Lecture Notes: Stereotypes and Representation of Asian Characters in Media

Introduction

• Model Minority Myth: Perception of Asians as hardworking and career-driven.
  • Originated in the 1960s focusing on Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian communities.
  • Seen both in real life and media.

Model Minority in Media

• Defined by traits: hardworking, straight-A, bookish, academically focused.
• Associated stereotypes: social awkwardness, lack of sex appeal, tiger mom enforcing academic perfection.
• Negative consequences:
  • Homogenizes diverse Asian cultures.
  • Sets unrealistic expectations.
  • Implies Asians "overcome" racism by hard work.
  • Suggests non-Asian minorities aren't working hard enough to overcome racism.

Anti-Model Minority

• Anti-model Minority Characters: Break away from the stereotype.
  • Example: Jason Mendoza from "The Good Place."
  • Characteristics: goofy, attractive, unintelligent but likable.
• Positive aspect: Offers diverse representation, breaks the model minority myth.
  • Their unintelligence is not tied to Asian stereotypes.

The Dumb Asian Trope

• Results from backlash to model minority myth.
• Characters are portrayed as unintelligent due to linguistic and cultural differences.
  • Example: Characters with thick accents, strong cultural ties.
  • Negative impact: Perpetuates stereotypes and otherness.

The Ideal Representation

• Asian characters should not be typecast as either smart or dumb.
• Need for more diverse and leading roles for Asian characters.
• Underrepresentation:
  • In 2018, Asian characters were only 4.8% of film roles in Hollywood.

Progress and Future Representation

• Films like "Always Be My Maybe" and "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" present Asian characters without othering them.
• Improvements in representation, though issues remain.

Conclusion

• Importance of nuanced representation over stereotypes.
• Encouragement for feedback, particularly from viewers of Asian descent.
• Acknowledgement of the complex and sensitive nature of the topic.