Case in Point: Random weekend’s media exposure
To Asian guys, those most keen to perceive reality as dealt to them, the question regarding the media’s overwhelming negative portrayal of Asian men is undeniable. Yet, there are those on the opposite extreme who claim that it’s only in our heads, and that we’re “whining” about nothing, or are playing the “race” card. Well, although you are entitled to your opinion, I would wager you any time against it. To this end, consider the examples below - all culled from a random weekend of watching a bit of TV and movies. Still think Asian men are making things up? At the extreme, Asian men are portrayed horribly like this, lesser but still offensive examples follow below:
Example 1, Asian men characatured: From 2 episodes of Seinfeld:
Here are some random screen captures from two episodes of the highly exposed “Seinfeld” sitcom. This widely viewed series is part of Americana, yet when the extremely rare appearance of an Asian male, he is completely characatured with all the slant-eye, bucktooth expressions, and speaking in heavy accents.
Example 2, Asian women shown paired with white men: From the movie “Fracture” (2007)
This detective movie starring Anthony Hopkins trying to commit the perfect murder also went out of its way to subtly take a stab at Asian males. The story takes place in LA, where there is a HUGE Asian population, yet throughout the entire movie NOT ONCE was an Asian male shown. The four instance of Asian people being represented was ALL of Asian women paired with white men. In a way, such slight, almost subconscious exposure is worst because it sinks deep into the psyche and affects all parties involved. See the screen capture below:
Example 3, Asian men as gay/effeminate: From the movie “Kids”
Here is another indictment and de-sexualizing of the Asian male from the media. Notice the overwhelming times that Asian men simply do not get portrayed at all, and when they do it’s always in negative light. Pay attention to all the movies you watch and you will begin to see a stinging pattern. Here is a brief 15 seconds sequence from this controversial film dealing with teenage life in New York: This scene is almost unbelievable in the subtle (or not so subtle) message. A club line attendant is depicted as an extremely effeminate gay Asian male who shows the protagonist into the club (cutting in line). He walks, and gestures facially in exaggerated “feminine” manners, wearing a skirt-like attire to boot!! Moments later, the line is opened to the rest waiting, and immediately you see an Asian female/White male couple walking in, the girl toting the boy in hand. Such repeated exposures are completely unnecessary and damaging on MANY fronts. Wake up to it!
These are just some examples. If you pay attention, this phenomenon is multiplied thousands-fold every day; pay attention to print ads, TV ads, shows, movies, etc. Your thoughts? your opinion is appreciated.
I know how badly Asians Americans Males are portrayed on TV. Though I have been in this country for over 20 years, I never, and will never consider myself “Asian-American.” I am a Asian living in America. I am heavily into Asian History, Philosophy, Art, religion (though I am an atheist. I like the philosophy in the religion), and I speak Chinese and/or Vietnamese at home. So though I speak perfect English, have a corporate job, and enjoy football like every American, my essence is really Chinese. I actually plan to move back to Asia in the near future. I long ago have accepted that as a minority in this racist country, that I would always be second class citizen. These negative portrayals actually confirms my view, so I actually don’t really have a problem with them. I hope there would be more racist portrayals. I think some AA need to be shamed because too many AAs are so white-washed it aint even funny. These portrayals hopefully will remind the “model minority” that they are, as the Cantonese would say: Gai mei Gow–Dogs following the smell of a chicken; that is people thinking that they will ever be equal in this country by trying to be more like White people. Blacks are smarter, they realize that they never will be equal, so they developed their own culture and reek havoc on the whiteman. The Native Americans have recognize this fact too so they have their own “nations.” Only the “Gai Mei Gow” haven’t figured it out and I hope these portrayal continue so that the “Model Minority” can wake up.
I actually like the way the media portrays Chinese from oversea: hard-core mafioso, martial arts warriors, or crazy car racers. At least this shows to me they have fear/respect for us Asians. These portrayals are much better than the ones above portraying AAs.
American television is useless to us and we should avoid it. It is controlled by people who are not only not us, and not our friends, but who are in fact among our worst enemies. They will NEVER portray men such as you or I in a positive light, because it doesn’t suit their needs. Why would they want to enhance the status of Asian men, thereby reducing their access to Asian women?