Race, Pop Culture, and Writing.

By Fife · Nov 22, 2012 · ·
  1. I've said it so many times here, almost apologetically, but I didn't grow up reading books--I mostly watched movies; however, even in the books that I have read (or the mere fact that some types of books far outnumber other types) seemed to cater to Westernized crowd; and I'm almost hesitant to say a "white" crowd, but that's what I'm trying to say. I live in America (which I am quickly learning is something I have to say on the Internet, since there are so many people who are from all over the globe) and America is by far, in my opinion, quite a diverse nation! I mean, there are conservative pockets like in the South. For example, I just moved to a small town in Missouri and, for the first time, I got that awkward look when my wife and I went into a random diner that--let's just say--was very homogeneous.

    As a first generation Asian in the United States in my family, I found it disappointing that the leading role in the 70's TV Program, Kung Fu, had David Carridine play as an Asian character which, according to conspiracy theory, was originally considered for Bruce Lee. I'm specifically referring to stories that are told from a Western point of view (which is distinctly different from stories that, for example, are told from an Asian point-of-view, like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, etc.). Well, you may argue that Jackie Chan has had his fair share of crossing over to the American market, but many of his roles are that of a goofy, awkward character whose leading role is usually carried by an American actor (such is the case with Jennifer Love Hewitt in The Tuxedo). If you want a modern example, just take a look at Avatar: The Last Airbender, where much of the fantasy lore is borrowed from Asian mythos and folklore, yet, the casting role was given to a Caucasian actor. Speaking of lore, Hollywood tried to bridge the gap by casting the Norse God Heimdall, in the Marvel Comic film, Thor, as an African American, which was subjected to many complaints. According to one blog, Heimdall was the "Whitest of the gods". So why is it not troubling that a "white" person is playing an extremely "yellow" character?

    I say all this because, as I try to come up with stories and plots, I come to realize that there is a part of me that is heavily influenced by Asian mythos, traditions, wit, and humor. It seems that Hollywood is not ready to cast Asians with leading roles; and aside from a few Amy Tan books I read growing up, many of the books I've read were very American. And you know, America is supposed to be a meltingpot, but I find that pop culture is still slightly biased. I'm not saying that there is racism involved, but it is a racial topic. And I'm not trying to convince people to like Asians. Maybe I'm just simply frustrated at the moment as I try to come up with story ideas and plots. And it frustrates my thoughts of a potential future selling stories to a public that may not identify with my ideas.

    It reminds me of one time when I was younger. I was leaving work and walking to the car with a (white) co-worker. He was telling me some story that I no longer remember, but it was about The Doors. I looked over at him confused. "What's that?" His response? "Oh, nothing. They're only one of the most influential rock-and-roll bands in the entire history of the world. Holy crap, have you been living under a rock your whole life?" Actually, I grew up watching dubbed Jet Li kung-fu movies and listening to Faye Wong and Thai rock songs.

Comments

  1. JJ_Maxx
    Hmmmm.. Good thoughts, Fife. I've read your works, and I wouldn't peg you as Asian from your writing, you write in English very well. That being said I think the issue is that Asians are very 'communally' oriented. More so than most. What I mean is, most Asians stay Asian, which is why in China and Japan they have their own Asian-dominated music charts, movies, etc... In order for an Asian to become an A-list in America, they first have to 'become' American. In the last census, I think Asians only represent like 4% of the population. Now take that 4%, and how many of those people are secluded to 'Asian pockets', where they all speak Chinese, Japanese, etc..

    This leaves a small population of which 'superstars' can rise up. So you get your Jackie Chans, Lucy Lius, Jet Lis, etc...

    I wonder if the roles were reversed, how many American music and movie stars are represented in Japan or China?
  2. Fife
    I think you may be right about Asians being more communally oriented. I would argue that there are plenty of Asians that are American--take me for example. Even though I was raised in a small subculture bubble, I actually spent several years of my young adulthood experiencing many things outside of this bubble (and would strongly resist being contained in that bubble again). And experiencing things outside one's bubble is not always exclusively a race issue. I see a lot of conservative whites in my neighborhood that are very close-minded and perfectly content with their bubble. They wouldn't care much about understanding their hippie, liberal counterparts.

    I guess the bigger issue is that I have been seeing a growing following for African-American books--authors that cater to the subculture of African-Americans, whether it is romance, drama, or even fantasy. I can't really say much about seeing books for Hispanics and other minorities, but I would have to say that there is very little about Asian-Americans.

    I was talking to someone earlier and posed the question: do you think it is because [a] there's not enough Asian-American readers to make publishers feel that Asian-catered stories are marketable or there's not enough Asian-American authors to cater to the readers (that may potentially enjoy such topics/issues).

    And the hyphen that precedes "American" definitely suggests that regardless of the topic, there's going to be an American aspect to it. Maybe it's just a matter of time.

    When I write, I imagine how my non-Asian friends might have been growing up. I have to imagine my character possibly having Judeo-Christian values or influence (instead of, for example, shamanism and animal sacrifice, which I grew up with).
  3. BritInFrance
    Hi Fife, I think if your writing is good enough it will cross cultural barriers. Look at the popularity of Japanese films in recent times. Yes, the west often remake them (for people who don't like subtitles/ or just want to see people who look like them on the screen perhaps?) but for most the original version of the Ring is much better than the US remake.

    Books are the same - look how popular Wild Swans by Jung Chang was (20 years ago now) all across the world. I read a book recently called Out by Japanese author Natsuo Kirino. I read it in French, I know it is also available in English (I am not sure how many languages it had been translated into). It had really engaging characters, and gave a different impression of the Japan I imagine I know (from films etc).

    People like different if it is done well (if not science fiction and fantasy writing would not exist). Write what you want to write. If it is good it will sell (ok if your book is picked up by Hollywood the lead may be an all American white guy instead of an Asian!).
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