#identityarticle

[gisellematuran-blog]

My Identity to “Crazy Rich Asians.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/04/26/an-all-asian-cast-and-no-martial-arts-why-the-crazy-rich-asians-movie-matters/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e04353b1ef33

       This article is a review about the “Crazy Rich Asians” movie and how it is a big step for Hollywood, praising it for portraying Asian Americans in a non-stereotypical way. This relates to my identity because growing up my dreams typically aimed towards the entertainment, such as becoming a singer, writer or artist. As I grew older, my parents implied that I would not be successful in this industry because of its instability and because of my race. I grew up in a predominately white, performing arts high school and seeing a small amount of those similar to my race in students shows and performances only reinforced my parents’ stigma around achieving my goals. I accepted their opinion and strayed away from my musical and artistic hobbies. I started to view a future in the entertainment industry realistic towards those who are white or those who are in the higher middle class. I explored other subjects such as Environmental Science and Engineering but it always felt like it was not enough.  It wasn’t until the beginning of college where I saw how their opinion shaped my decision making. I was confused and I felt lost. I was undecided because the goals I had in mind were buried in my parents’ conditioning.

        When I first saw the movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” I left in tears. I was overwhelmed by the representation of Asian Americans in the media. I was in shock as I discovered the director was Asian as well. The actors and actresses went to law school and medical school before their debut on television, which was understandable because of the heavy emphasis on “practical,” and “stable,” jobs in the medical field in Asian culture. The article related to my identity because as an Asian American who is pursuing a Multimedia degree, I felt a new found hope for my future. The article talked about how excited the Asian American community felt as their representation was peaking at volumes. The movie’s popularity was proof that “success,” in the entertainment industry as an Asian American was possible. I can not imagine how proud the cast made their parents and I can not wait to do the same to mine.