Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 12-5-2018

Faculty Advisor(s)

Dr. Ian Barnard

Abstract

This research project seeks to explore the various implications porn films make on Asians Orientalism. Generally, Asians in pornography are composed of multiple negative archetypes, all based on the underlining purpose of servitude. Characters are portrayed through stereotypes including the use of colonial language to misrepresent Asian men and women in both straight and gay porn videos. Referred to as Orientalism, this ideology exploits Asian characters to privilege the White, male viewer. My research project investigates the following question: How are Asians represented in gay and straight pornographic films and pornographic scenes?

I will be applying scholarly arguments to various Asian porn scenes. Scholars like Richard Fung and Linda Williams establish the foundation of my arguments, putting rhetorical theories into context. While pornographic sources will capitalize on how these theories are present or absent in contemporary channels.

Through my research, I have found that Asian male performers aren’t as present in pornographic scenes compared to their female counterparts. Nevertheless, due to the convenience of the internet, Asian male pornographers now have the agency to become visible. Sites like Asian Schlong and Banana Fever construct a space for Asian-male-White-female scenes. However, they still reinforce misogynistic elements to cater to the male gaze.

The internet has created a gateway for Asian pornographic performers for self-representation. However, it has also allowed racist and misogynistic rhetoric to appear unchecked on various free-tube sites. Link-O-Rama relies on White-heteronormative language to market racism. Free-tube sites like Pornhub or Xvideos also allow uploaders to name videos with no restraints on degrading or prejudiced titles.

Some contemporary pornography has allowed Asians to break away from traditional stereotypes. However, there are still many changes that need to be made in order to reflect diverse representations of Asian identities.

Comments

Presented at the Fall 2018 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

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