In Their Own Words: Asian representation in media

“In many cases, with Asian representation, the extremes of the surface level are considered the same for everyone, but there are so many different dialects and cultures in Asia. I think this is a good start and will keep people informed on the basis of Asian cultures. I also think it may become dangerous, that Asian people will be considered by one story, while there are thousands of us — not everyone...

“Since I was young, there were lots of stereotypes that Asians tended to be perfect students and involved in music or debate while not being socially popular. Movies featuring Asians increases the dimensions of what consists within an Asian’s life. Especially in the Midwest, the amount of diversity is relatively lower than on the coasts, so representation in movies does change how Asians are perceived.”

“I watched To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and I really liked how they had an Asian woman as the lead. [Representation] would be really inspiring to young people from numerous backgrounds, because they don’t get to see people who look like them represented as a normal American teenager. This shows we face the same thing everyone else does.”

“There are two stereotypes associated with them, especially with East Asian women, one being that they are ultra-sexualized Dragon Ladies or they are seen as submissive and small. I think that the diversity with character types in Crazy Rich Asians and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before doesn’t tokenize women, and makes them relatable, and shows that we aren’t all the same.”

“This will have an impact on society. It is good that there are more movies and shows with Asian cast members, because it is diversifying [the movie industry].”