Alumna Srivi Ramasubramanian’s lecture Geeks, Dragon Ladies, and Perpetual Foreigners, gave very detailed insight into the stereotypes that can be found in past and present media regarding Asians and Pacific Islanders. While attending this lecture, I realized these are stereotypes that one may not often think about right off the bat. Typically, I associate negative stereotypes within television, film, etc., to be those that apply towards black or Latinos.
Asians often receive stereotypes that may be seen by some as more positive than negative. While this may be true, it is still a very degrading and often times not very respected. This is something I can see in the media a lot. Another thing that can be referenced within media today regarding these ethnic groups and cultures, is the fact that often times, traditions and practices of one culture are often applied to another, because it is assumed because both are Asian that the practices are the same. For example, in a television series, a Korean character within the show may practice traditions that are of Japanese heritage. This happens more often than not, especially since it is something that is very often overlooked. When portraying different Asian cultures, it is very important to correctly portray them, rather than mush them all together simply because they are both Asian.
Ramasubramanian said she often encounters people who don’t think of her, or other Indian-American people, as Asian. She referenced the time that she was teaching a class and referred to Mother Theresa as Asian. Her students were puzzled, and told her that they thought Mother Theresa was Indian, and not Asian. She had to explain to her students that India is in Asia, which makes Indian people in fact, Asian. Another stereotype she encounters is the idea that Indian people all come from a jungle, rural area. She explained that she comes from a highly populated, urban city. She has encountered people who have asked her how often she sees animals such as tigers and elephants. This can easily be blamed on the fact American media almost always portrays India as a rural, jungle like area with “savage” and tribal people.
The reason for so many stereotypes regarding cultures today is often because of the media we consume and how we don’t really reach out to thoroughly research these cultures and pick out the facts. While I attended the lecture, I realized how little thought I really put into the reality of these other cultures besides the often false portrayal of them within our media. This is why it is so important for consumers to be informed when it comes to cultures that are not just our own.