Jenn Tran was the first Asian American “Bachelorette” in the 21-year run of the show. On the finale of the “Bachelorette”, Tran was humiliated by the producers as they highlighted her failed relationship. Even after Tran had begged for the host to not make her relive the moment, she was forced to witness it next to ex-fiancé Devin Strader. Strader had broken up the marriage over a 15-minute phone call a few days after the show had wrapped up.
Reality television often features an episode called a reunion filmed after the show has aired. This is a way for fans to see the stars’ reactions to the public. “Love Is Blind” and “Love Island” have had iconic moments at finales, but the “Bachelorette” is often calm and collected. The show’s audience being an older crowd compared to “Love Is Blind,” prefers the romantic finale. However, season 21 ended with dramatics and heartbreak which left fans angry.
“Do I have a choice?” Tren said in the final episode.
Tran was in tears and struggled to speak as she wished to not watch the video. With reality television, it is common for stars to not get a say in what they do, however, this was a moment which affected viewers of the show. People went to Twitter and other social media to discuss their distaste with the program’s choices.
“Jenn should have gotten in the middle of the proposal showing and gave everyone the peace sign. Walk out of that studio and never turned back. Absolutely cruel and unnecessary to make her watch that back. Cannot believe it,” Twitter user Benjamin Higgins and former Bachelor said.
While thousands of viewers were affected, Asian American fans felt a personal attack. Through the run of the show there have been four African American women in its history and now one Asian American. This lack of diversity has put the show in the hot seat, as viewers wish for more diverse representation. Aerie Cheung ‘25 is an Asian American woman, and she spoke on her opinions of the lack of diversity within Reality television.
“For me, I feel like the media often shows diversity in reality tv, especially Asians very stereotypically. For example, most of the reality tv shows about Asians are about them being doctors, nerdy, or rich,” Cheung said.
Some believe there is an improvement in representation in reality television.
“I think modern reality TV does a better job with representation and diversity,” junior Maira Karim said. “Old reality TV does not have as many diverse personalities because people cared less back then, but now people shine lights on those programs because of lack of diversity,”
Junior Elena White, a woman of color, discussed her thoughts on representation of diversity within the media.
“I would say the media is constantly increasing the level of diversity on tv. However, with the increase of diversity also comes the increase of stigmas and cultural bias” White said. “I feel like stigmas and stereotypes that are portrayed despite there being many different types of people”
Could the “Bachelorette” be stuck in the past? Its sister show, the “Bachelor” brings in primary viewership of women who are 45 years-old or older according to Linley Sanders, a data journalist. While the age of viewers of the “Bachelorette” are available, it is not farfetched to assume they are similar to its sister show. But this does not mean there are no younger fans of the show.
Therefore, “Bachelorette” producers have no need to care about the younger generation’s view. Because they will always have their older generation, which is their majority of viewers. Tran has achieved more than most people her age. Tran is a student at the University of Wisconsin as she completes her education to become a physician assistant. Her Instagram is littered with photos of her fostered cats and hangouts with friends. Tran is a normal girl who was selected to be on a reality show. Her selection made her the first Asian American who can inspire other girls to put themselves out there to find love.
Now, Tran will be on the newest season of “Dancing with the Stars” as she hits the dance floor. People on social media believe it will be a joy to see her overcome her public image. Tran will show she needs no man Tonight at 7:00 pm ET on ABC.