KIANA'S THOUGHTS ON BEING ASIAN AMERICAN

Has it been harder or easier to achieve your success because of your ethnic background?

I don't feel any burden. I do feel responsible for my own actions and want people to appreciate what I do. I do know that saying is true: You can please some of the people all of the time.............." I can't worry about everyone else, I can do my very personal best and hope the majortiy agrees with me.

Do you feel that you have to be a model for the Asian/Asian Pacific American communities, since you are the first successful Asian Pacific American female in your profession? Has this been a burden?

No, but I would really like to! Please keep me updated on events, etc. Most of the events that I have been to, I have been sought out and aggressively pursued. This year, I really want to make the time to be more active.

Do you feel a "connection" with early Asian American film actresses like Anna May Wong?

I don't feel a connection, I feel more Americanized than they seemed on the screen. If I spoke to them in person, I would be able to answer better. My industry; fitness and health, is a universal appeal, it opens alot of doors for me to speak to all races easily.

Where in Southern California were you brought up in and when did you move from Hawaii to SoCal? How did the change from Hawaii's pre-dominant Asian population to Southern California's ethnic mixture affect you - both good and bad?

I was raised Huntington Beach, CA Surf city! see Personal #6.

I understand that your life involved being one of the few Asian Americans among your peers and suffering the prejudices of youths of anyone being different. What event, situation and/or person help you accept yourself as what you are?

Again, it was mom. She told me that one day I would be very happy, even if I looked different. Boy, was she ever right. At a recent reunion, I saw all of those kids who used to tease me, they weren't teasing now. They all wanted my autograph and to know how to get back into shape. I told them to eat lots of doughnuts, drink sodas and sit on the couch to watch Bruce Lee movies. Revenge is sweet.

What are your thoughts on interracial romances/marriages?

Great! As long as two people are truly happy - go for it!

What are your thoughts that beautiful Asian/Asian Pacific American females don't like dating Asian/Asian Pacific American males? This has been a topic with other Asian/Asian Pacific American males and your comments would greatly welcomed.

Personally, it's not that clear cut of a reason. It just seems the Asian men I have met are not into the same things I am, our personalities don't mesh "that way." If I met an Asian man who fulfilled my wish list, I would definitely would be attracted to him.

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What is your take on the present Asian Pacific American images in the media? Is it still bad, getting better, good, etc?

It's good, but could be a lot better. I feel that we need more Asian programming like sitcoms, etc., such as the black community has on TV. We need more "cool" portrayals of Asians in all types of roles, especially those without martial arts. I would like to pitch a sitcom and drama for Asians like Friends, Seinfeld, VIP, Alley Mc Beal, etc. The entertainment industry is bold and ballsy (pardon my french, but it's true.) You have to claw and demand what you want. Traditionally, Asians don't do that. I do, though.

Look and analyze which celebrities are in the most spotlight/media: Roseanne, for example, she is so out there and they love it, it's good media. Those that fight hard not to have publicity also get the most. As a race, we tend to sit back and be aloof as if to say, "IF the media doesn't come pounding at my door, I don't need them." Well we do and we should mix it up. Shall I start?

How do you want to be known in the Asian/Asian Pacific American communities?

As a girl who works hard, loves her family and wants to be the best in her industry. I want to help people get into shape and be a role model for the Asian community and everyone around the world.