Does Asian American and Pacific Islander participation and activism in the media have the power to eliminate their invisibility?

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have become increasingly engaged with producing different forms of media such as film, television, music, journalism, and social media. Part of the reason for this rise is to combat the historical underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in mainstream media that have perpetuated harmful stereotypes. This builds on the decades of work Asian American and Pacific Islander creators have done to tell their stories through independent media, using grassroots efforts to amplify their voices. Today, social media has changed the landscape for education and activism, allowing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to further share their stories with the world on their own terms. However, Asian American and Pacific Islander media is not perfect; its future relies on becoming more inclusive and innovative. By looking at the power of media production and representation, this chapter explores how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can use media as a tool for cultural transformation.