How can Maria Elena Fernandez say "ER" has been "long considered the gold standard of diversity"? [" 'Lost' Takes an Odd Path to Diversity," Feb. 13]. Nearly one out of every six doctors in the United States is of Asian descent, yet producer John Wells waited five seasons to include one Asian American regular, played by Ming-Na.
Wells, like most Hollywood producers, does see race first. A white person is allowed to play anything, but a person of color is usually added only after the more dominant (white) characters have been created. The only way this will ever change is if more minority writers and producers are hired.
