Subject:  Re: Bondage..and some questions |
Author:
Bernice Joo
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Date Posted: 15:02:17 02/28/01 Wed
In reply to:
Azuka
's message, "Bondage..and some questions" on 02:24:37 02/24/01 Sat
The question you ask about how my cultural background affected my representation of a white woman or a black woman, is a difficult one to answer. I am not sure whether or not it was due to my culture and the way that I have been raised, that I found it a challenge to portray the character at first, or if it was simply because it is not a part of my own character and I am not used to performing. If I were to move beyond the obvious hesitancy in having to play a part that is very unlike me, and delve deeper into the issues, maybe I would find that the root of the problem is that I was initially uncomfortable playing those parts precisely because I have been raised in a different culture.
The stereotype that Asian women are submissive does have some validity, in my opinion. It is true that in Korean culture, the women are raised to be gentle, passive, submissive...these are the traits which give value to a woman, and which are in fact, not characteristics which would reveal them to be weak. (Which demonstrates the difference of interpretation in what it means to have "power"--for Americans would definitely view this as weak.)
Of course, the Korean-American society (as well as Korean society) is changing, and our generation of Korean-American students are adopting many of the qualities which America believes exhibits strength. Even my own parents have adjusted and adapted, and they now encourage me to stand up for what I believe in, to have a voice, and to be strong in whatever I pursue. Perhaps their definition of power and how it is demonstrated has changed also. I realize that as Korean-Americans realize what it takes to survive and flourish in American society, they have begun to come out of their shells, and be more assertive and outspoken.
Okay, so back to Azuka's original question. I think that growing up in a Korean culture has obviously ingrained in me certain characteristics which made it initially difficult to portray the character. But now, as a 21st century Korean-American woman who is living in an American society, many of the characteristics I am presently developing, allowed me to become comfortable with the character and have fun with it.
Regarding your question about playing a black woman specifically, it was somewhat of a strange feeling that made me realize something about stereotypes. It's interesting that though African-Americans are considered minorities also, and there are stereotypes about them...they are the complete opposite of the stereotypes referring to Asian people. Black women are considered overly aggressive, while Asian women are considered overly submissive. And they are both considered negatives at extremes on the continuum of what a woman should be. Hm...
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