Notes from a High Schooler: Asian Stereotypes in Mainstream Cinema

patrick.jpg"How has the media created a negative image of Asian Americans, and how can we, as a community, reverse this?" Patrick Yuen, a senior at Irvington High School, attempts to answer this question in this homemade video about Asians in mainstream media.

“How has the media created a negative image of Asian Americans, and how can we, as a community, reverse this?”

This is the question I am studying. I personally feel that it is important that all minorities eventually become represented accurately in the media. Stereotypes in the media cause great problems for minority groups. Being Asian American myself, I explored the background behind our unsightly image that has been created by the media. As i learned more and more about the struggles of Asian actors and actresses, I wanted more and more to change it. Although it is unlikely that a single person, alone, can undo what has has been growing over the years, eventually, I hope that enough people will show a desire for more accurate representation in the media.

~Hollywood is not going to change for the sake of ideals. They will only change if there is an audience for it–if there is a demand for it.

There are many things that we can do to show our disdain for the negative stereotyping that occurs in mainstream media. As long as we express our desire for more accurate representation, we are doing our part to reverse the negative image that has been created.

Please comment! Thanks for Watching!

Patrick Yuen
Irvington High School

patrick.jpg"How has the media created a negative image of Asian Americans, and how can we, as a community, reverse this?" Patrick Yuen, a senior at Irvington High School, attempts to answer this question in this homemade video about Asians in mainstream media. " />