Typical answers revolve around the issue of racism, however, in my view; I feel that there is no absolute bias or favoritism within the industry. However, I do believe that there is a lack of understanding and awareness about what the Public Relations industry necessitates.
Decisions are made vastly on various traditions and customs, which force and influence many ethnic minorities, particularly Asians, to follow a profession which revolves around Law or Medicine. This is due to the motive that professions such as Law or Medicine are perceived to be of a high status and financially rewarding. I consider this reason to be the main external hurdle, which is at the foundation of why ethnic minorities are underrepresented. However, there are many more branches that stem off the idea of under-representation and that is of the lack of role models. This is a major factor, in my opinion, in why very few people from different backgrounds are interested in the field of PR. Additionally, the lack of role models actually generates a lack of self-assurance in ethnic minorities to join the PR industry.
However, Anwar's (1998:57) Study on the career aspirations of Asian peole showed that Asians of today have no intentions of Pursuing typical careers that their parents might expect, which include medicine or accountancy, for example. The causes of this maybe because of the dramatic increase of Asians on television. But, if this is really the case, why are we not witnessing a rise of Asians working within the PR industry?
Will we ever see it? What is your take on this?
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4 comments:
Hey Pav,
One of my closest London friends comes from an Asian background, and from what i've heard from her traditional disciplines like law or medicine, as well as business studies now, are definitely preferred in Asian families. In fact, my friend's sister had to get a degree in accountancy for her parents' satisfaction before she could pursue a qualification in fashion (her real passion). But in my opinion all of this is likely to change as time goes by and successful Asian role models appear in the PR industry. Perhaps, the industry should think of some initiatives to attract more people of ethnic origins, just like it is doing with attracting more men.
Hi Pav,
I agree with Alena, when ever I hear some one comes from an Asian background and they are studying its always either law or medicine. As in Kuwait I remember I used to have so many Asian classmates and when they graduated all of them went on to study some real serious degree. What I think is the case is how they are being brought up, even I think its the same in London. Asian families have very high expectations about what their children should study for a degree and what they should do for a living. Sometimes I even find it's hard for some Asian students because they have no choice and they just follow what their families ask of them. I think one day it will change if the Industry tries to think of ways in how they can attract more ethnic minorities.
Lina,
Its true that Asian parents have very high expectations of their children. They spend their lifetime bringing their children up and giving all the best they could possibly give. Because of this reason, i feel that children, in turn, feel like they have a duty to give their parent something back - to make them feel proud. Looking at this overall picture, if Asian children wanted to take the PR route, their parent wouldn't be as happy. Whereas if they took the doctor-lawyer route, it would be the complete opposite
Pav,
With todays day and age, Asian parents are becoming much more aware of the fact that their children have different prospects in life. In my opinion, they are begining to move away from the whole idea of 'my spn/daughter should be a doctor'. I myself, being Asian, am witnessing change within our culture. Parents these days are becoming much more westrn in their thinking.
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