Hyper-Sexualization of Asian American Women

Abstract

Previous research tends to investigate discrimination against Asian-Americans, however, little research analyzes the discrimination of Asian American Women. This paper starts with Asian immigration and the establishment of the Page Act. Then, this paper argues that the Page Act is heavily reliant on the U.S. society's stereotypes of Asian American women and the association of Asian American women with prostitution. These stereotypes and associations led to the current-day hyper-sexualization of Asian American women, including verbal and physical violence. A cause of the mistreatment of Asian American women lies in hemispherical racism and western military dominance during the post-war era. Lastly, the paper highlights the need to break through western misconceptions of Asian American women through solidarity with transnational feminism organizations and a more diverse media representation of Asian American women. Overall, the paper shows the continuity of discrimination against Asian American women throughout history and concludes its damaging effects on the identity development of Asian American females in the country.