8Asians | An Asian American collaborative blog

I saw a promo on Fox while watching the World Cup and was surprised to see that former presidential and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang was one a contestant of anew reality TV show called Nation’s Dumbest:

“The network has handed the show, which is based on a Scandinavian format, a series order. Deadline revealed that the project was in development at the end of last year.

The series will now be hosted by British comedian Jack Whitehall and the network has lined up a phalanx of celebrities aiming not to be the dumbest in the country.

Nation’s Dumbest is the first television show where the loser is the winner. Celebrities fight it out to be eliminated from the competition as quickly as possible to avoid being crowned the nation’s dumbest. From influencers to wrestlers, comedians to politicians, the contestants are put to the test in a series of physical and mental rounds about all the things you really should know.”

In Yang’s latest blog posting, he articulates his motivation for being a reality TV participant:

“I got advice from different people. Some were very against me doing the show, saying it would be bad for my public image and future prospects:

“You on a billboard with the word ‘Dumb’ on it is not what you want.”

“You’re on the rise. Don’t lump yourself in with a bunch of has-beens.”

“You’re a serious figure. Reality TV isn’t serious.”

But I found myself warm to the opportunity for a number of reasons.

First, it was a new experience. You only live once. When would I have the chance to do something like this again? Maybe never.

Second, I figured I’d make some new friends and connections. I was told the names of a few other figures on the show, some of whom I’ve been a fan of from afar for years. These included Ice-T, Anthony Michael Hall, Carmen Electra and others. It might be fun to be stuck on set with them and bond.

Third, it seemed like an opportunity to show my personality in front of a broad public audience. I do media and podcast interviews all of the time, some of which might be seen by only a few thousand people. This was a chance to get in front of millions of Americans in primetime, even if the context was a bit unusual. Maybe that would lead to more people following me and my work.

Fourth, it paid money. It was a handsome fee based on the time commitment. I agreed with Evelyn that I would donate a portion of the proceeds to an autism organization that we are involved with.

Finally, I decided to do it. I’m not someone to shy away from challenges, and it seemed like a new adventure that might lead someplace positive.

And so, I wound up a contestant on Nation’s Dumbest, coming to you on Fox this Wednesday at 9 pm EST.”

You can also listen to his latest podcast episode where Yang goes into more details regarding his motivations and his experience (as much as he’s able to comment) on being a participant. Overall, Yang had a good experience.

I wonder if Fox also sought out Yang because he was Asian and the “Model Minority” perception of Asians. Hope that Yang did not embarrass himself!  To see if he did, you can watch Nation’s Dumbest on Fox every Wednesday at 9 PM.  Episodes are available to stream on Hulu that day after they air on Fox.