China Doll Stereotype in the Musical

      The China doll stereotype root in the musical field quite deep too. It make its appearances in the early 1900s, and have been inherited and adapted ever since. Here is two of the most controversy opera that exacerbated the stereotype.
 
Madame Butterfly

      Madame Butterfly is an opera with three acts by Giacomo Puccini. It was first performed in 1904, and setting in Japan. It is the story of a Japanese maiden (Cio-Cio San), who falls in love with and marries a white American navy lieutenant. After the officer leaves her to continue his naval service away from Japan, Cio-Cio San gives birth to their child. Cio-Cio San loyally awaits the lieutenant's return, unaware that he already married to a Japanese woman. He later discovered that he has a child with Cio-Cio San. He decide to go back to Japan and take the kid, then raise him with his American wife. The poor Japanese girl killed herself because of heartbroken (Madama Butterfly Synopsis).There has been much controversy about the opera, especially its sexist and racist themes, which is female Easterner sacrificing love and life for the male Westerner. The author of the play claim that Madame Butterfly is developed by real life story. And it is true, only the one who committed suicide is the American navy, not Cio-Cio San. Ironically, it ranks as number 7 in the Operabase list of the most-performed operas worldwide. In the fact, it is a major hit that will perform at the LA Opera later this year. The fact that such a offensive opera is still widely performed all over the world would even intense the bad situation that Asian American females are already facing.
For whole opera, click here.
 

Miss Saigon

      A contemporary example would be Miss Saigon, a 1989 musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, a modern adaptation of Madame Butterfly (TheBroadway Musical). The LA times called it "a celebration of stereotypes".Similar to Madame Butterfly, the opera tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance involving an Asian woman abandoned by her American lover. The setting of the plot is relocated to the 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War. In Madame Butterfly, the marriage is between an American lieutenant and Japanese girl. It is replaced by a romance between an American GI and a Vietnamese bar girl in Miss Saigon. As of January 2013, Miss Saigon is still the eleventh longest-running Broadway musical in musical theatre history (Long Runs on Broadway). This musical has received a lot of criticism because it again portrayed Asian women as "virginal prostitutes" and as subservient. There is a protest regarding its portrayal of East Asian men and women in 1995 in the Paramount Theatre. There was 25 shout, sign-carrying protesters argued that the show exploits Asian stereotypes. Miss Saigon has a history of protest. Its original London production in 1989 was picketed for using non-Asian actors in Asian roles (seattletimes). The reason why people Asian start to fight back is that they realized stereotypes like this promote racism and sexism, and can lead to more oppression and violence in the long run.

      The Asian woman is portrayed as delicate, shy, subservient, quiet, alluring, and faithful in the musical. The play writers let the Asian woman be the excellent love interest, but not as a wife or long-term partner (one need a white woman in that role after all). Although there are some effort, the racial and sexual stereotypes Westerners hold about Eastern culture still remains powerful and wrenching.

China Doll Stereotype in the Film

      China Doll is defined by media as a hyper-sexualized Asian stereotype for quite a long time. It is considered one of the most demeaning characterizations of Asian females, and it imply the idea that Asian women are weak, shy, sextuelized, and always rescued by white men (Sheridan). Here is few examples that how film industry usually portray Asian American female, expecially the China Doll stereotype.

Return to Paradise

      The movie is about three white male Americans take a vacation in Malaysian. They spend their time laying on the beach, sniffing cheap cocaine and sleeping with the local girls. Then one of them was arrested for drug possession, and the other two trying to help him (Mahdzan). In the beginning of the movie, there are few Asian female showed as eager, sexy women who take pride in sexually serving white men because the men are white and rich. Even though the girls were not Asian American and only appeared for a few minutes it still delivered the idea that Asian women are exotic, feminine and eager to please man. When Asians are constantly seen as this way in media, it affects the way people see Asian Americans.

The World of Suzie Wong

Suzie and Robert 

      This one is pretty famous. The World of Suzie Wong, directed by Richard Quine. It is one of the few Hollywood production that can be analyzed as the movie full of Asian stereotypes. Suzie Wong is a prostitute who initially fits into the role of a typical Chinese seducer. She tries to get Robert Lomax (an white artist) to sleep with her to increase her own prestige. Later, as the film continues, she transforms into a fragile woman who needs to be cared for by her man, which lead to another classic Hollywood pattern, the Asian women being rescued by the white men. In the movie, Suzie’s seeming desire to be beaten by Robert. If she doesn’t want it to actually happen, then she’s more than happy brag to her prostitute friends about how Robert beats her in a jealous rage if she even looks at another man. Of course, Robert doesn’t do anything of the sort, but Suzie’s belief that violence equals love is more than a little problematic. It sure did enhance China doll stereotype some favor.

 Here is clip of Suzie Wong  doing Cha cha, how alluring, just see how men look at her

The year of dragon
      Another example that how film portray Asian American Female. See the post titled "The year of dragon" form my group mate Lynn Santisteban for the further analysis.  
      Overall, the way haw Asian Americans female was portrayed in the movie are mostly negative. The negative stereotypes can lead to discrimination in romance relationships and low self-esteem. Even someone may argue that there are the some positive aspects of China doll such as allure, the stereotypes still could create negative self-evaluations due to a failure to live up to others' expectations, which comes from the implement from the film. The filmmakers should focus on how to represent Asian American female as multifaceted and uncategorized, instead of produce the same thing over and over again.

 

Work cited

Sheridan Prasso, The Asian Mystique: dragon ladies, geisha girls, & our fantasies of the exotic orient, PublicAffairs, 2005.
Elaine Kim, "Asian American writers: A bibliographical review". American Studies International 22 (2): 41–78. 1984.

Misconceptions about geishas

Due to how the media has portrayed geisha’s they have developed misconceptions regarding in who they are and what they do. The role that the geisha’s have is to entertain by painting, dance, playing music or having the ability to sustain a conversation with the opposite sex; the services are paid. Traditionally they use a wig, painted white faces, jewelry, or red lips. This leads for others to see them as prostitutes, the article Helium mentions, “The first reason is that when the first group of geisha’s began trading in japan in the 1700’s, they began in the red- light district. Joining the ranks of the many prostitutes located in the district, the geishas offered more in the way of music, dance and further conversation. Separating from the common red light district, the geishas soon became a profession in its own right and became an elite group” (Hanlon1). “The second reason came when after World War II Japan was occupied by soldiers from the United States. The prostitutes introduced themselves as geisha’s and when they returned home they mentioned they had been with beautiful women named geishas” (Hanlon 2).  Another reason stated in the article mentions, “In the years 1900 to 1945 in Imperial Japan, it was very common for poor families to sell their daughters into prostitution and give their sons to monasteries, it was preferred to find a home in a geisha house for your daughter instead of becoming an unknown prostitute, they would then service the house by cleaning and cooking and hopefully become a successful geisha after their training was finished” (Hanlon 3). These factors have led to the misconception of the geishas. The media as well is another important factor because the audience sees them as something they are not, in this case prostitutes. Before judging someone or a culture research should be done first before stating a false statement that can affect someone. Every culture has their own traditions or beliefs therefor society should respect them.  

                This article helped me understand that before stating a false concept on someone information should be done. It has also given a background on how the geishas began and what their roles are. Based on my personal opinion it would bother me knowing that my culture is being displayed in a falsely manner. There are those who believe and rely on what the media presents to them.

 

 

Joy Luck Club China Dolls/Lotus Blossoms

Joy Luck Club is a famous novel written by Amy Tan, that also got a chance in becoming a film which was directed by Wayne Wang in 1993. Amy Tan's novel was argued that her audience is for Americans  and not for an Asian audience, along with the film. The film did not attract many Asian/ Asian American audience because of how the women played stereotypical roles, despite that the Chinese culture was represented throughout the movie it was still filled with many misconception.  Joy Luck Club is a club that the mothers have created to form a support group that plays Mah Jong. The four mothers are: Suyuan, Lindo, Ying-Ying, and An-Mei which represent the East (China). The four daughters are: June, Waverly, Lena, and Rose which represent the West (America). The Chinese/Chinese-American women are represented unfairly as well. All four mothers and four daughters are or were at some point of time China doll and Lotus blossom to their lovers. The majority of the women are portrayed as insecure, weak, indecisive, and submissive. 

An example of this would be Rose and Ted's marriage,  after trying to reconcile their marriage Ted begged Rose to have an opinion and to fight for herself, who also blames her for the affair , and in the end reconciles his marriage with Rose as the good guy. Rose shows a typical stereotype that Asian Americans carry, a submissive and obiedient wife to her husband by agreeing to everything he said to her.  In her mind, making no decision at all is better than making a bad decision. In this clip it will show the stereotype of a Lotus Blossom because Rose caters to her white husband, Ted and how persistent she is to fulfill his needs and even lying at the end about her happiness in the marriage.

Lena is another daughter who also struggles within her marriage. She and her husband owe each other money, keep track of what they spend, and split everything half and half, she even has to split money on ice cream in which she hates and doesn't eat it. The reason that lead Lena to be so passive in her awful marriage is because she felt like she is getting what she deserves after wishing someone death which eventually came true. 

Throughout the movie the mothers and daughters were always suffering and dealing with painful situations. They never seem happy, always conflicted upon their problems in their previous or current marriages.

The mothers and daughters take a group family picture

Lotus Blossom in Full Bloom

The Lotus Blossom is one of the most humiliating reputation to  Asian females as it reinforces the concept that Asian women are  suppressed  and submissive toys that are meant to be played with and tossed aside by white men. Lotus Blossom is a demeaning stereotype to all asian women who take defense to this because not every asian women likes to serve and be submissive. In this video clip from Sayonara (1957) directed by Joshua Logan explains how Asian women serve and greet white men by playing the lotus blossom character in the film. The film is set in Japan during the Korean War. While on leave, combative American soldier Red Buttons falls in love with Japanese Kabuki dancer, Miyoshi Umeki. 

Way of Geisha Part 1

 

The history of the Geisha  began in the 18^th century in Japan. They are known for their skills in conversation, dance or playing musical instruments. Before becoming a Geisha, the girls are submitted in training at a very young age, they join what is known as a Geisha house (okiya). In this training there are three stages in which they need to achieve. The first stage is called shikomi. In this stage is where the girls have the job of housekeeping. In order to advance to the next stage they need to pass an intense dance exam, if passed they become a minarai. In the second stage they are taught to learn conversations and how to interact with guests. During this stage they need to have a close relationship with a senior geisha (one-san), they learn the art of sake, clear conversation, and general components. Before advancing to the next stage it can take months or years. Once a geiko they attend parties which they charge full price for their service. They are paid for their company at parties or other events. The way that they charge is by burning incense. A wealthy man normally pays the training and other expenses for the girl because it is very costly. Their dress code is a colorful robe known as kimono, with an ornate tied around the waist, white socks split at the toe known as tabi, flat soled sandals(zori), tall wooden clogs(okobo), a wig with combs and pins. The significance of the word Geisha is broken down into two parts, “gei” meaning art and “sha” meaning people or person. The Geishas is one of Japans one of the oldest tradition and most recognized as well. Now in day the Geishas have declined.

            This article was helpful in the way that it helped portray what the geishas have to go through in becoming one. Becoming a geisha is not a simple task it takes discipline and will. There could be a misconception on how the geishas are related as prostitutes this article explains how this is false. The video as well show scenes of the roles the geishas play.

 

What can you expect from a "China Doll"

      When people hear the word "China doll", there are certain image they tend to associate with. For thoses who do not not what this kind of Asian stereotype is, this post would provide the general concept of  China Doll, and the negative effects of this stereotype. 
      The picture on the right side is the cover of "The Devil Wants a China Doll" by Azure Boone. The reason why this picture is shown here is that it contains so many typical characteristic of China Doll. The white man in the image is naked, confident, and look directly to the front. He is the one making eye contact with the readers. By contrast, the Asian girl, which refer to a China Doll here, is fully clothed and looking aside. One can clearly see her shyness and weakness(compare to the man) through this picture. Meanwhile, the explicit title of the book point other traits that people would expect from a China Doll, which are feminine, exotic,  and overly sexualized.  In the movie "China Doll", Asian women were portrayed as prostitutes, who came from poor family and lack of education, struggled with their life, and tried to support their families by offering sexual services to men who are rich. The fact that people still related China Doll  to prostitution today shows that how deeply the media had affect our judgement. 

      This stereotype has exist for quite some time, and is dangerous in many ways. A person should never grow up feeling that their future depends on how media portray them. They should never be expected to objectify themselves, or live to pleasure others. This stereotype can lead to abuse in relationships and self-abuse, through low self-esteem, and unreachable personal expectations. Overall, people still holding on with the China Doll stereotype  is very problematic for Asian American female. It is time to put this issue on the table.

Honor To Us All

   

The film Mulan is an example of how geishas are transformed but it has a twist to it. Mulan is a Disney Movie released in June 19, 1998, the directors are Barry Cook and Tony Bancrott, and it was loosely based on a real story based on a Chinese woman warrior who fought for 12 years in the war. Based on the article The Real Story of Mulan  mentions how it is originally a poem named Ballad of Mulan. It is said that she lived during the Northern Wei Dynasty that lasted from 386CE to 534CE and her real name was Hua Mulan. Just as in the movie the real Mulan fought in war to protect her father from getting murdered, afterwards she returned to live with her family (The Scribe 1). The film depicts a particular video were Mulan is taken to a lady were a transformation occurs in her physical appearance and if she passes the test by showing her skills then she will be able to bring honor to her family. This film connects to geishas because geishas go through a process in what they wear and learning how to have a conversation, play music, painting dancing or playing a musical instrument before they can be recognized as a geisha; there is an example of the geishas appeareacne in this clip(1:32). However the difference is that a geisha depicts someone who is submissive and Mulan gives it a torsion because she decided to take the role of a male and risk her own life, she as well is recognized not only by her beauty but by her bravery.  Another difference is that Mulan is from China and geishas are from Japan.

 

“Sexy Little Geisha” from Victoria's Secret lingerie

       There’s a long-standing trend to represent Asian women as hypersexualized objects of fantasy. Check out Victoria’s Secret’s removed line of "Go East" lingerie named “touches of eastern delight.” The reason why they were removed from the website is that“Sexy Little Geisha” was labeled racist by offended critics.

       The 'Eastern-inspired' cut-out sheer mesh teddy, which comes with a matching removable obi belt, fan and chopsticks, was described as “your ticket to an exotic adventure”(TheBrabbleRabble). I find it interesting that not a single Asian model was used for this so called “GO EAST” line (even though they do use Asian model for other lines). I mean, if I put a pair of chopsticks and a fan next to a sandwich, that doesn't make it Asian dish. The lack of Asian women representative here imply that it can only feel sexy and exotic if the lingerie on a white model’s body.
       Another blogger, on a site called Angry Asian Man, posted a photo of the Sexy Little Geisha and commented: 'Hooray for exotic orientalist bullshit.'
       TheFrisky.com added: "Considering the complicated history of geishas, repurposing the [geisha] 'look' for a major corporation to sell as role-playing lingerie seems a bit tasteless." 
       Generally, when people hear the word “Geisha”, they tend to associate it with prostitution. The truth is, Geisha are highly trained, skilled, accomplished entertainers. Their job has nothing to do with sex. Some of the first Geisha were actually male. Unfortunately, prostitutes who pleasured American servicemen after World War II called themselves “geisha girls”, which has created this stereotype.    
       However, just because these are undergarments, it still are racist and insulting to Asian women. It is not fun for Asian women to be modified, sexualized, and misrepresented in the western culture. This particular kind of racism has existed for a long time, and looks like we are still holding on to it.