Yan Can Cook

Those who have met Martin Yan, host of the popular series Yan Can Cook, report that he speaks perfect English and that his heavy foreign accent on the show is just an affectation for the entertainment of his mainstream audience. By minimizing the cognitive dissonance between an audience that expects Asian Americans to behave as foreigners and a talented, affable Asian-American? television personality, Yan has exploited a racial stereotype for his own personal benefit. Unfortunately for other Americans, Yan has not challenged the same stereotype for the benefit of all.