We most definitely agree that encouraging more minority writers is important, ...
saellys this isn't necessarily directed at you, but at that type of statement in general. As someone whose last name is Wong, statements like this tend to rankle me just a little. It implies that minorities need that little extra cuddle because they're not brave enough to step out into the big bad world. Speaking only for myself, because I'm sure others feel contrary, I don't want or need to be encouraged because I'm a minority. I'll do fine without specially consideration or treatment. I don't look up to a writer because of their gender or skin color. I look up to them because they write well. It's the same with my heroes. I don't need my heroes to be Chinese like me. I just need them to be heroes worthy to looked up to.
Maybe I'm more accepting of things in the western world because I grew up in it. But when I watch a show like say The Big Bang Theory, I don't wonder to myself why are there no Chinese in the show to represent me. Why? Because I'm already represented by the fact I'm a nerd/geek, and the whole show represents me regardless of race or gender. And I don't need it to pass some arbitrary test.