It's no secret: Yao Ming is an Asian sensation. However, have we as Americans learned to accept him into our society as an equal? Based on our classroom discussion and YouTube videos, Asians are being targeted for nearly every aspect imaginable. Language, height, athletic capabilities, economic impact, etc. The list can go on and on. America is being Asianized whether people chose to admit it or not. We enjoy Asian foods, support Asian athletes and use Asian-made products. However, the barrier still exists and Asians are one of the many minorities being picked on.
Yao Ming is internationally known for his size and ability to dominate in the NBA. He has been featured on numerous commercials and played for his country (China) in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He is a decorated athlete and like most athletic celebrity figures, he is both praised and verbally abused by the general public. The media has created advertisements based on Yao's physical features. He is used as a form of entertainment and a way to generate revenue. If the media seems to love him so much, why does it continue to discriminate against the rest of the Asian minority?
The article "Yao Ming and the Asianization of America" discusses Asian stereotypes and how Yao identifies with them. He looks different and acts different, much like the Asian minority in America. But what do we consider different? Leonard's article discusses the Asian stereotypes in regards to femininity and masculinity. These are stereotypes that have existed for years in America and in athletics, we often consider Asians to be an extreme of one or the other. Leonard also considers Yao's influence in America and Asia as the "Ming Dynasty."
Yao Ming is not the first Asian sensation to excel in professional athletics. He will not the last, either. Americans must learn to accept the various cultures of this "melting pot" and appreciate the values and talent that these individuals bring to the world of sports. Asian athletes are marketable and appealing to those who are unfamiliar with their culture. They can bring an international crowd to professional leagues that was not established before. The Asian minority creates opportunities in athletics. They by no means harm American society or our daily lives. If anything, Asians have helped Americans prosper.
I think that Yao fits the idolized stereotype of American Athletic men, and that is why he is accepted moer than most people of his culture. However, even though he is famous and an amazing athlete, his culture still gets in the way of total exceptance. Its as if its because he doesnt fit the stereotype of most asains such as his height and his athleticism, and he still gets picked on for others racial connentations that he isnt different from, such as the dialect of their language. I think that yao has set milestones for the asain community breaking some of the racial barriers, however, its hard to say if time will stop all of the other criticisms he recieves within his own industry.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome picture of Yao! Good overview of the article and how it relates to class.
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