Empowering South Asian Voices: Bridging the Media Diversity Gap

With over 5.4 million South Asians residing in the United States, this vibrant and rapidly growing community now surpasses the population of 25 U.S. states, including Utah and Oregon. Despite the size and diversity of this group—which includes people from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—their representation in American newsrooms remains limited. The lack of South Asian journalists constrains how their stories and perspectives are depicted in American media, often leading to stereotypes or misrepresentations that fail to reflect their varied contributions and identities. 

The South Asian diaspora in the U.S. is far from monolithic. Members of this community differ not only in national origin but also in religion, language, and culture. South Asians practice a wide range of religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. Yet, while their roots and experiences are diverse, the dominant narratives about them in the media remain narrow. The repeated portrayal of South Asians through a stereotyped lens oversimplifies the nuanced realities of a community that contributes richly to American society.

For instance, in a Chicago neighborhood, a Navratri celebration often draws South Asians of all faiths and backgrounds. While the festival is rooted in Hindu tradition, attendees include a Muslim family enjoying the cultural dances, a Christian couple reminiscing about their visits to India, and a Sikh entrepreneur supporting local artists. This moment encapsulates the intricate tapestry of identities within the South Asian community, defying the oversimplifications often seen in mainstream portrayals. 

Although Asian Americans represent one of the most diverse racial groups in the country, television and film have often relegated South Asian characters to stereotypical roles. A significant disparity exists between the portrayals of South Asian men and women on screen; while South Asian men have seen increased screen time, aligning with their share of the U.S. population (2.3%), South Asian women have not been granted the same visibility. Their presence on screen lags at just 0.3%, a fraction of what it should be. This limited representation underscores a broader issue: a celebrated cultural community risks being diminished to generalized depictions that do little to capture its full scope. 

Compounding these challenges, South Asians are often grouped under the “model minority” myth—a stereotype that perpetuates a narrow view of academic and professional success as the only paths for Asian Americans. South Asians are often stereotyped as being naturally inclined toward STEM fields, particularly medicine, engineering, and technology. South Asian students pursuing arts, sports, or entrepreneurship often face resistance from community norms and societal expectations. Mostly it leads to mental health struggles. In professional fields, the model minority myth hides barriers to leadership and dismisses those who don’t fit the stereotype, limiting the community’s diverse aspirations and talents. 

While some members of the community do prioritize educational achievements, this view dismisses the strengths of those who excel in the arts, sports, or public service, leading to feelings of inadequacy or alienation for those who do not conform to this stereotype. This limited portrayal, especially when repeated in media, can stifle individual expression and perpetuate the misconception that all South Asians share a single identity. 

South Asians are diverse in culture, language, and religion, yet media often reduces this group to stereotypes, overlooking their contributions beyond academia

A significant barrier to overcoming these stereotypes is the underrepresentation of South Asians in journalism. While Asian Americans make up about 7.7% of the U.S. population, they represent only a fraction of newsroom staff, with South Asians forming a mere 2.2% of the workforce. Broadcast media fares even worse, with less than 3% of Asian Americans represented. Within this context, the proportion of South Asians in broadcast journalism is an estimated 0.87%, leaving much of their community underrepresented or misrepresented on the national stage. 

The absence of South Asian voices in newsrooms is problematic not only because it limits representation but also because it narrows the range of stories covered. South Asian journalists are particularly active in areas like investigative reporting and environmental issues, with 33% engaged in investigative journalism and 35% focusing on environmental coverage. Without these voices, American media loses valuable perspectives on critical topics that may resonate deeply with the South Asian community and beyond.

The consequences of this representation gap are far-reaching. News coverage often reflects the experiences of white Americans, leaving minority communities—especially those with limited representation like South Asians—out of the narrative. As newsrooms struggle to improve diversity, South Asian journalists face unique challenges, such as being questioned about their objectivity when reporting on issues related to their own communities. Conversely, they may also be overlooked for broader stories due to an assumption that their expertise is limited to South Asian issues. 

Addressing this gap in representation is particularly pressing in the face of rising hate crimes against South Asian Americans. Since the first post-9/11 hate crime against a Sikh American, incidents of violence have continued, including the 2012 massacre at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Greater visibility in media is essential not only to accurately portray South Asian American lives but also to counter stereotypes that fuel ignorance and hate. Diverse representation in journalism can serve as a countermeasure to the harmful generalizations that can lead to violence and discrimination.

The pathway to a more inclusive media landscape involves supporting South Asian voices in journalism. By increasing their numbers in newsrooms, the unique stories of this community can be told in all their complexity, fostering a richer, more balanced portrayal of South Asian American life. Such representation would help dismantle the "model minority" stereotype and highlight the diverse achievements and challenges faced by individuals within the community. 

Increasing South Asian journalists can challenge harmful media narratives and promote balanced storytelling

American Muslim Today (AMT) is working to bridge this gap by creating opportunities for South Asian American journalists. Recognizing the urgent need for diversity, AMT plans to increase its hiring of South Asian reporters to provide perspectives that are often missing in mainstream media. The inclusion of these voices is crucial for a balanced understanding of all communities and the issues they face. Supporting these journalists not only promotes diversity within the newsroom but also enhances the broader media narrative, allowing for a more equitable, nuanced, and just society.new 

Readers and organizations can support these efforts by advocating for diverse hiring practices, supporting South Asian media outlets, and amplifying the voices of South Asian journalists to foster a more inclusive media landscape.