The following comic strips address a range of topics prevalent in Asian American studies. The discussed selections are from Secret Asian Man.
The first Secret Asian Man strip touches upon issues related to the Asian “obedient” stereotype and to a certain extent the emasculation of the Asian American male. The dialogue from the Caucasian hair stylist implies that since Asian hair “behaves” so well, then by extension Asians and Asian Americans are very good at “behaving” themselves. The topic of obedience provides a transition to the issue of emasculation and the Asian/Asian American male. The protagonist in this strip is “trapped” in the chair and is only able to contest the stereotype verbally. The character is in a helpless position and essentially voiceless as the hair stylist is too focused on the “obedient” hair to notice his comment. The setting and the words present a power dynamic, with the Caucasian hair stylist having complete control not only over the Asian character’s hair but his entire body as well.
This second webcomic strip focuses on the difficulties male Asian American actors face in the entertainment industry. Preconceived notions of the Asian American male as subservient, emasculated, weak and foreign have led to typecasting in Hollywood, and consequently a dearth of roles for Asian American males. Despite the fact that the preexisting trend is shifting (i.e. John Cho), the limited screen time for Asian American males and their subsidiary roles continues to remain an issue today.
Overall, the multiplicity of Asian American webcomics serve as a new communications front whereupon Asian American comic artists and an Asian American audience can express frustrations over imposed stereotypes, question preexisting notions of race, ethnicity, identity and the daily minutiae that collectively become incorporated into the ever-changing idea of Asian American culture.
