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AAST Fall 2024 Organized - Coggle Diagram

- - - - These two contiguous excerpts from Desai bring about interesting discussion of yellow-face and whether these representations were simply racist and sexist. Personally, I feel that it cannot be argued that these are not in some way racist. Reductive negative stereotypes that conform to a dominant white population and not representing these people as they are is obviously racist, not to mention stereotypes of prostitutes being misogynistic. However, it does call in to question why actors like Anna May Wong, Nancy Kwan, and Bruce Lee took these roles. I think simply calling something racist, although true, is an oversimplification of what is going on. There are elements of representation today that could also be racist, however, I think good representation might start with any representation and these films were at least an attempt at trying to tie in different cultures. I think racism is something that is not as visible when from the perspective of the dominant party.
- - - - I understand studios like playing it safe and staying with the status quo, but I would hope films can try to be more aware of perpetuating stereotypes and over generalizing cliches/tropes. I understand that this is easier said than done, but I feel like there would be a massive difference if producers/directors actually made an effort outside of films that are quite obviously trying to push representation. (This thread was initially one block but it looked insane. Also, I love Slumdog millionaire)