Episode # 116

We’re Not Your Lotus Flower: Asian Women in America

This episode is personal, as we’re both Japanese women. We’ve been called exotic. We’ve had White men visibly change their reactions to us when they find out we’re Japanese. We’ve then had to hear about their “other Asian girlfriends”. For the record? That’s disgusting.

But we need to talk. We need to talk about what we’ve personally experienced, what our Asian female friends have experienced, and the history that we, as a country, don’t want to talk about - namely, how Asian women are seen by Americans, and in particular, White men. Because, more often than not, we’re seen as invisible, exotic, sexual toys. And we’re done with that B.S., to be quite clear.

Because what happens when we don’t talk about it? Atlanta, and the further perpetuation of historical inaccuracies, untruths, and stereotypes that we need to change right now.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com

“The two stereotypes of Asian women - the Lotus Flower and the Dragon Lady - remind me of the two stereotypes we have for Black women: the Mammy, and the Sapphire. Do we even have two clear stereotypes like this for White women?”
Sara

What to listen for:

The role the US government and military played in the creating the hypersexualized steroetypes of Asian women
Two harmful female Asian stereotypes: The Lotus Flower and Dragon Lady
How our history, unaddressed, leads to false and damaging notions of Asian women - and leads to killings like in Atlanta
For more reading:
How a Long History of Intertwined Racism and Misogyny Leaves Asian Women in America Vulnerable to Violence
A Sociologist's View On The Hyper-Sexualization Of Asian Women In American Society
Fetishized, sexualized and marginalized, Asian women are uniquely vulnerable to violence

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