Well known for her live-action roles in Suicide Squad and The Boys, Karen Fukuhara is kicking butt and taking names, while breaking down stereotypes. “Growing up, I didn’t have role models in the media, because it’s rare to find many Asians portrayed as badass or cool. So for me to be that for girls, for anyone, that means the world to me,” she says.
Fukuhara’s character Kimiko Miyashiro from The Boys was initially critiqued for conforming to the stereotype of the Asian woman being quiet, but Fukuhara feels quite the opposite. “My character, The Female, who is mainly used as a weapon in the comics, is given a real name, Kimiko, and a key backstory that catapults The Boys’ action in Season One. With the events that follow in Season Two, she shows her vulnerability and breaks the stoic Asian stereotype,” she argues. “Yet, this criticism does not factor in her communication through sign language – she is not mute, she is vocal and assertive. So Kimiko’s ability to sign has reminded viewers that she is a human being and not a weapon.”
As The Boys show-runner Eric Kripke and his team have created a diverse and stereotype-breaking character, others in the industry are incorporating more diversity in their shows and movies – and this year has certainly propelled the need for accurate representation. “There have been more conversations about representation this year than any other year, which brings hope in progress. Let’s move past the ‘token’ mentality,” Fukuhara affirms. “Our representation in the media is heavily disproportionate to the empirical data. I think we must continuously ask ourselves, ‘Is what we are creating true and authentic? Does it reflect the world we live in? If you are someone that is benefiting from privilege, are you willing to become an ally and divest your privilege to take concrete action for diversity?’”
As a talented voice actress (e.g., Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Craig of the Creek, etc.), especially when it comes to children’s shows, Fukuhara understands the importance of representation and the significance of seeing yourself reflected in the art and culture. “Seeing someone that looks like you, embarking on doom-filled adventures only to emerge triumphant – that inspires children to be cognizant of their limitless potential,” she says, referring to Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, whose creator was Radford Sechrist and show-runner was Bill Wolkoff, that has come to an end in October. “Not being able to see Rad, Bill, or the DreamWorks family is sad. I’ll miss Kipo’s contagious, uplifting energy – it allowed me to be completely free in the sound booth! 2020 has taught me never to take time for granted.”
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