Asian Stereotyping in Films: an Analysis
Ottawa University
ASIAN STEREOTYPING IN FILM
An Analysis
Shelby Hanna
Language of Film
Ryan Louis
December 8, 2011
It is not often that we see an Asian person as the main character of a major Hollywood production. It’s upsetting that it even seems to be a surprise when they score the role of a supporting actor or actress. People of Asian descent are not only discriminated against in movies, but also by the film industry itself. Throughout a substantial number of films, Asian men and women are consistently stereotyped in a demeaning fashion. Whenever Asian men are casted in a film, they are almost always portrayed as a gang member, or villain. Also, they are not famous for their “sexual escapades.” More often than not, Asian men are depicted as having absolutely no sex life. However, Asian women are usually portrayed as hypersexual beings who are positive romantic partners, specifically for white men. It is not often that a viewer finds a positive reinforcement of an Asian character in a film. This type of racial stereotyping can always, in some form or another, be viewed as negative. The film, Sixteen Candles could perhaps have one of the most upsetting stereotypes around. Gette Watanabe plays a character that is said to be “all asian stereotypes rolled into one.” (Macadam, 2008). One common misconception of Asians is that they all have a ridiculous, degrading name. The young, naïve, English-butchering foreign exchange student played by Watanabe was named “Long Duk Dong.” His popular catch phrase, “What’s a-happenin’, hot stuff?” and drunken antics made him a popular character among many viewers; however, not everyone was pleased with the way this character was depicted. Long Duk Dong’s geeky image and broken English angered many people of the Asian-American community. (Hansen, 2008). Not to mention, the overly “horny” character was introduced by the sound of a gong every time he appeared throughout the film. (Park, 2010). The sound of gongs are
ASIAN STEREOTYPING IN FILM
An Analysis
Shelby Hanna
Language of Film
Ryan Louis
December 8, 2011
It is not often that we see an Asian person as the main character of a major Hollywood production. It’s upsetting that it even seems to be a surprise when they score the role of a supporting actor or actress. People of Asian descent are not only discriminated against in movies, but also by the film industry itself. Throughout a substantial number of films, Asian men and women are consistently stereotyped in a demeaning fashion. Whenever Asian men are casted in a film, they are almost always portrayed as a gang member, or villain. Also, they are not famous for their “sexual escapades.” More often than not, Asian men are depicted as having absolutely no sex life. However, Asian women are usually portrayed as hypersexual beings who are positive romantic partners, specifically for white men. It is not often that a viewer finds a positive reinforcement of an Asian character in a film. This type of racial stereotyping can always, in some form or another, be viewed as negative. The film, Sixteen Candles could perhaps have one of the most upsetting stereotypes around. Gette Watanabe plays a character that is said to be “all asian stereotypes rolled into one.” (Macadam, 2008). One common misconception of Asians is that they all have a ridiculous, degrading name. The young, naïve, English-butchering foreign exchange student played by Watanabe was named “Long Duk Dong.” His popular catch phrase, “What’s a-happenin’, hot stuff?” and drunken antics made him a popular character among many viewers; however, not everyone was pleased with the way this character was depicted. Long Duk Dong’s geeky image and broken English angered many people of the Asian-American community. (Hansen, 2008). Not to mention, the overly “horny” character was introduced by the sound of a gong every time he appeared throughout the film. (Park, 2010). The sound of gongs are
References: Arteaga, J. (2008). Hollywood’s 6 Favorite Offensive Stereotypes. Cracked.com <www. Han, A. (2010). Scott Pilgrim Faces Off Against the Three Evil Isms. AngieHan.com. <www.angiehan.com/2010/08/19/scott-pilgrim-faces-off-against-the-three-evil- Hansen, G. (2008). Stereotype Casting: 16 Characters that Offended Moviegoers. EntertainmentWeekly.com Macadam, A. (2008). Long Duk Dong: Last of Hollywood Stereotypes? NPR.com <www.nrp. Park, R. (2010). Long Duk Dong and the Minority Actor’s Dilemma. IAmKoreAm.com <iamkore am.com/long-duk-dong-and-the-minority-actors-dilemma/> Scott Pilgrim VS the World. Dir. Edgar Wright. Universal Pictures, 2010. DVD. Sixteen Candles. Dir. John Hughes. Universal Studios, 1984. DVD. The Social Network The World of Suzie Wong. Dir. Richard Quine. Paramount Home Media, 1960. Videocassette.