Rodriguez's article points the failings of producing Asian American masculinity. Although acquiring an import car and modifying it represents a transnational identity different from typical American car models, the act of buying and owning a car reinforces capitalism and the agency and individuality which feed into the "American Dream". More importantly, the hypermasculinity of Asian American men requires the hypersexuality of Asian American women. This becomes a problem because it does not solve the problem of the Orientalist view Asian American women have been noted for and reinforces it instead. Although the car culture is beneficial in re-affirming Asian American masculinity, it does so at the cost of buying into capitalism and the hypersexuality of Asian women.
The one thing that struck me while watching this part of Kelley Loves Tony was the criticism Tony had on Kelly's notions of being a "good Mien wife". By criticizing traditional notions of marriage and the woman's role, Tony is advocating for Kelly to be independent and detach herself from traditions. However, it seems to me that Tony is also contradictory. Although he wants Kelly to be detached from tradition, he is still annoyed at her being so studious. According to the film, a college education is the only way that Kelly can eventually gain some sort of agency but by Tony's annoyance and reluctance in acknowledging the importance of Kelly's education, he is reinforcing traditional gender roles.
No comments:
Post a Comment