The lack of racial diversity in HBO's hit show "Girls" has once again reignited the debate over diversity (or the lack thereof) in the entertainment industry. What is the role of producers, writers and casting directors to include people of color in television shows and movies? What is our role as consumers?

A recent New York Times 'Room for Debate' looked at diversity in movies and television. Entertainment executive and producer Teddy Zee contributed a piece for the series:

"When the ranks of minority producers, directors and writers grow, only then can we truly expect to see a reflection of the world on television," he wrote. "Whether outrage about the casting of 'Girls' is justified or overblown, it presents a platform for the underrepresented to make their case. We must take advantage of these opportunities to open the debate about race in America so that one day, diversity can become synonymous with equality."

Trey Ellis, Emmy-nominated screenwriter and novelist, also contributed to the NYTimes discussion.

"In this case it's legitimate to feel disappointed when you think you've been whitewashed (again) out of an American narrative," he wrote. "What has impressed me most about this dust-up is the quality of the debate from the writers on Jezebel, Gawker and Racialicious. No one is whining in a Jesse Jackson-circa-1987 way, demanding that the P.C. quota police storm the set of "Girls" and immediately insert some random black girl. However the hipster New York that Dunham portrays is so naturally multi-culti that it is odd and disheartening that it is not (yet) reflected more in the new show."

Ellis will join The Daily Circuit Monday to talk about diversity in American entertainment. Glenn Llopis, founder of the Center for Hispanic Leadership, will also join the discussion.

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