My thoughts on the #Archetypes podcast episode on The Demystification of Dragon Lady with #MargaretCho & #LisaLing (Anna May Wong is discussed for a few minutes…) Preface: I haven’t listened to previous episodes of Archetypes so I don’t have any biases against the host, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. However, I have lived experience as an Asian American woman, and have taken Asian American history courses in the past. A lot of the information presented in this episode is not new nor surprising to me. Being a 46 minute episode, I wasn’t expecting a comprehensive deep dive on this topic - “dragon ladies” and the over sexualization/fetishization of Asian women. BUT - I felt this episode was just at the surface level - something that could’ve been explored more -- like a multi-part episode arc. I do applaud addressing this topic. (I could relate to the part about being approached for sexual favors in exchange for money just because I happen to be Asian. Unfortunate, as it is.) On the #AnnaMayWong segment: While discussing the dragon lady archetype, they bring up silent film actress, Anna May Wong. They go over a brief biography: Chinese American from LA’s Chinatown and couldn’t get any roles in America. (I’m guessing they’re referring to her career in the 20s.) A clip of Daughter of the Dragon is played, which is technically a film from 1931. Margaret Cho then mentions that she first saw it in her teens. My commentary: I wished that they had offered some insights on AMW. That she fought racism and was an activist. That she sought roles in the late 30s that portrayed Asian Americans in a positive light; i.e. Daughter of Shanghai. That she wasn’t a victim. Her story isn’t one of tragedy. It’s one of resilience. Have you listened to this episode? What are your thoughts? Discuss below. 👇🏼 https://www.instagram.com/p/CjWxT7Or5Nb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
