She said, "I went in with the point of view that I wanted to teach people not to be afraid to try something new. I am not turning away from my Asian culture, I cook Chinese and Asian a lot. But I am someone who loves variety, what I am doing right now is exploring new flavors. I know I can cook, and I have a great palate. I tried to show the home chef that just because it’s something you haven’t had, you can do it. I knew what I wanted to do but I wasn’t the right fit for The Next Food Network Star on Food Network."
So, as you see, it is very clear that her food point of view is "to teach people not to be afraid to try something new." Maybe I've been out of the entertainment industry too long, but that sounds like a beautiful, potential-filled platform from which to build a television show, especially one centered around food. However, I could also see clearly, why such a seemingly clear point of view, would confuse the big wigs over at Food Network.
Doreen, the eliminated finalist, is Chinese. It seems to television writers and entertainment marketers that someone who is obviously of Asian heritage, should have some sort of cultural take on food. In almost every interview after her elimination, Doreen felt the need to insert some sort of defense of her lack of a particularly Chinese or Asian point of view.
One Food Network judge said that Doreen most confused and frustrated him because she seemed to have it all, personality, beauty, warmth on and off camera, all but that one point of view. He said that wanting to do "everything" is too generic for show on Food Network. Now, I am the one confused and frustrated. There are two shows on Food Network hosted by veterans of The Next Food Network Star that preclude the requirement of the host to have a "point of view" on food. Rather, these shows are about "everything." Will Work For Food, hosted by Adam Gertlier, and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, hosted by Season 4 winner, Guy Fieri. Maybe he just forgot?
Herein lies the obvious reason that Doreen was chastised for her particular point of view. Apparently you cannot be Chinese, especially Chinese and female and host a show about trying everything. That's stuff only white males can do on TV.
