Movies

Chinese American MuseumLast February 27, 2010, I visited Chinese American Museum, located in the downtown of Los Angeles. It is the oldest and the last surviving original structure of Los Angeles Chinatown. Upon entering the green-colored wooden door, I walked through the lobby area. I witnessed the exhibit of the history on how Chinese immigrants started their life in Lose Angeles. The Chinese were the first Asian immigrants who entered the United States. Large-scale immigration began in the mid 1800s due to the California Gold Rush. Moreover, the other side of the room displayed old-fashioned Chinese pharmacy, Sun Wing WO Store. The store is a recreation of an actual store that was housed in Garnier Building in the 1890s.

The second floor showcased the Hollywood Chinese The Arthur Dong Collection. Its about a documentary on the Chinese-American featured films produced by Arthur, entitled Hollywood Chinese. The documentary emphasized the evolution on how Chinese-American imagined the cinema industry during the last century. At that time, most filmmakers and directors had to work under great pressure due to political and social condition. The collections range from 1916 to the present day which include posters, lobby cards, stills, scripts, press material, and to the other artifacts products. The films The Good Earth, The Vengeance of Fu Manchu, Charlie Chan in Honolulu, and Flower Drum Song highlighted the exhibit. These are some of the early films directed and written by Caucasians. The films are based on western peoples perspective on Chinese. Charlie Chan and Fu Manchu were the most recognized characters of western people literacy creation. During that period, American cinema industry were run by white people, even the Asian characters were portrayed by white actors. Often, looks were artificially changed with the use of make-up in order to approximate Asian facial characteristics. This implied that Fun Manchu was the stereotype Chinese evil character from western peoples views. In the middle of the gallery, there is a showcase. It contains a card board game known as Fu Manchu Hidden Hoard. Personally, I felt sad about it because it degraded its true purpose which is for childrens entertainment. They used it as an icon to show the competition in the real world. I believed that toy designers tried their best to avoid using icons such as angel and devil characters, or any designs that will influence children in engaging to racial stereotypes.

In the room where Hollywood Chinese documentaries were exhibited, posters are also hanged on the walls. These include Brokeback Mountain, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and Memoirs of Geisha. Nowadays, Hollywood movies are using Asian, Chinese-American, or Chinese actors from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Chinese directors are able to contribute to the Hollywood film industry. For instance, Director Ang Lee won the Oscar award for directing Brokeback Mountain (2005). In the Hollywood Chinese Documentary, Arthur Dong interviewed Ang Lee. In the interview, Ang Lee said, Hopefully in the future of film industry, people can see the director individually and not judge them by nationality.

During the tour, Arthur mentioned that western people think that all Chinese have Kung Fu skill. This is another stereotype influence by Kung Fu movies. Bruce Lee, Jet Li and Jackie Chan are three recognized Kung Fu actors. Being a Chinese, I really enjoy and appreciate Kung Fu movies. Why Because Kung Fu is art in a different and unique form which combines it with exercise. I believe it is a human achievement sport. Kung Fu movie productions are means of spreading and advertising Kung Fu art in digital media to the global arena.

My favorite part in the museum is the Sun Wing Wo General Store and Herb Shop. It reminds me the trip I had in Hong Kong 10 years ago. Even today, some stores in Hong Kong still have wooden cabinet and old-fashioned cashier machines. Sun Wing WO General Store was a multi-purpose space that showed how self-sufficient the Chinese were. They had to be independent due to racism and discrimination but at the same time they were responsive to the needs of their community. There were European, Japanese, and Mexican Americans who also came to purchase Chinese merchandise.

In the 20 century, Chinese had adopted the western culture. The western culture was also influenced by Chinese. The changes are continuous nowadays. In effect, Asian and Chinese actors and actresses have more opportunities to be international stars.