Race and Social Media states that theorists argue about race as a verb, “pointing out that it is through the process of racialization that we ‘race’ others in out minds eye, giving them a label that corresponds or contrasts with the one we give ourselves.” The article goes on to point out a consequence of this racialization being negative interpellation, “where we feel uncomfortably noticed and made visible.“
Reading Race and Social Media this week hit close to home for me this week–figuratively and literally.
A few others in the class have already discussed Asian Americans in social media, and I’m sorry to have to contribute to that. I really don’t mean to be redundant, but when reading this week, it reminded me of my hometown’s portrayal on Youtube in the recent years—most notably by Youtubers The Fung Brothers. This duo’s channel focuses heavily on all things Asian American—or at least what they categorize as such. The example I want to point to is their music video “626,” a parody of Snoop Dogg’s “Young Wild and Free.”
The music video basically highlights all the “best” parts of my hometown, the San Gabriel Valley, which almost exclusively consists of boba shops and Asian restaurants. Although I do agree my hometown is filled with great food options that can make any food blogger happy, my hometown is much more than just boba. Okay, let me first state, I hate the Fung Borthers. This hatred started when this music video first came out; and from then on, their channel continually consists of nothing but stereotypes of Asian Americans—almost caricatures of Asian American identity. We drink boba, we eat pho and dim sum, we somehow all have the same upbringing with strict parents, we wear the same brand of clothes, we all dance/sing, etc.
In regards to this week reading, I do feel negative interpellation from Youtubers such as the Fung Brothers because it, in a way, rubs it in people’s faces that what they portray is representative of all Asian Americans. The article this week brought up an important discussion to me—is social media too racialized? Where should the line be drawn when it comes to Youtube videos such as “Sh*t Black/Asian/Hispanic Girls Say”? For channels such as the Fung Brothers, although I’m happy (to an extent) that the Asian American minority is given a chance to represent themselves in popular culture, relying on just the fact that you’re Asian American may not be the right way to go. I am more than just the food my culture eats. I am more than my area code. My area code is more than just Asian food. So why are Youtubers like the Fung Brothers focusing so much on race for views?
One last thing: I am not about that #BOBALIFE or #that626. I hate boba.
I find your blog post really enlightening, as it hits home to me and my UCLA experience with your connection to negative interpellation. As I have been exposed to many diverse students of the course of my two years here, I have felt increasingly uncomfortable with my association as a white female in Greek Life. Certain stereotypes are already pinned on my back without people taking the chance to get to know me, and although I am grateful for my upbringing, I never thought that I would feel guilty to be who I am. Thank you for your honesty in your post, and ironically, I am recently all about that #bobalife so if you ever need someone to take one off your hands, I’m your gal!
I feel the same way but regarding Latinos, and I think it is negative to portray a group of people in a stereotypical way. I don’t like how Latinos are all put in one category. Growing up people always assumed I was Mexican, but I’m really Salvadoran. I don’t like the narrow generalization because all Latino cultures are so different. You’re right in that you are not what you eat, where you are, etc!!! When I tell people I am Salvadoran they alwaaaaays bring up the Salvadoran gangs…
I’m totally with you on not being about that #bobalife. Youtubers like the Fung Brothers rely heavily on capitalizing their video content on the same stereotypical content that made them go viral. Their humor was entertaining at first, but the same “jokes” got tiring very fast. Unlike JustKidding Films or WongFu Productions, it doesn’t seem like the Fung Brothers have evolved their content to go beyond Asian food making their videos lack any real substance. It’s interesting to compare these Asian-American, viral, Internet-celebrities to how ethnic enclaves usually develop. Most enclaves begin attracting more and more business through their ethnic food, similarly to how the Fung Brother’s got their start.
This blog post is on point, my friend. I agree. I talk about in my blog post how Asian Americans were able to find others they could connect to over our culture (like WongFu or Nigahiga, etc.) But I completely agree with your sentiments in regards to the Fung Brothers. Their content is not necessarily benefitting Asian Americans in a positive light. I’ve seen some of their other videos, and I’ve definitely seen this one. I always find myself cringing while watching them. They’re not necessarily relatable, and it makes me feel bad about my own culture by the way the portray us.
This post is really interesting, because there is a similar thing seen with different Indian-American videos. A lot of the time these youtube videos are all essentially the same thing, making fun of the same thing. And a lot of the time it isn’t really benefiting the culture, society. I feel the same way about videos made about my ethnicity.
On the other hand, there does appear to be some pride attached to being Asian American/ from the 626. No one even says they go to eat asian food any more- they just say they are going to the 626. I have even seen people put their area code on their Instagram profiles. The stereotypes are helpful insofar as branding is concerned, but you rightfully point out that when that image is saturated, it becomes empty. There’s probably a need to find a middle ground between branding a community (for purposes of identification) and accurately representing it.