From Critical Analysis to Breakthrough: EdUHK Prof Erni's Research on Ethnic Minority Media Representations Reaches UN Forum

Paid Post:FHM, EdUHK

4-MIN READ4-MIN

Prof John Erni, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, EdUHK, is an expert in media and cultural studies

Published: 12:00am, 25 Apr 2025

[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.]

Despite Hong Kong's multicultural heritage, racism persists in the city's mainstream media. In October 2022, TVB, the largest broadcaster, faced public criticism for using blackface in a drama episode, shortly after an actress apologised for wearing brown makeup to portray a Filipino domestic worker.

Recognising the void surrounding a sustained and meaningful debate on the problem of racism in the city, Prof John Erni, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at The Education University of Hong Kong, has emerged as a leading voice through his cultural research. His scholarly work that spans nearly 20 years examines how ethnic minorities are portrayed across Hong Kong's mainstream media. Through his research, he hopes to elevate public consciousness while fostering genuine cultural diversity within the city.

Findings: Misrepresentation & Underrepresentation

Erni's findings indicate South Asians and other ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are consistently underrepresented and misrepresented in mainstream media. They are cast in roles reinforcing mostly negative stereotypes, mainly as criminals, gangsters or comedic characters, thereby contributing to their characterisation as the racialised Other. His co-authored book on the images of non-Chinese in four decades of Hong Kong cinema, citing Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express, states: "The portrayal of South Asians was relatively negative and stereotypical. These characters were either drug dealers or thieves, willing to break the law for money." Erni added that while such patterns are not unique to Hong Kong, they deepen social divisions and perpetuate the symbolic annihilation of ethnic minorities.

Gaps: Lacking Connections

Erni's research exposes blind spots within the media industry and in society as a whole regarding ethnic minorities' lived experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the shortcomings. "The pandemic revealed our dangerous lack of direct connections with these communities," explains the specialist. "Their infection rates may have been disproportionately higher, but since statistics were aggregated with general population data only, we could not quantify the true impact."

Roots: Economic and Cultural

He explained the economic and cultural roots of media distortions: "Despite their history of immigration and contributions since the colonial era, many ethnic minorities today are confined to manual labour jobs, including cleaners, guards, and construction workers," explains the Dean. "With such low socioeconomic status, the local mainstream media, driven by commercial interests, often ignore them. When they do appear, film and television narratives often reinforce stereotypes, framing them as subordinate, ignorant and sometimes idiotic." He further notes audience taste contributes to these distortions. "Media content reflects what viewers want to see -- whether it's sensationalised violence or gang-related storylines involving these communities."

Sharing insights about ‘symbolic annihilation’

Significance: Revealing Cultural Fabric

The significance of his research extends beyond academia. "This research reveals who shapes our city's cultural fabric," Erni emphasises. In all, his work serves three functions: mapping Hong Kong's cultural diversity, giving voice to marginalised communities, and aligning local media and cultural studies with global practices.

Improvements: Digital Countercurrents

Despite persistent media misrepresentations, Erni has observed encouraging shifts, particularly among younger Hong Kongers. This change stems from their diversified media diet on social platforms, which has also seen some young ethnic minorities' self-representations across new social media channels. “Many have developed sophisticated digital media skills, employing DIY approaches such as transmedia storytelling and music production to create alternative narratives," he says. Currently, about a dozen ethnic minority youths have gained popularity on social media in Hong Kong.

Global Recognition: UN Forum

Erni's research gained international prominence when selected as one of 12 experts to address the UN’s 17th Forum on Minority Issues in November 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. This global Forum, convened pursuant to UN Human Rights Council resolutions, brought together nearly 700 representatives from UN member-states, international organisations, and academic institutions to discuss minority representation. At the Forum, he presented his views on minority representation in Hong Kong's mainstream media, alongside policy recommendations. One of Erni’s key recommendations urges the government to “allocate the best of resources to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns and school programmes that educate citizens of all ages about the impact of ethnic and racial bias in film, TV, and social media.” It is particularly encouraging to note that this recommendation was adopted almost verbatim by the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues in his report to the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council, held from February to April 2025. In the Special Rapporteur’s report, Erni’s recommendation is echoed as follows: “States should allocate resources to develop public awareness campaigns and school programmes that educate citizens about harmful bias against minority groups.” This statement closely mirrors Erni’s original words, highlighting the significant impact of his insights on global discussions regarding minority rights.

At UN’s Palace des Nations in Geneva for the 17th Forum on Minority Issues

Impact: Global & Local

Erni's research resonates across international and local domains. Globally, his presentation provided the UN Forum with insights into Hong Kong's challenges regarding minority representation. The incorporation of his recommendations into the Special Rapporteur's report amplifies his work's influence and policy relevance. Locally, the Human Rights Council's recommendations to member states, including HKSAR, are designed to trigger an accountability mechanism. State authorities must examine domestic conditions and submit their responses to the UN. “This international oversight, combined with local accountability, catalyses transformation as public awareness deepens and more stakeholders advocate for inclusive media representation,” Erni adds.

Ambitions: Amplifying Marginalised Voices

Erni’s future projects include an examination of ethnic minority social media influencers. "It is increasingly important to study the digital content creators to investigate their educational experiences, family backgrounds, and creative cultural practices. Documenting these narratives will likely constitute the next phase of my research," he explains. This initiative exemplifies his commitment to amplifying marginalised voices within Hong Kong's media ecosystem.

Erni has written several books on the subject

Vision: Greater Diversity

"What is racism in Hong Kong? What does it look like? What cultural forms? If I have the opportunity to continue this research, I'm essentially still exploring these same questions," reflects Erni.

Through rigorous academic research and international advocacy, his work not only documents current media representations but also actively contributes to reshaping Hong Kong's cultural landscape towards greater diversity -- essential elements for any truly global city.

Erni's work exemplifies one of the strategic focuses of the Faculty of Humanities: ‘Comparative Cultures of Care’. This faculty-wide initiative that he launched in 2022 aims to foster cultural and professional care competency among graduates and young professionals through diverse and thoughtfully designed programmes.

Learn more about Erni: https://www.eduhk.hk/en/experts/professor-erni-john-nguyet

Interviewer: Andy Ng & Eric Lam

Writer: Eric Lam

Photographer: Sherman Tse