Nov 10 2008
Asian American Feminists
Dragon Ladies: Asian American Feminists Breathe Fire Edited By: Sonia Shah
Dragon Ladies illustrates the inner conflicts that Asian American women face. Many of the women, whose writings are included in the book, refute the label “feminist,” but clearly draw on feminist issues. These feelings may stem from the fear of alienating men and tarnishing the male gender privilege or cultural exclusion from Anglo-feminism.
The title of the book, Dragon Ladies, is taken from Chinese herstory. Empress Tsu-his was in power from 1898-1908, ruling from the Dragon Throne. Those who challenged her autocratic rule were beheaded, strangled, or forced to commit suicide.
In the mid-1800’s the first women to come to the United States from China were kidnapped, misinformed, or smuggled into the country to serve as prostitutes for Chinese men. The stereotype that all Asian women are prostitutes was born at this time. Chinese women were blamed for the influx of sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. and the introduction of opium addiction.
In the early 1900’s Japanese immigration increased. These Japanese immigrants made up 3% of the California population, but were the recipients of violent racist attacks. Mail order brides from Japan moved to the U.S. to join their husbands.
Asian women who emigrated before the 1960’s were generally employed as servants. The Asian-American rights movement started in the 1960’s, influenced by the civil rights movement and the anti-Vietnam war movement. Asian women recognized that their issues were the same as Asian men’s, but most Asian men were in disagreement that women should have the same rights. Leftest women who were members of marginal groups like “Yellow Power” were often excluded from decision-making processes.
Today Asian-American female activists are very involved in union organizing by way of organizations Asian American Immigrant Advocates, ensuring fair treatment of Asian workers; Asian battered women’s shelters are being created; Asian women are at the forefront, fighting for Asian-American rights.
A brief list of noteworthy Asian-American women:
1. In 1981, architect, Maya Lin, designed the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her design was chosen from a pool of 1,400 other designs. She is also responsible for designing the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama.
2. Amy Tan, daughter of Chinese immigrant parents, is a novelist that draws on the experiences of her family. Her best known book is The Joy Luck Club. She has written several novels and 2 children’s books. She also plays in a rock band called “The Rockbottom Remainders” with other famous writers: Stephan King and Scott Turow.
3. Figure skater, Michelle Kwan holds the record of 37 perfect scores in her ice skating career. She has won 7 U.S. women’s figure skating titles and 5 world titles.
4. Margaret Cho, a famous comedian, well-known for promoting equal rights for all regardless of race, gender, sexuality, has been entertaining audiences since she was 16 years old.
5. Poet and feminist, Nellie Wong is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her works include Stolen Moments, The Death of Long Steam Lady and Dreams in Harrison Railroad Park.
6. Felicia Lowe, a notable Producer/Director, created films, such as “China, Land of My Father” and “Carved in Silence.” Currently, she is working on a feature length film intitled “Child of the Owl” based on a novel by Laurence Yep.
7. Anna Sui, famous fashion designer, based known for her colorful prints and funky designs.
8. Yoko Ono, best known for her relationship with John Lennon, deserves more recognition for her own art. She is a talented artist, musician, and activist. Go here and read her bio http://www.a-i-u.net/onolife1.html.
9. Tia Carrere, best known for her role as Cassandra in “Wayne’s World and Wayne’s World 2,” has been in 75 movies and television shows. She has also produced three films and been interviewed numerous times on television.
