Social Analysis

My social analysis has led me to conclude that although discrimination and racism add to the overall cause of the underrepresentation of Asians in media, numerous Asian stereotypes are the most significant. The inaccurate portrayals of Asians originated from many of the Asian stereotypes; things like being, nerdy, powerless, and portraying Asian women as “exotic” are some of the many examples of how Asians are often overlooked in the entertainment and media industry. Not only do the stereotypes shown on screen affect how Asians are looked upon, but they also affect the future generation and how they view all Asians. White viewers benefit from the amusement of Asian characters being portrayed on screen and on stage. To add, they also benefit from this because they have the ability to see actors and performers that look similar to them; this allows them to relate better to their emotions.

The under and misrepresentation of Asians in Hollywood and Broadway takes place in the United States, specifically in the entertainment industry. Although all generations of Asian viewers are affected by this issue, many Asian actors and performers struggle to find jobs within this industry. White actors and performers also better benefit financially. “According to the  https://nwlc.org/ National Women’s Law Center, for every dollar paid to a white man an Asian woman who works full time only receives 85 cents, resulting in a loss of approximately $9000 every year.” So, this proves that “Pakistani, Thai, Hawaiian and Vietnamese women receive less than $0.80 to every white man’s dollar, while Burmese women make only $0.44.” Although they all receive the same education, “white, non-Hispanic males still earn more than Asian American women for the same work.”

To add, most Asian performers and actors are rarely shown on screen or on stage because there is a negative stereotype revolving around being Asian. Those who have only seen unrealistic depictions of Asians in older, less modernized films tend to view Asians as illiterate, undesirable, full of “filth and disease.” Whether it be putting them in a nerd costume or mimicking Asian features (also known as white washing), white people are given the privilege of dressing and acting as they want to be portrayed. Most Asian actors and performers are not. However, this discrimination not only affects actors, but also the educational opportunities of all Asians in America. Harvard University “has been accused of giving lower personality ratings to Asian-American applicants. The news reminded many Asian-Americans of some painful stereotypes, that they’re industrious but don’t have interpersonal skills and charm.”

Throughout the years, there has been little improvement on the misinterpretation and lack of Asians on Hollywood and Broadway. In order for there to be a positive change, it is important for all people to become educated on the misleadings of Asian stereotypes. Over time, the idea of Asians, typically women, being sexualized and unworthy of education, affects how viewers interact and conceptualize them. Representation is extremely important for the Asian community because it encourages us to further believe in ourselves. If we are only limited to seeing negative portrayals of Asian characters, there is no progress made for any social community.