Blog 2

What is Orientalism? What purpose does it serve? What are the images associated with this idea/ideology? Dr. Fu Manchu and Charlie Chan were two recurring characters in Hollywood film. How would you describe these characters? What was unusual about the casting of the characters? Describe the “Dragon Lady” of Hollywood cinema? What actress was typically associated with these sorts of roles?

What economic, political and social circumstances led to the "Great Migration" of African-Americans to U.S. northern urban centers in the early 20th century? What impact did the Production Code of 1934 have on the use of African-American stereotypes and actors in Hollywood films? What were the economic and social challenges faced by African-American independent filmmakers emerging in the 1970s and 1980s? How is Spike Lee's career an example of the negotiation of critical and socially relevant filmmaking and the Hollywood industry?

“Orientalism” is a social construct existing in America applying to persons from primarily Asian decent. Takaki suggests that “Orientalism” is similar to a “Negroization” process that victimized persons with black skin. It allows for discrimination, and reinforces a sense of white hierarchy in culture. Images associated with this idea include almond shaped eyes, yellowish skin, dragons, rice, and other common “Asian” themes. I would describe the characters of Charlie Chan and Dr. Fu Manchu as portraying typical stereotypes that Americans might have of Asian people. Neither of these characters were played by persons of Asian decent. The “Dragon Lady” is the female stereotype of an Asian woman. Instead of using cunning tactics, and intelligence, her character uses the idea of sexual fantasies and exotic desires to woe white men.
The “Great Migration” was influenced by emancipation, and the former slaves still worked farms under white ownership. The opportunities for African Americans were much greater in the north. The 1934 production code caused less usage of the African-American stereotype in films. In the 70s and 80s, there wasn’t sufficient funding or opportunities to allow African-American independent film-makers to “take-off.” Spike Lee’s career depicts a leading film producer at this time, and his films offer the notion that there is no simple solution to segregation ideals, and that race was extremely complex, and shouldn’t be overlooked.