Asian Representations in film have come a long way. Today the representation of Asians in film are looking up, but still have a way to go on gaining a complete representation. In earlier films it was usually a white actor or actress that portrayed an Asian character in film. One of the most notable instances of this was in the American classic Breakfast at Tiffany's with the character Mr. Yunioshi played by Mickey Rooney.While this character has been widely argued to be one of the most racist portrayals of someone of Asian descent it is one of the most famous movies in American culture.
One of the most iconic Asian actors was Bruce Lee. He was world renowned and now is an iconic symbol, not just for an Asian actor, but for all of the movie industry. His on camera movements and actions were so fast that they would have to be slowed down in post-production. He was a symbol of power and strength, but his iconic movements led to the imitations and endless reproduction of Asian Americans and martial arts. As this did give a chance for many actors such as Jet Li, and Jackie Chan to be in leading roles they still needed that marital arts influence to be a lead actor in a movie.
With today's film industry the future is looking brighter than in the past with such talents as John Cho from the Harold and Kumar films, as well as, being in the hit 2009 film Star Trek. Lucy Liu in her roles in the Charlie's Angels movies amongst many other roles. Justin Chon for his role in the very popular Twilight series of movies, and Aaron Yoo for acting in such hits as '21' and Disturbia. Ken Watanabe in Batman Begins and for acting in the smash 2010 hit Inception. Ken Jeong, who is actually a medical doctor, who played in such movies as Knocked Up and The Hangover, and is recently the face of an advertising campaign for Adidas.
Lucy Liu
Justin Chon
Aaron Yoo
Ken Watanabe
Ken Jeon
John Cho
So, with all of these actors playing in many roles throughout the film world one would think it would be a promising sight. Although this is very promising Hollywood is still struggling to get itself away from misrepresenting Asians in film. M. Night Shyamalan's Avatar: The Last Airbender which is based on a cartoon depicting Asian characters was cast with a majority of white actors causing a large backlash in what many were calling a "whitewash", where characters of different ethnicity's are played by white actors. It is something that can not be escaped and although we have come a long way from Mickey Rooney's portrayal in Breakfast at Tiffany's, have we really come that far?
Rob Schneider - I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)
When it comes to Asians in print, specifically fashion advertisements, there is an obvious disconnect between Asian and Western models. Aside from being extremely underrepresented, Asians are also typecast into various categories.
Asian models are typically dressed less seductively and are less likely to be portrayed as the seductive beauty type. They attempt a more casual, conservative and cute look. In this Abercrombie & Fitch ad - Asian model, Hana Mayeda, illustrates the preferred girl-next-door look.
Although less prevalent, there are a number of print ads that do indeed involve an exotic and sexual component involving Asians. This includes Asian school girl characters and other forms of sexual objectification that cater to creepy stereotypes.
The types of products that Asian models promote also demonstrate their lack of equal representation. While Western models rule the clothing genre, Asian models are more limited to hair, skin, and beauty product advertisements. Again, Hana Mayeda, this time modeling beauty products.
Asian models are often made to appear weak, otherized, and never the center of attention. They are portrayed giving more a passive gaze .They appear to be drifting off away from the camera rather than an engaging gaze, where the model makes direct and seductive eye contact with the camera/viewer.
Last month controversy sprung from American Vogue’s Asian model fashion shoot. Eight top Asian fashion models were given a small two page spread which stated, “A new crop of models from China, Japan, and South Korea is redefining traditional concepts of beauty'.”
This particular fashion shoot has people asking, “Traditional concepts of beauty where, exactly?” - because obviously Asian women have traditionally been seen as beautiful in many cultures all over the world. Vogue has also been criticized for grouping the girls into one shoot rather than offering them a cover, or at least a larger story.
The reality that Asian models are typecast into limiting “looks”, narrow product categories, and submissive poses proves we have a long way to go. Although hopefully the tide is turning, it is clear that Asians are still vastly underrepresented in the print world of modeling. Vogue is undoubtedly one of the most influential fashion and lifestyle magazines. It is distressing that throughout its many years in existence, Vogue has never had an Asian person grace its cover – not once.
A large part of American culture is sports and athleticism, which in turn often generates a lot of media buzz. Asian Americans are generally underrepresented within the media surrounding the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball (arguably the three most popular sports in the United States). While race has long been a topic of discussion regarding sports, there seems to be a primary focus on African-Americans and Caucasians. These two racial categories seem to dominate pro-sports.
According to the Census conducted in 2000, there are 10.2 million Asian Americans in the United States, a number that since then has grown significantly. However, when asked to name Asian American pro-athletes, people seem to struggle to name a few. There are not as many Asian American athletes, compared to other racial representations. A common reason for this is the misconception that Asians are physically inferior. According to Yung-Oh Whang, a University of Central Florida professor of sports marketing, “It is common that coaches and teachers at schools presume that an Asian American kid belongs in the science lab, not on the football field. This is why it is so important that Asian American athletes have to rise to the top and show the general public that Asian Americans can also achieve excellence in sports”. So now it is important to look at some of these athletes that have achieved excellence in sports:
Kailee Wong:
He played in the NFL from 1998 to 2006. Started out with the Minnesota Vikings and ended his career with the Houston Texans. He was listed at 6’2” and weighed in at 246 lbs. He played 123 games and made 500 tackles.
Hines Ward:
He was born in Seoul, South Korea. His mother was Korean and his father was African-American. He was drafted to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and still currently plays. He is 6’0” and weighs in at 205 lbs. He holds the record in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns for the Steelers.
Yao Ming:
He was born in Shanghai, China and currently plays for the Houston Rockets. He is also the tallest player in the NBA standing at 7’6”. He is one of China’s best known athletes and has several sponsorships with many major companies.
Hisanori Takahashi:
He is from Tokyo, Japan. He is a Japanese Major League Baseball pitcher who in February, 2010 signed a contract with the New York Mets. He recently signed a two year contract worth $8 million with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
What do the names, Aang, Chin Ho Kelly, Mike Chang, Vince Masuka and Tina Cohen-Chang mean to you? Are they familiar? Do you know where they come from?
These are all extremely popular Asian characters that are making a mark in American Television. Aang, is the main character from the Nickelodeon series “Avatar Airbender.” Chin Ho Kelly, played by Daniel Dae Kim is from the new series this fall, “Hawaii five-o.” Mike Chang and Tina Cohen-Chang, also known in real life as Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Ushkowitz, are the loving duo in the ever so popular show “Glee.” And last Vince Masuka, is played by C.S. Lee in the thrilling series “Dexter.” What all of these characters have in common is that they are all supporting characters in their series, but never playing a main role.
In today’s television society we have seen many shows that have embraced the idea of a “melting pot” cast. But what people are still concerned about is that Asian Americans are still not getting represented fairly compared to African Americans or Indian-Americans. On T.V. we have had a select few of shows that are focused on ethnic groups like “The Cosby Show” and “The George Lopez Show.” And now today we have a new show called “Outsourced” that is based on Indian Americans. So why hasn’t anyone decided to do a show based on Asian Americans? Asian Americans are tying to break through this glass ceiling and become more then just a stereotype.
Unfortunately when Asians are represented on T.V. they carry very specific traits and stereotypes. One example is that Asian Americans are extremely smart and excel in careers like being a doctor, lawyer, and scientist. A great example of this stereotype is Christina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy. She is the smartest, most driven, and the least emotional out of all the characters on the show. Also in one episode her mother is there, and even her mother is stereotyped as very strict and structured. This stereotype is the most common among Asians and although most people would find this as a compliment, it can be frustrating to be seen as only one-way. With the new trend of having “melting pot” casts on television, hopefully it will allow Asian Americans a new chance to be viewed as more then just smart.
Although it’s been a slow process, there is hope for Asian Americans in the future, and CBS is taking that first big step. As mentioned before the new series, “Hawaii five-o” is taking television by storm. Most Americans were very excited about this great show coming back to television after making a first appearance in 1970. But what Asian Americans are finding the most exciting is the fact that at least 50% of the cast is Asian, and are representing well. Daniel Dae Kim had this to say about the show, “I can't think of another TV show on the air today that represents Asians in a better light, not only in numbers, but characterizations, too.” This is a great step in the right direction toward a larger variety of ethnic diversity in the television world, especially Asian Americans.
As we look into the future of television for Asian Americans, we hope to see them not stereotyped as only smart, exotic characters but as people who deserve a starring role in a hit T.V. show.
Otaku is a Japanese term derived from the honorific word signifying another's house or family. The original meaning was used as a polite personal pronoun addressing someone of uncertain social position in relation to oneself. The second meaning was coined in the early 1980's in response to the increasingly mediatized and detached world. This semantic shift resulted in the initial association of otaku with individuals who were unable or unwilling to communicate with others, and who had an unrelenting fascination with a narrow field of interest, usually computer technology or anime (Japanese animation). As technology developed into a more accessible form of communication, otaku gradually began to take on a normalized role in Japanese society. Nowadays, the term simply refers to those who enjoy reading comics, without any particular derogatory overtones.
(boingboing.net)
As Japanese popularity spread to the West, otaku began to take on a somewhat different meaning. The term as it is used in the U.S. now refers to a subculture of people who are obsessed with Japanese pop culture, particularly anime and manga (Japanese comics). These otaku are generally stereotyped as Americans who see themselves as Japanese or who want to become Japanese, and who see Japan as a utopian ideal.
(japanprobe.com)
Otaku therefore present a negative image of Asians, particularly Japanese. With their insistence on speaking and/or acting Japanese, and their obsession with childlike pursuits, they portray a fictional version of Japanese culture that can be off-putting or even offensive to others.
(techshout.com)
Anime is another lens through which Asians are portrayed. Females in particular are depicted either as childish or as hypersexualized beings. Rarely are characters portrayed as looking 'Asian'; rather, they are drawn with exaggerated White features. This presents the idea that Asian features are undesired, and further strengthens Western cultural hegemony.
(cosplayful.com)
Tutorials abound on YouTube, giving tips on how to achieve the "anime" look with makeup. These videos are generally aimed at Asian girls, who typically do not have big eyes. The implication is that girls without epicanthic folds in their eyelids need to change this undesirable aspect of their features. Taking this further, products and even surgery exist in many East Asian countries to artificially create a double eyelid.
