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Perceptions

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clay dube
Topic replies: 1894
Topic Posts: 604
Perceptions

How have the images Americans and Asians have had of each other changed over time?

In this section of the forum, let's discuss how these questions can be raised with students and share resources that will help students explore these questions.

The classic work on American perceptions of China and India is Harold Isaacs, , reprint edition, Armonk, NY: ME Sharpe, 1980. A digital version is available from Questia at:

http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=66023257


In 1999, the Luce Foundation commissioned a study by Opinion Dynamic Corporation. An analysis of the results is at:

http://www.hluce.org/images/usasia_report_1099.pdf

clay dube
Topic replies: 1894
Topic Posts: 604
Message from Clay Dube

In December 2002, the Pew Global Attitudes Project published a report entitled "Global Gloom and Growing Anti-Americanism" detailing the results of a 44 nation survey. We've extracted the Asian responses to the survey. You can check them out at:

http://international.ucla.edu/asia/article.asp?parentid=2748

clay dube
Topic replies: 1894
Topic Posts: 604
Message from Clay Dube

In 2004, RAND published "Ambivalent Allies? A Study of South Korean Attitudes Toward the U.S." by Eric V. Larson, Norman D. Levin, Seonhae Baik, Bogdan Savych. The report is available at

http://www.rand.org/publications/TR/TR141/

Anonymous (not verified)
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Message from cdaddario

I teach students who are (mrm) in my classroom this question would be very difficult. With lowel level kids I think I would start with this question by first discussing what they think people think about thier culture. Maybe I would also provide an answer to your question and then discuss it.

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Message from egalicia

This piece of research about the mindset of Asians is really interesting and I think, perhaps, that the success of the particular group that immigrated to America, as a whole, is a large factor. For instance, the Philippines has very high regards of the United States because of the success of the Filipinos here. Filipinos have acculturated somewhat smoothly. On the other hand, the Bangladeshis here are fewer,hence the statistics....just thinking out loud.
Evangeline

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Message from egalicia

I'm sure the students would enjoy whatever is being studied as long as it's done with enthusiasm. Let me know how you start to work with your students and the culture of East Asia. I still do not know what to do on my webpage, unlike my colleagues who are so specific. See you Saturday.
Evangeline

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Message from lkrant

The web page is no different than any other lesson. You just have the additional task of typing it into netscape communicator. Don't let the net or technology intimidate you!
Good luck,

Larry

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Message from mferl

Lynne Miyake’s presentation was indeed stimulating. Thinking some more about Heian period (esp. The Tale of Genji) and the reasons for it’s obscurity in the Western curriculum brought to mind that there is little attention paid to two other great periods for prose - Old English literature-the age of Alfred and the Benedictine Renaissance. Both, Heian and Old English literatures (fascinating similarities and differences that can be discussed with our students) merit full consideration in its own right, both for its intrinsic value and for its pleasure content. However, the attention to high level of aesthetics in Heian era is astounding.

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Message from cdaddario

Hello,
As I said before I teach students who are mrm at the high school level.
I have started talking about Asia during our World history class. I must
say I found it a little hard getting them to follow. I realized I needed to
make the lesson simple. I decided to start the discussion with customs
and by offering some web sites that they can explore. This worked out
well because they started asking me question which made everything
easier.
Good luck in the classroom!

Anonymous (not verified)
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Message from apeel

Article reaction: Asia Institute
What do Asians think? Pew center survey

I just read the article describing some data reflecting Asian feelings about various topics. A couple of things came to mind as I was reading it. I was curious about what North and South Koreans would have said if asked these questions, especially how they felt about Americans. Another thing that occurred to me was that the the people had similar worries to ours here in America. The economy was their biggest problem as is one of ours. We are always hearing about how unemployment ans recessions and how Americans feel they are doing today. The same is true for the Asians. Another issue was that Asians were not happy about family life. What does that refer to specifically? When I think of how people here are unhappy with family life I think of how people complain that they work too much and don't get to see their kids. Or mother's complain that they have to go back to work instead of staying home to raise they kids. Is this the same reason why Asians are unhappy as well? One more thing that occurred to me as I was reading the article was that it was funny that China and Vietnam didn't allow questions about their government and military. Are they afraid of what people might say? If the questions were asked I'm sure you couldn't get a reliable answer from people for fear of what might happen if they did say negative things about their nation. Interesting.....

clay dube
Topic replies: 1894
Topic Posts: 604
Message from Clay Dube

In March 2004 RAND published a study examining South Korean public opinion toward the US. "Ambivalent Allies: A Study of South Korean Attitudes Toward the U.S." can be downloaded from the RAND website at:

http://www.rand.org/publications/TR/TR141/

The researchers concluded that unfavorable attitudes toward the US have increased, but that there was a recent and slight moderation in the views of many.

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Message from apeel

www.csus.edu/bulletin/021003bulletin.pdf

CSUS Bulletin: Study tests Japanese views on California Rice

Here's an article I found on rice! I thought it would be funny to put this link up considering we just finished a lecture on Asian food. We all heard how important rice is in Asian food and culture. This article is about a study that was done to test Japanese views on California rice. Someone actually did a blind taste test to see if Japanese can actually taste the difference between our rice and theirs. Although they claim that they can tell a difference and identify CA rice, the study actaully proved that the majority of the people could not do that. This article is simply fun to read...[Edit by="apeel on Aug 11, 5:43:24 PM"][/Edit]

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Message from egalicia

just read the post you wrote regarding rice. last spring i took a class on southeast asia and the professor had an entire lecture on the miracle of rice for the asian countries. it was totally fascinating and i appreciate it definitely. the fact that there exists a Rice Institute is, to me, exciting.
Evangeline from Whitman

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Message from egalicia

hey there corey!

i just spent a week in san francisco delivering and picking up my 6 year old niece from chinese school. it was really wonderful and i was surprised how quickly she learned. before a week was up she was counting to 50 in mandarin and knew at least 28 animals. i only know that "lowhoo" means tiger. it was quite wonderful. no matter how i slaughtered the language, she so patiently yelled the correct pronunciation. in any case, there was a day that the parents had to go to the classroom and participate. i know the answer to teaching any toddler, SING IT ! and do motions. they seem to love it and they learn as well. i am writing this because i thought, maybe you could do that in your class. but you'd have to learn a chinese song first. a web-page could be a bunch of songs or links to songs. just an idea

evangeline from whitman

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Message from rmansdorf

This is a well known fact... that learning through song or rhyme is very effective. The whole field of Mnemonics is based on changing the context of what needs to be remembered so that it becomes something else more memorable. How many of us still do the months song to remember whether it's 30 or 31 days in november?

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Message from krupp

Being a music teacher, I am naturally interested in the arts coming out of Asia and Asians. When I read the article about Tran Trong Vu's art I was stricken by the similarities to my experiences as a musician. I am not alone in these experiences. Many artists and musicians go through their educations being told to apply formulas to their work and conform to the "proved practices."
I sympathized with Vu's crisis. When we find that we are freed from the restraints of theory and history, our art often becomes more honest and more a reflection of ourselves.
I appreciated the descriptions of Vu's lively and confrontive art. I also enjoyed looking at the painting that headlined the article. I would love to have the opportunity to see Vu's art in person.

clay dube
Topic replies: 1894
Topic Posts: 604
Message from Clay Dube

Kathleen is referring to "Vietnamese Artist Tran Trong Vu -- Torn Between Two Worlds." It is available at:
http://www.international.ucla.edu/asia/article.asp?parentid=8550


Another article that those interested in art in contemporary Vietnam is at: http://www.international.ucla.edu/asia/article.asp?parentid=7568 Pham Thi Hoài, an influential writer, discusses literature and writing in Vietnam.

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Message from tnguyen

As a first generation in America, the word "rice" seems a little if not a lot of embarrassment. For me, growing up in America was not too difficult, except i was a little ashame of eating rice all the time. It told a story of poverty and communist. I don't know why or how, but i don't seem to like rice anymore. I seriously think it's because it makes me feel full so soon during a meal :} Although I love noodles, which is made from rice, it's just in a different form. :P Anyway, nowday, there are lots of American born Asian children coming up with rice logos and pictures. I really enjoy the image of an Asian person with his cultural outfit, and holding a bowl of rice, looking cool 8) . I even saw phrases like, "fuel by rice", "running on rice," and "got rice?" on cars of Asian Ameican teenagers. These things really impress me!

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Message from tnguyen

After reading this article, it made me realized that Tran Trong Vu's artwork, although has its in-betweeness, and blue memories, actually initated lots of Vietnamese artist nowdays, especially in Orange County. Last year, as a small part of coordinating an art project in Orange County, where all artists came together and displayed their work in our showcase, i saw a part of Vu's work. A few of our young artists were and are doing what Vu's has done, but a major of course stayed within the traditional frame.

It does take a lot to be an individual in the Vietnamese community because part of us want to keep our culture and custom alive, especially those away from our homeland. Same with music; artists here in America are afraid to mix comtemporary music with the traditional music because the audience here do not respond to it and therefore could only afford to bring back the classics. . However, in Vietnam, most if not all of the artist are trying new types of music. I've even heard rap, and R&B mixed in. They are more confident to created new music becuase they have the their homeland and there's no need to be scared that they can't keep it alive. Whereas Vietnamese in America do not. [Edit by="tnguyen on Dec 6, 9:23:43 PM"][/Edit]

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Message from tnguyen

RE: What do Asians think?
Answering the question "Why are asians unhappy in thier family life?" A lot of it is becuase some of the customs, like living at home until we get married, staying over at boyfriend/girlfriend's house for the night, taking care of your old parents vs. taking care of your immediate family, following traditions, breaking barriers, and the in-betweeness of both cultures. Asian cultures although varies from Chinese, Vietnamese, Koren, Japanese, Cambodian, Laos, Taiwanese, and so on have the same family unit. It's family first, education highly valued, respect for the elder, and so on. My point is certain things that we choose to do today, may not fit those of our customs and thus translate into disrespect, and ungratefulness. Which one to choose? Like would you rather drink milk or would you like to drink tea? Differences in culture and custom creates stress. [Edit by="tnguyen on Nov 29, 6:47:26 PM"][/Edit]

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Message from tnguyen

Re: What do Asians think?
Just to add on......

If you haven't got a chance to read The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, then rent the movie. It's worth your time. This movie/book is an answer to what Asians think, especially why we are not happy with our family. Of course, it's not like that all the time, but most of the ideas are captured in this story. This story's focus is relationships between mother and daughter and much more. mothers try to tell daughters to live their lives without making hte same mistake they did, which puts pressure on the daughers; not giving them a chance to make their own mistakes because they don't want to put them through the same pain they went through. but they don't realized the generational differences, neither do they realized that they want their daughter to live thier life over again.

Living up to your parents' expectation, to live for the whole (family), to not embarrassed your parents, keep your family's reputation positive, etc. The common comments in asain families, "Why can't you be like so and so!" "Why don't you ever do things right!" unlike the American family's comment. "Wow, that's good honey!" or "That's okay, you could do better next time. Nice try!" Asian's comments tend to focus on the negative and not appraisal. It's hard to live up to your parents' expectations and live your own life at the same time. :~

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Message from hlowe

I would think living one's life like this must be horrible. That is, living for someone else and not yourself. It takes a great deal of energy to live a lie, because one must always wear a mask. This must lead to built up bitterness and I guess the greater question is, how is it released? Maybe, the mothers never lived the life they wanted so they are living it or taking it out on their children. An endless cycle would soon develope going from one generation to the next. A couple of my friends have huge problems with their families. One, lives in her own apartment, but bascially lives her life for her parents. The amount of worry and stress in her life is tremendous. She never does anything she wants because she's afraid of what her mother might say about it. Another, parents refused to help or pay for college unless they became a doctor. In that case he finished med school and came to the conclusion he wasn't happy. He ended up starting his own buisness and his parents stop speaking to him. In any case I'll rent the Joy Luck Club to get a better understanding...

clay dube
Topic replies: 1894
Topic Posts: 604
Message from Clay Dube

Marketeers spend enormous energy (and get paid well) to come up with ads that will leave potential customers feeling good about their products. Nike is a marketing king, but seems to have stumbled badly with its latest ad aimed at the Chinese market. In it the young NBA youthful sensation LeBron James dominating an animated Chinese "martial arts" figure. Not long after the ad was first broadcast Chinese internet chatrooms were ablaze with criticism of the images displayed and the attitudes they were said to have conveyed.

The Guardian newspaper published an article about the ad and the response it generated. (Dec. 8, 2004)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,7369,1368732,00.html

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Message from ldriscoll

I enjoyed reading about the artist Tran Trong Vu, because I felt that this idea about the collective artist who sticks with tradition is often juxtaposed against the individual who chooses to experiment.

I wonder as teachers if we sometimes rely on the collaborative grouping of students--the concept of working together in partners or small groups and how that effects the autonomy of the individual. In the United States, most students aren't living in a collective tri-generational living environment, but I do wonder in a way if one of the goals as an educator is to create that collective feeling in the classroom that hopefully tapers down into the society.

I think sometimes the concept of a collective environment works against that of an individual. I wonder how much not only do we conform as educators, but how much we expect our students to conform to ideas about the individual and working in a collobrative model.

It's a good thing to be a team player. Right???

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Message from ldriscoll

If I understand this right the "Chamber of Fear" commercial from Nike was banned because it offended the concept of National Dignity.

The idea of Chinese Characters or images losing to an American Basketball player in a Nike Commercial.

It makes me wonder, what type of commercial would be banned in the United States? How would we define our National Dignity? Would the American Public react the same way?

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Message from hpenrod

I think these surveys would be of interest to students. Often, I find that the majority of my students think that most countries have a favorable view of the United States. They seem startled when they discover that other countries do not hold a favorable view of the United States--it leads to discussion as to U.S. involvement in foreign affairs and how this lends to various perceptions.

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Message from hpenrod

This is a great resource to use after teaching the Korean War. The document delves into Korean attitudes toward the United States/foreign policy. It also gives recommendations for United States policy to reverse the different strains of anti-Americanism, such as tracking the educational curriculum taught in Korean schools, and analyzing the role of the Korean media.

I teach very low level students, so I would not recommend giving them the entire document. Using short excerpts would be practical.

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Message from hpenrod

I think you brought up an interesting point regarding the success of immigrants in the United States influencing those who are still living in the homeland. I also thought the success of those living on the homeland affected how they viewed the United States. It seemed to me that the people living in countries where they viewed themselves to be successful, also had positive feelings toward the United States.

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Message from rramirez

I would like to know what Asians think about Hispanics/Latinos. It seems that there is a rift between the Hispanic/Latino population and the Asian population in America, primarily in Southern California. One such example would be Koreatown. As some of you know, Koreatown is such a diverse area. Aside from Koreans, you have Salvadorans, Guatemalans and other Central American groups. I wonder if any Asian groups look down on Hispanics/Latinos.
I think this is important because I remember being treated differently by some Asians at Asian places of business throughout my childhood. I also remember Hispanics in my neighborhood and other neighborhoods not treating Asians well or talking bad about them. I still remember how the L.A. Riots inflamed the relationship between both groups.
I hesitated to post this, but I think it is important to start a dialogue in the seminar about this. The other day one of you mentioned that 75% of LAUSD is Hispanic. If we are to teach about East Asia, I think it would be good for us as teachers to know the sources of friction and possibly the sources of misunderstanding that lead to negative stereotypes and prejudice. Having a discussion can help us erase some of these negative ideas that plague the mind of our students. I don't think it is good enough to know everything about East Asian history, art, religion if we can't clear up some of the misconceptions that divide our cities.

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Message from jchan

http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=18899
She’s A Lady

Go to this site and check out the picture and article of Korean Harisu. She is BEAUTIFUL! Harisu sings, dances, acts and appears in movies and on TV. She is thought to be one of the most beautiful and most famous women in Korea. Believe it or not, Harisu began life as Lee Gyeong-yop. He was born in Songnam, near Seoul, in 1975. He went through sex reassignment surgery at the age of 23.

I was taken back by this article. I have always thought of Korea as being very conservative with strict gender roles. The article also mentions this. It points out that “unlike Japan and China, there was no tradition of cross-dressing theater performers or people who lived public lives of a gender they didn’t belong to – such as a Kabuki actor might. Until very recently, alternative lifestyles and sexuality were completely taboo.”

Harisu has found a place for herself in Korean pop culture.

I wonder how many other men and women have had this sex reassignment surgery and how many of them feel accepted.

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Message from jchan

Yes, I remember hearing that LAUSD is currently 75% Hispanic. I agree that it is important for teachers and administrators to understand the relationship between different cultures. We can't expect our students to be culturally aware if we ourselves are not. We as teachers have to teach our students tolerance and encourage them to look beyond the stereotypes to see individuals. We should model this behavior for our students by respecting their culture and trying to acknowledge aspects of their culture on a daily basis.

I’ve never thought about the Asian community having a “rift” with the Hispanic/Latino community. I didn’t grow up in Southern California and haven’t been in the community long enough to stand firm on this. However, it didn’t surprise me that Ryan was treated differently by Asians in places of business. My stepmom is Caucasian and is often treated differently when she is in Chinatown. There is no way to justify this treatment. I think there are three possible reasons for this. One, reverse discrimination. People feel alienated from society, so they in turn alienate society. Two, many immigrants may not feel comfortable communicating with people in English because their English isn’t “perfect”. Three, people have different customs.

I know that Ryan is talking about a deeper issue and is looking for the “source” of misunderstanding that leads to negative stereotypes and prejudice. I don’t know what that “source” is. It has always puzzled me when minority groups fight amongst each other. It seems that the simplest misunderstanding can lead to generalized misconceptions and stereotypes. When we don’t understand something or someone, it’s easier to make assumptions than to make the time and effort to understand.

I’m glad you brought this up Ryan. I’m curious to hear what others have to say about this.

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Message from bbrown

Interestingly, I get tired of eating potatoes (I am half Irish) -- it also makes me feel very full. I live with a Japanese American and we have rice a lot. I don't eat as much of that either but it takes me down another cultural path with my new family saying "Rice again!" or "Got rice." From their perspective, there is no shame associated with rice -- They are quite proud of their massive consumption of rice. Growing up, I had friends who felt the same way about potatoes because it was sometimes the only course for dinner at their tables. (By the way, I love noodles too.)

clay dube
Topic replies: 1894
Topic Posts: 604
Message from Clay Dube

Television and films rely on stereotypical images to quickly set scenes and convey a feel. How do such images get produced? Below is an email message I received yesterday from a local casting company. You'll note that the company seems fairly upright (not charging to look you over and not promising more than minimum wage -- well, for most assignments). At the same time, you'll see the most boiled down view of Asian Americans.

I've deleted the firm's email address. Everything else is exactly as it was sent to me.

***
From: --------
Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 7:52 PM
To: cdube@international.ucla.edu
Subject: Assistance needed - feature film seeking Asian extras

We're casting an independent feature film titled "BABY" to be shot in the Los Angeles area from 5/16/05 to 6/12/05. Any help you can provide in spreading the word to the local Asian community would be VERY helpful!
Extras need only be available for 1-2 days in this time frame.

We are holding an OPEN CALL for MOVIE EXTRAS and are seeking the following types ONLY:

NON-UNION EXTRAS: NON-UNION ONLY for this project. Pay rate $54 for 8 hours plus overtime (basically minimum wage plus time and 1/2 after 8 hours). Standard work day is approximately 8-12 hours. MUST be legal to work in US and have valid photo ID & social security number.
ASIAN - Chinese men 55-75
ASIAN - Upscale Korean, men & women, age range 30-50
ASIAN - All Asian types, neighbors, all ages
ASIAN - Hip & Trendy clubgoers, attractive, men & women, age range 18-35
ASIAN - Vietnamese gang types, thugs/punks, male, age range 18-25
ASIAN - Male bodyguards, heavy set with multiple tattoos
ASIAN - Korean gang types, thugs, male, age range 18-25
ASIAN - All Asian types, Male & Female, clubgoers age range 18-45
ASIAN - Nude, female, body doubles (higher rate $350-$400/8, MUST be willing to work completely nude in tasteful simulated sex scene)
ASIAN - Barely dressed Speakeasy customers, Female, all ages
ASIAN - Chinese gang types, male, age range 18-25
ASIAN - Hookers, Female, all ages (MUST be comfortable with skimpy attire)
ASIAN - Female, Beautiful/attractive women, age range 18-40
ASIAN - Juvenile detention kids, male, age range 18-22 to look younger (MUST have shaved head or be willing to have head shaved)

Basically, we need a Non-Union ALL ASIAN Extras cast. If you are not Asian, please DO NOT attend this Open Call. We have other projects that will be posted at a later date.

WHEN: Sunday - May 15th, 2005
3:00p to 5:00pm

WHERE: Crossroads of the World Plaza (outside in the courtyard)
6671 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood
(at Sunset & Las Palmas. On street parking in area)

HOW: Just show up ready to fill out paperwork. If you have a 3x5 photo or
a headshot please bring one with you. If not, we will take a polaroid of you. This is a FREE Open Call for our paper files on this project only.
(If you would like to register for our digital files for other OLC projects, you will be able to do that at the open call also. For digital registration there is a $15.00 cash only fee. Digital registration NOT required to work on "BABY")

If you have questions, please email me at: ---------, otherwise I will see you on Sunday 5/15/05!!

Thanks!
~Tina Kerr
Extras Casting Director - "BABY"
ON LOCATION CASTING

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Message from fwiley

It is interesting that (according to the survey) some questions cannot be asked in China. I use to speak with Chinese students at UCLA family housing, they seem to favor many Western ways. However, from viewing pictures in Prof. Dube's class, they certainly have adopted Western cloths.

Frank

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Message from kdietrick

Wow- the casting business has evolved a bit. Now they actually require Asian heritage to be considered for an Asian role.

I just spoke with my Panamanian mother-in-law who confessed to playing an Asian in a film in the 60's- and she doesn't look anything but Latina! Who could forget the years of actors painted, dressed and wigged to appear "Asian."

For example, Check out Tony Randall in the Seven Faces or Dr. Lao at

http://www.moviegoods.com/movie_product.asp?master_movie_id=1719&movie_nss=19640074

It's an intriguing film for the youngsters who may be blissfully ignorant about typecasting. I'll never forget when he stratched his hand out for 100's of yards- freaky!

Furthermore, It would be interesting to explore how the Chinese (or other East Asian countries) film industry fills non-Chinese roles. I've seen plenty of bad caucasian actors (no doubt unable to find work here) type cast as white stereotypes in many Asian films- but always as whites.

Lastly, middle-aged Chinese actors often don white wigs, affect a hunched back and slow gait to appear old. So, China does have an ageism problem for older actors- unless it's the tight budgets.

Classroom uses: mythology, sterotypes, fantasy[Edit by="kdietrick on Jul 27, 1:49:48 PM"][/Edit]

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Message from kdietrick

Wow- Unfortunately China is catching up to us in the shallow department but they are more honest about it than we tend to be!

There is an interesting poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy (in our grade 12 curriculum) which deals with a girl who kills herself because she isn't pretty enough to others. It would be interesting to investigate how many Chinese feel this same way and are willing to undergo the knife and/or commit suicide as a solution.
Also, what % of the population suffers from poor body image and associated disorders?


Check out the following links about China's first Miss Plastic Surgery Pageant.

http://www.cosmeticsurgery.com/articles/archive/an~67/

http://www.china.org.cn/english/NM-e/115378.htm

http://www.theasf.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=5624

Class applications: Stereotypes, beauty/pageants, optional surgery[Edit by="kdietrick on Jul 27, 1:42:55 PM"][/Edit]

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Message from ddandridge

I just read the posting on the casting call, WOW!!!!
It looks really stereotypical. I guess tehy are doing another Asian gangster in teh downtown area film. I will give the casting firm some of teh benefit of doubt as teh request they sent out was out of context as to what they are doing with the rest of the film, but...
That list is still pretty scary.

Ignorance leads to stereotypes. Ugh!!!

David Dandridge

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Message from ddandridge

Perceptions, a great topic.

Three years ago I went to China with my wiife for two monthes. We were on a grant to deal with just this topic. It was funded by the Avery Foundation (now, sadly defunct). The program called for non-academic research on/in a topic that required direct contact with the Chinese people. In our case we played Mah Jiang. We visited 6 major cities in Eastern and CEntral China to play Mah Jiang. During this stime we had a great deal of contact with the Chinese. This included in large cities, small towns, a couple of farms and even a tavern type establishment that looked straight out of Indiana Jones, where I played Qiang Qi (Chinese Chess) with Buddhist Monks. The CHess was a add on after we arrived and found how popular and pervasive of a game it was.
many CHinese did not know what to make of us at first, but after a bit of observation they warmed up and the it was as if we were their neighbors.
The main purpose of the program was for Americans to get to know the Chinese and for the Chinese to get to know Americans. There is so much ignorance on both side that it can onlyy help if we get to know each other better. It was an amazing trip.
Perhaps the greatest realization for me was that the Chinese are not what most Americans envision. We have an image of the Chinese as being quite dowr (sp?), stern and almost grumpy. These things they are not. They may be hesitant at first, but remember their has been 60 years of not exactly flattering propoganda about America fed to them (as well as quite a bit of anti-Chinese propoganda in the US), but they warm up and are an exceedingly friendly and generous people.

David Dandridge

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Message from smilanick

What an informative story, the rest of the world is going crazy with plastic surgery, why shouldn't China? I was aware that plastic surgery was huge in South America and to a large degree in South Korea (I read an article in Newsweek years ago). Apparently the plastic surgery there is to give Korean women a bit more of a Caucasian look on Asian features.

"WWMT" (What would Mao think- I got this from a piece I read), I think officially he would think it is another shining display of bourgeois excess. Unofficially I think he would think it was just fine. I doubt he ever engaged in different "activities" with ugly women.

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Message from aarmas

Clayton,

I started reading the two pieces you suggested and found myself facing a Questia subscription page. Are there any special prices for educators? I would love to read the entire publication and would be very much interested in seeing what else is offered through this service.

On the second study, it's been 5 years since its publication, and I would like to know if there are any updated figures or any new surveys. Any ideas or suggestions?

Fascinating!

A.H. Armas

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Message from kdietrick

My friend and I had a blast touring the local 99 Ranch market this week. It's a wonderful and educationally affordable way to peek into the Asian culture. If you can't get students to go you could take some photos and share them with the class. However, they'll not be able to enjoy the aroma of the gigantic seafood section with live catfish, tilapia, crustaceans, etc. While we were able to spot some familiar things much was alien to us. There is much to compare with other cultures, as I saw Pacific Island and Latin- American food stuffs in addition to Asian. Hopefully someone in your group can read Chinese/Japanese- as for me I have to depend on the pictures. Or, sometimes an illustration is provided. You could buy a few affordable items to share in the class or even have students guess what things are used for (like fabric & elastic cuff guards for the ladies- kinda looks like a plastic bag keeper). Also provides a glimpse into the spirituality department. As non- Asian markets feature religious candles, 99 Ranch features incense, offering money, cool lotus lamps and other icons. Furthermore, it is rich with many languages.

We found ourselves grossed out by some of the food items- pork bellies, deer meat, rabbit meat, and crammed live catfish- and found the general aroma unpleasant. Then we supposed how ignorant many are about all this and how set in our ways many people are. While we go about our doings other cultures go about theirs as well- probably just as oblivious. It is worth investigating in the classroom and should provide an enlightening experience.

The funniest part of the trip was us in the checkout line. We are restoring a wooden dining set and were told that mayonnaise would lift white rings in the wood. So here stood 2 silly white girls holding a single jar of Best Foods mayonnaise sandwiched between two local shoppers unloading carts piled high with pork bellies, mackerel and a myriad of other delicacies. We couldn't stop laughing at how we were/appeared as the clueless stereotypes!

Visit 99 Ranch market locations at Gardena or Van Nuys or check out their store locator at

http://www.99ranch.com/StoreLocator.asp

For Japanese Markets go to Mitsuwa or Marukai

Anonymous (not verified)
Anonymous's picture
Message from bklank

Hmmm...wonder if they would pay the same for other races, and also, can anyone think of a film where they would ONLY cast WHITE people?

Anonymous (not verified)
Anonymous's picture
Message from bklank

Wow, I am really shocked that although a large percentage of the people in these different asian nations say that they can't afford food they are still happy with their jobs and income.

Anonymous (not verified)
Anonymous's picture
Message from jluesse

Lessons involving stereotypes have always been fruitful. Students always get really into it, and often discussions must be facilitated with a short leash so as to avoid hysteric stereotype spinout. I can't think of any short piece that directly addresses asian stereotypes, but I remember using a short story from the book Multicultural Voices edited by Rita Dove about an African American that developed into an amzing activity and discussion debunking popular stereotypes. I remember using a chart that divided what students had heard/stereotypes and reality/what they actually knew. This proved a great tool to anchor the more extreme comments and allowed students to consider their own assumptions, opinions and beliefs. I would like someone out there to recommend a good short story that could be used for this sort of thing.

Anonymous (not verified)
Anonymous's picture
Message from aarmas

Ignorance leads to stereotyping, and stereotyping will result in even uglier deeds. I have lived in Southern California for the last 27 years, and it kills me to see that not much has changed in this perception of cultures by other cultures, and it is all because of the lack of programs that allows us to interact and know more about each other. We can see it in local fare shown on Television. It is always about food, sex, or violence. Those are aspects of human life but not the only ones. Caucasians might be perceived as people who have the advantage of being in a priviledged position, but one can't judge only one is in that position and experiences what they experience. I can tell you that it is very frustrating to be called a "Mexican" by 90% of the population just because that is all those people managed to learn in school, or worse, were taught in school. A few years ago, in "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" a contestant was asked to name the location of a river with a Spanish name, and the only answer he could come up was Mexico, even though there were four other choices on the screen? It was pitiful and hysterical.

Regarding our perceptions of Asians in this area, I can only say that it is very difficult to interact or experience another culture by visiting some neighborhoods that are predominantly Chinese and the only thing we can encounter are signs in those languages. I think Chinese food and art are some of the most interesting, intriguing, and marvelous in this planet, but I felt very frustrated when I couldn't even order a dish in a restaurant because the menu was not translated and the waiters couldn't or wouldn't speak English. To be fair, I talked to a waitress once, and she confided that there are different levels of comfort in China, making it very difficult to approach others immediately with the same of level of trust and confidence we do in American culture. My best friend is of Chinese parents, but he grew up in Colombia. He still values his heritage but his attitude and behavior are most a result of interaction with other civilizations and culture. He speaks better Spanish than me, and spending time with him will seriously debunk any perceptions we have of others. We learn to act and behave. If we want to cross bridges, we have to build them, and the execution of that idea should be mutual. It is time to stop pointing fingers, sneering, snickering, and blaming. It is time to take the opportunity to explore the world in this city. Sometimes I feel like I don't have to get on a plane to see the world. I get on an MTA bus and travel a few miles and get a preview of another world.

Anonymous (not verified)
Anonymous's picture
Message from cwangila

The Asian American perception of the European American is still suspecious especially, the older generation: They still remember the anti Asian laws pased by the congress which outlawed intermarriage. The Japanese Americans still remember their mistreatment in the world warII. However the younger generations have no problem.
The cambodian, vietnamese, and Laotician -Americans are very appreciative due to what US government help with the refugee status in 1970,s.