Switch in Direction: A Common Stereotype That Asians Are "Perfect"

Hey guys!! So my last few blog posts dealt with the topic of animated films and how they are marketed not only in Japan, but in the U.S as well. From this point, I'm gonna take a little step back away from that topic to discuss something new. Oh, don't worry!! This is only for a temporary break to get some of my creative juices flowing (and to watch some new shows~), but I feel like this is an important topic to discuss as well.

A few days ago, my family and I decided to watch "The Interview". There was huge buzz about it on the news, online, wherever. A comedy film turned into mass hysteria the moment Sony got hacked into (by who? Well, we all have a basic idea, but let's not jump into any conclusions right away). After watching this film, I began to feel unreasonably uncomfortable. While the humor was definitely not my cup of tea, it was the representation of the culture and people that seriously bothered me.

I'm half Japanese and I can honestly say that the image most people have on the Asian culture is warped. It goes beyond the "Asians are smart" stereotype. It's way deeper than that. Although that is a common stereotype, most people exposed to social media view Asians as something so fantastic. The idea that South Koreans are beautiful, the Japanese are cute, and Chinese people are intelligent. Yes, these statements may be true in some cases, but in reality, we are just like everyone else.

One thing I hear often is the stereotype that "Koreans are beautiful. They're hot. They're gorgeous." Yes, when we see Korean celebrities, of course they seem that way. The same could very well be said about American celebrities. The majority of the people who say this, however, have only been exposed to the art of K-Pop or Korean Pop. It is a type of music that has grown to be very popular here in the U.S, much similar to the way that J-Pop (Japanese Pop) and anime has gained recognition as well. K-Pop artists usually band together and form music groups, both boys and girls. Some examples of boy bands include VIXX, EXO, and BAP, while female groups include Girl's Generation, Brown Eyed Girls, ad 2NE1 (pronouned "to anyone"). These groups are very well known for their attractive looks, catchy tunes, cool dance moves, and not to mention, amazing bodies. But, how are they any different from the celebrities in the U.S? Not much when you really think about it.

Sometimes, I myself get slightly carried away with the stereotype, and I admit, they are a very attractive bunch. But it isn't to say that the entire South Korean population is obscenely attractive. Here's another fact to keep in mind. According to ABC News, South Korea is well known for their growing business and fad for plastic surgery. So if all Koreans seem drop dead gorgeous to you, chances are they have gone through a procedure. Seoul, South Korea, alone, has an entire district filled with plastic surgeon clinics. (Link here)

Next time you hear the phrase "All Koreans are stunning" keep this in mind. Although I have naturally beautiful Korean friends, beauty is found within, not on the surface. And in no way are they any different from those of us.