AAPI Creatives Collective

The Portrayal of Asian Women in the Media

Megan Yeh [she/her]
San Jose, California

This documentary was inspired by the recent hate crimes at the massage parlors in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. While authorities have declared the killer’s actions to be a result of a “sex addiction” rather than racially motivated, this documentary explores the intersections of misogyny and racism against Asian women and how they are inseparable. Specifically, the narrative demonstrates how the portrayal of Asian women in Western media as submissive and docile often leads to violence, abuse, and exploitation. Additionally, this documentary discusses the feminist film theory and how American feminism privileges straight, white Western women. As an Asian woman myself, it often frustrates me to see how many people don't understand the connection between representation in the media and reality. Unfortunately, such generalizations and stereotypes of Asian women have reflected in physical violence and I wanted to raise awareness to this issue.

#sociopoliticalissues