Film: Kelly Loves Tony and "The Gendered Limits of Consumer Citizenship in Import Subcultures" by Rodriguez & Gonzalez

Nouriyah Saleh

May 23, 2017

Blog Response: Film: Kelly Loves Tony and "The Gendered Limits of Consumer Citizenship in Import Subcultures"

In the second half of the film, we see the growing tensions in Kelly and Tony's relationship. Tony has yet to understand Kelly's desire to go to school, and she only becomes angry and frustrated with him for enforcing gender roles and not helping her at home. We see that cultural factors play a huge role in the outcome of their relationship. While Kelly wants to achieve educational and career goals, she ends up getting pregnant with her second child. Her family members see her pregnancy as a good thing because it's normal in Mien culture and children are considered the priority. Although, Kelly feels extreme regret and hindered that she can no longer pursue school. So far, this film has made me grateful to have parents that push me to finish school and get a job before pursuing marriage and a family. I guess what makes my situation different from Kelly's is the time period. Obviously, the movie is older but took place in a time where technology didn't have a significant presence as it does today. Most people now in the U.S. realize the value of higher education to secure a job that supports the ever-increasingly expensive American lifestyle. Although, I do believe that this mindset still isn't present in some areas where cultural and gender norms may be prevalent.

Rodriguez and Gonzalez discuss the history and analyze the Asian American import subculture. Asian imported cars originated from Mexican American lowrider culture and African American hip-hop culture as a way for Asian American men to build their masculinity and capital in their communities. High school was when I initially learned about the import scene because a few of my male friends owned and "souped up" their Japanese cars and occasionally attended shows. I thought it was annoying whenever I heard guys talk about their cars and sped down the streets with their loud engines. After reading the chapter, I find it sad that this import subculture is basically the product of Asian American men desiring masculinity. They spend so much money on their cars when they can be investing in more important necessities, just to feel a sense of belonging and power. Although I do not agree with the amount of effort men put into the import culture and how women are objectified, I now understand where they're coming from and I believe that it can potentially be really toxic.