Guy Aoki

Guy Aoki is a prominent Japanese American activist and media watchdog, best known for his work advocating for greater representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. Aoki was born on December 25, 1951, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to parents who were incarcerated in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II.

Aoki grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a degree in theater arts. After graduation, he worked as a freelance writer and publicist for various arts organizations, including the East West Players, a prominent Asian American theater group.

In the early 1990s, Aoki became involved in a movement to protest the lack of diversity and the stereotypical portrayals of Asian Americans in the entertainment industry. He founded the Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) in 1992, which quickly grew into a prominent advocacy group with chapters across the country.

MANAA has been active in fighting against instances of racism and stereotyping of Asian Americans in the media, including TV shows, films, and advertising. In 1995, the group successfully campaigned for an apology from ABC for a racist comment made by comedian Jimmy Kimmel during a skit. MANAA has also been a vocal critic of the casting of non-Asian actors in Asian roles, such as the casting of Scarlett Johansson in the lead role of the 2017 film "Ghost in the Shell."

In addition to his work with MANAA, Aoki has also been a prominent figure in the Japanese American community, advocating for the recognition and redress of the Japanese American internment during World War II. He has served on the board of the Japanese American National Museum and has been involved in various community projects, such as the preservation of the historic Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in downtown Los Angeles.

Aoki has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Visionary Award from the Asian American Journalists Association, the Community Advocate Award from the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award from the Japanese American National Museum.

Aoki continues to be active in his advocacy work and is considered a leading voice in the fight for greater representation and diversity in the media. He has also been a mentor to many young activists and aspiring journalists in the Asian American community.

In conclusion, Guy Aoki has dedicated his life to advocating for greater representation and diversity in the entertainment industry, as well as for the recognition and redress of the Japanese American internment during World War II. His work has made a significant impact on the way Asian Americans are portrayed in the media and has inspired a new generation of activists to continue the fight for social justice and equality.