“Stereotyping the Asian Feminine explores the definition of stereotype as the repetition of an image.  Given that television and films are merely a string of still images moving at a fast rate, they are a perfect medium for creating and disseminating stereotypes. My intent was to take a look at stereotypes as a whole, including different groups of people. I started by taking photos of various movies from the 20th century, double and triple exposing the film. Unfortunately, I was overwhelmed by material and had to narrow my focus to Asian women.  As I watched the films, I saw that the stereotype of Asian women could not exist on its own, and was defined vis-à-vis other groups, such as Asian and white men.  These stereotypes were further defined by the political climate of the time, namely World War II and the Cold War. Asian men were portrayed as evil, mischievous and “feminine” in comparison to “masculine” white men. Asian women were portrayed as vamps, sexual, exotic and at the service of strong, white men.  As time has passed, elements of these stereotypes have changed while others have remained the same.  Stereotyping the Asian Feminine questions what stereotypes are being created every minute in millions of homes across the nation. The exhibit also begs the question: Is the media creating these stereotypes or merely reflecting the attitudes of our society?

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I think that Hollywood has had a huge impact on the occident’s concept of Asia.

I think that I have experienced similar stereotypes.  Some men think I am “Exotic.” And many are surprised that I am Afghan because I am obviously a strong woman and it doesn’t coincide with their conception of submissive Afghan women. As an Afghan woman I see that the stereotypes of Asian women aren’t very different from stereotypes of Afghan, Middle Eastern or Indian women.  And given our involvement in Afghanistan, I am aware of the gendered stereotypes popping up about Afghan people: Afghan men= evil, conniving. Afghan women= submissive, exotic, and elicit ‘what’s under that veil’?”