Lotus Blossom, Dragon Lady
Western portrayals of East Asian, Southeast Asian and Asian American women
Who is She?
The characterization of Asian women in media is a problem. To refresh on some basic stereotypes, let's play a game based on assumptions.
A History
Wartime
After
Furthermore, these setups were seen as necessary for the soldiers, perpetuating how Asian women were seen as just objects for sexual satisfaction.
The Beginning of a Trope
Sexual imperialism's consequences continued. With comfort women fresh in their minds, authors and opera writers went on to share stories with the Western world...
Pop Culture
Foundational Works
The story of Asian comfort women have been told over and over again, and have also affected the way people view Asian American women. These specific works were foundational in mass opinion.
Madame Chrysanthème by Pierre Loti was the first popular travel journal written about
Author John Luther Long made a spin-off novel,
Opera writer Giacomo Puccini basically turned John Luther Long’s story into a play that became
Continuing Into the 1900s
This docile, sweet and submissive Asian war bride narrative did not stop. More movies were made glorifying this trope, such as Miss Saigon and The World of Suzie Wong. The divide between the sweet and submissive Asian woman and the cunning, manipulative one was made clear through China Doll and Daughter of the Dragon.
Dichotomy
Here is an overview of the characteristics of the two main tropes of East and Southeast Asian women. Note that despite the divide, both are hypersexualized and portrayed as exotic fantasies.
The Lotus Blossom
In China Doll, female protagonist Shu-Jen is a sweet, petite housekeeper. She comes with the house the male protagonist lives in, much like Kiku in Madame Chrysanthème.
Characteristics
- sweet
- submissive
- graceful
- gentle, docile, demure
- petite, like a plaything
- probably a good housewife
The Dragon Lady
Daughter of the Dragon is another Fu Manchu tale. There are a couple plot twists, but the basic premise is that Princess Ling Moy must choose between good and evil.
Characteristics
- cunning
- deceitful
- manipulative
- domineering
- mysterious
- will probably screw you over
Today
A lot of these antics seem outdated. However, films from over 80 years still shape how Asian women are portrayed in American Hollywood today. For example, there's many Asian women in popular media that have hair streaks, written to be rebellious bad girls. Those are Dragon Ladies.
The tropes also influence how Asian Americans are still stereotyped. Have you ever heard of Asian women described as petite and dainty, or perhaps with “the smallest vaginas in the game”? These aren't actually positive traits to have. This specific kind of objectification leads to sexual violence.
Consequences
Thinking of Asian women as exotic fantasies leads to sexual violence, regardless of the trope.
How it Stacks Up in Racial Groups
Resources
Research
- UNC Library resources for ASIA58H: "Chasing Madame Butterfly"
- The Columbia Guide to Asian American History by Gary Y. Okihiro
- The Hypersexuality of Race: Performing Asian/American Women on Screen and Scene by Celine Parreñas Shimizu
- From Madame Butterfly to Model Minority: A Critical Analysis of Misconceptions of Asian American Women by Frances Choe, Wofford College
- New York City Opera Project: Madama Butterfly, Columbia University
- Statistics on Violence against API Women, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence
- China Doll (1958), directed by Frank Borzage
- Daughter of the Dragon (1931), directed by Lloyd Corrigan
- The Unseen Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence in the #AAPI Community, Reappropriate.co
Quiz Images
Need Help?
If you have experienced sexual assault and would like to talk to someone, you are not alone. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). They will connect you to a team member in your area.