlash.
She may feel a lot of added pressure needing to represent Asian Americans in a positive light.” This pressure is some.