The State of Asian Canadian Publishing

The state of Asian Canadian publishing is still a work in progress. Journalism, creative fiction, cinema, filmmaking, theatre, dance, comedy, are just a few of the genres which still lack a defined niche in contemporary Asian Canadian arts and culture. Not only are they interdependent, they are reliant on a medium to expose, examine, and intellectualize their quest for art. Experiments have been made, but not to much avail, and certainly not enough. This poses difficult questions for the industry: who's reading Asian Canadian content? Is there a need for it? Ryerson School of Journalism graduate Justin Lee wrote a fascinating article about the state of flux of Asian Canadian magazines.

Miguel and MacLean are researching an upcoming Jasmine article on the lack of pornography available for Asian females. The topic raises the obvious question of whether Asian women even view pornography. Similarly, are second-generation Asian-Canadians even interested in magazines like Banana and Jasmine? After speaking to many Asian-Canadian female friends, the general consensus is, despite being thrilled to see a magazine catering solely to them, most wouldn't buy it. Criticisms include mediocre writing, uninspired or trivial topics and an overall lack of focus. Even Jasmine's own Miguel is not impressed. "There's no central article that makes me want to pick up the magazine," she says. "[The first issue] was very scattered. Jasmine's still trying to find its footing."

Six years later, things have changed, but to what degree? The plethora of magazines that the article mentions no longer exist, and only one continues to survive, although in different shape and form. There seems to be a real need for a leader in the publishing industry, something that can define a niche for Asian Canadians.