If multiculturalism is mainstream...why is Hollywood behind the trend?

"I feel like Hollywood is a little behind the curve usually in terms of what America is ready to accept from a cultural standpoint," said Jon Hurwitz  [co-writer and co-director of the Harold and Kumar film franchise]. "Film-goers are a bit savvier than they are given credit for."

In an insightful take on the comedic sequel to "Harold and Kumar go to White Castle," the film that developed a strong cult-like following,  LA Times writer Mark Olsen begs an interesting question on whether cinematic media is ahead of the trends, or behind them.

In both films, the lead characters, who are Indian American and Korean American, have strong ethnic and cultural identities, which marks a departure for mainstream movies. But, what is more telling is how the characters perceive themselves--namely, as mainstream Americans.

And they should. Because they are. After all, America is not a melting pot of one unified culture but a rich "salad bowl" of many cultural segments.

"The theme in these movies is that Harold and Kumar are sort of beyond race," said Hayden Schlossberg [co-writer and co-director of the films]. "They don't really care that much about their own identities; it's the people around them that sort of haven't gotten it yet."

The culturally diverse market segments in America share a common bond through their set of values--like freedom, equality and prosperity--but are unique in their respective heritages. And with one in three Americans already of minority status and forecasts for those numbers set to explode, the fact is, our diverse cultures are no longer minorities...they are, in every sense of the word, mainstream Americans.

What's the key takeaway for film studios? Just as specialty foods are reflecting these cultural influences, so too should our media. It's not only a question of adequately reflecting our nation's demographic makeup...but serving its multi-cultural markets (markets who happen to be avid movie-goers). On the other hand, major television networks have been making some smart casting choices as of late to more adequately reflect diversity. Shows like Lost, Grey's Anatomy and House feature Asian, African-American and Indian actors in lead roles--to much acclaim, loyal audiences and high ratings.

According to Kal Penn, the actor who plays Kumar, "It's probably too soon to say, but hopefully you're seeing a shift where the real America is actually being reflected in all its diversity. I find it really refreshing and more interesting to watch when things are more fleshed out."

We couldn't agree more. If Hollywood needs more assurance that audiences will embrace diversity, they need only look at the growth of the specialty foods industry (17%) compared to overall food sales (4%). The growth rates of multicultural markets, coupled with the surging demand for more specialty foods and the high ratings of TV shows featuring culturally diverse casts make it all too clear: promoting diversity--be it through movies or consumer packaged goods--is a profitable venture for the savvy companies who are reflecting and building upon today's trends in their offerings.