For many years, Asians have often been misrepresented in Western media. Asian actors are robbed of roles and characters suited for them. White people getting Asian roles in Hollywood films instead of equally competent Asian actors constantly spark debates and outrage among Asian communities. Case in point: the reaction to the 2017 live-action adaptation of Ghost In The Shell starring Scarlet Johansson.
A previous movement on Twitter called #ExpressiveAsians also had Asians retaliating after a casting director said that Asians are a challenge to cast because they’re not expressive enough. Aside from frequent whitewashing in films, Asian representation also somehow became limited to stereotypes that Western media created.
Twitter user @nerdyasians pointed out that Asian women in particular are portrayed as someone that needs to have colorful hair streaks to look “badass” or “edgy.”
https://twitter.com/nerdyasians/status/998719715362000897
This longstanding stereotypical film and TV trope is seen in some of the Asian characters we’ve loved and people are saying they’ve had enough of it.
The latest addition to these characters is Yukio from Deadpool 2, who according to one user, was even “worse than usual” because her main purpose is to just wave “Hi” to Deadpool in a ditzy way.
https://twitter.com/NickCho/status/998720893139406848
This also made some people point out that while other productions manage to stay away from the colored hair trend, some Asian characters are still often reduced to “background roles” with “zero character development.”
Sense 8 didn’t need to add streaks to sun’s hair FYI pic.twitter.com/clCrIm40Z4
— nerdteach (@nerdteach06) May 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/jhubeJELLO/status/998792062542663681
At least Cho Chang didn't have highlights pic.twitter.com/wnShomHu3b
— Saimon (@sai_hahaha) May 22, 2018
Cho chang’s character had zero depth though
— Esdromo (@esdromo) May 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/arianabionic/status/998741815208632320
https://twitter.com/ethanxhope/status/998742251718225920
Some have long noticed the “annoying” trend while others have mixed feelings regarding the issue.
I’ve always found this annoying. It’s usually purple, red, or blue as well. https://t.co/xr0jfvBpEL
— FORM OF THERAPY OFFICIAL (@formoftherapy) May 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/wonderindreams/status/999456598031466496
https://twitter.com/LilGlolita/status/999351226079760385
Others argue that people are just making a big deal out of nothing.
https://twitter.com/tallgamingman/status/999590260073009153
Getting upset over nothing again I see.
— You already know who I am (@hankshmoody) May 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/AnnaRains8/status/998789600415047680
idk man it looks really kickass i dont want it to stop
— Adamusa (@Hadadejuguete) May 22, 2018
But people are clarifying that the issue is about how the media “…refuses to create Asian female characters and would rather just slap on a purple streak.” Despite having so many talented Asian actors who deserve much more complex characters, they are often sidetracked as that “nerdy Asian friend” in the story or portrayed as someone who’s “quiet but deadly” character who rarely get to speak. It’s still rare to see Asian culture or characters well-represented in films and TV shows. Perhaps producers can take notes from shows like Fresh Off The Boat and Crazy Rich Asians?
https://twitter.com/zeezackczs/status/999406952680583168
I also get tired of seeing Asian women portrayed as the quiet but deadly type. Which translates into them rarely getting to speak in their roles. Seen but not heard.
— ⚡Mr. Brightside☮️ (@Will3K85) May 24, 2018
Agreed! The development of a deep character is often missed- or hinted at and not explored. Sadly, this is true of many female characters. But the hair coloring thing is unique to Asian women and I have to wonder why.
— Lädy Ä (@aphotomama) May 24, 2018
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