Greetings, good people of the internet. It is time, once again, to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Lawrence Yee.
Who are you?
I'm the son of Chinese and Malaysian immigrants.
What are you?
I always say I'm Chinese American. I'm a product of both cultures.
Where are you?
Sitting in my L.A. condo just a stone's throw away from Sawtelle Japantown. There's every Asian cuisine you can think of there.
Where are you from?
For non-Bay Areans, I'm from San Francisco. For Bay Areans, I'm from Hayward.
What do you do?
I'm an entertainment journalist. I'm one of the few Asian guys who cover the industry and one of the even fewer in management. Among the places I've worked are FANDOM, Variety, TMZ, and Yahoo (alongside our very own Angry Asian Man). These jobs have granted me some incredible opportunities and access... as well as the most random cameos on reality shows lol.
What are you all about?
The conversation about diversity (or lack thereof) in Hollywood is often focused on who's in front of the camera. There need to be diverse voices in the newsrooms covering the industry -- attending events, interviewing talent, asking those sometimes uncomfortable questions (i.e. asking Tilda Swinton directly about her whitewashed role in Doctor Strange). I try to fill that role, as well as mentor younger writers, editors, and hosts -- especially if they're minorities, LGBT, etc. -- to do the same.
What makes you angry?
I was once walking to an event in Hollywood and security told me walk on the other side of the street because "I was in the wrong place." I was the house (event organizer) red carpet reporter. And I can't tell you how many times when I've revealed where I work, and then asked if I'm the IT guy (no offense to folks in IT). This is why we need more diversity in all areas of the entertainment industry.
