Growing up in Korea, I was simply a woman. However, in the US, most Americans I meet immediately categorize me as an Asian woman. Then often ask me upon first meeting, Where are you from? How long have been in the US? Do you speak English? I get all of these questions due to my Asian look. People even think Im nice or non-confrontational because thats how Asian women are, not because thats how I am as an individual. The movie Memoirs of a Geisha, based on Arthur Goldens best-selling book, might have teased non-Asian women, making them curious and then mystified, wanting to know more about the secrets of attraction that Asian women possess. The movie also might have boosted or encouraged the stereotype of the Asian womans exotic and erotic beauty. I took this as a positive stereotype, one that inspired me as an Asian woman (or simply as a woman), to try to somewhat live up to the standard, whether it is fully a true reflection of most Asian women or not. I want to be exotic and at least a bit erotic; and beautiful too. If youre a woman, dont you want at least a little bit of this, as well? The attraction to Asian women can be so strong that some American men develop a female Asian fetish or yellow fever, the viral cause of this increase in male body temperature and heart rate thought to be the womans great femininity and mysterious Asian look. Of course, there can be negative Asian female stereotypes such as materialistic or haughty that I do not feel either fit me or inspire me to emulate them. Aware of these specific negative generalizations, perhaps Ill be inspired to guard against any excessive materialism or unapproachable behavior. I am not speaking politically correctly here, am I? |
