Racism Disguised as Diversity

In American Studies class today, we explored the issue of tokenism in modern television. After seeing Mr. Bolos's (my teacher's) presentation on tokenism specifically in network dramas, I, and most of my class for that matter, were convinced that tokenism is a very real phenomenon. We also agreed on the conclusion that tokenism is a means for TV shows to appear diverse, and therefore for the networks, writers, and advertisers to appear tolerant and accepting.

However, in network sitcoms, I think that the purpose of the "token minority" character goes beyond that single use. Although it may not be the case across the board, in a high number of the sitcoms that actually do include a minority, the minority character is exploited for the ethnic and racial jokes that their inclusion in the show socially permits. All minorities it would seem, except for African Americans (that seems to be the one race that networks are scared to touch). For instance, Gloria in ABC's Modern Family, Han in CBS's Two Broke Girls, and Timmy in CBS's Rules of Engagement all have ethnic jokes made at them. However, Donna, an African American, on NBC's Parks and Recreation never has her race mentioned. I have seen several episodes and scoured YouTube for clips of a black joke, yet found nothing. Meanwhile, ethnicity is a major component of the other not white and not black characters: Gloria (Hispanic), Han (Asian), and Timmy (Indian).

On Modern Family, Gloria is constantly mispronouncing english words and sayings and corrected by the cast. Gloria is also asked if she is legally in the country on multiple occasions, and it is mentioned that she has been deported twice. Han's character, on Two Broke Girls is one of the most exploited I have seen. Practically all of the screen time he has on the show is of him speaking with an exaggerated Chinese accent, emasculated by women for his height and apparent agelessness, or otherwise negatively stereotyped. One of the main characters also says in front of him, "You can't tell an Asian he failed. He'll go out back and throw himself on his sword". Timmy, in Rules of Engagement, also faces jokes about his Indian ethnicity. He is confused with Indian Americans, and questioned over the correct of his English, despite the fact that it is very proper. He is also overworked as an assistant to his boss, portrayed as very obedient and too
passive to stand up for himself, all the while being accompanied
by a fittingly boyish name.

Though they may be considered offensive to some, because of the laugh reel that is played after the ethnic jokes (laugh reels are not featured in Modern Family), the shows must believe that these are lines to be laughed at. Therefore, assuming that directors and producers link more laughs to more viewership, as it should be, these jokes are specifically included for the purpose of driving up ratings, and making money. Due to the extremely high prevalence of the ethnic humor only when ethnics are on screen, I suspect that the only purposes of minority actors in sitcoms are diversity and the extra laughs. It is possible that the performers are given their jobs on the shows mainly for those reasons. When the characters are used to repeat the same offensive jokes over and over again, as they very much are in these three shows, it is hard to believe that the actors are on set for any other reason.

If this is really the case, has television truly diversified?