Race + Burlesque: Dita Von Teese Dons Yellowface

CHC: In my opinion it is Orientalism, and by employing it she harkens back to the movements of the 1800s and 1900s when all things Oriental were vogue. It appeals to the good ole days much like the re-appearence of blackface that’s been popping up in culture on Broadway and in the art scene. No matter the artist’s objective that messaging can’t be avoided.

ExHOTic Other: …also the connection of what Said talked about with the idea of Orientalism,  is this western

ExHOTic Other. Courtesy: nishasondhe.com

obsession with the other–the “East,” the “Orient”–coupled with wanting to conquer and control this thing–and this is also the time 1850s-1970s when there are explicit laws in the US targeting Asian people. The first ever anti-immigrant law in the US of “undesirable” immigrants for coming in is actually against Asian women: The Page Act 1875, who were [assumed by lawmakers] to come [to the US} and become sex workers. [And] actual wars being fought against Asian countries.

So, while in media and art [content makers] have people dressing in yellowface and making fun of and dehumanizing Asian people–creating, as Shanghai Pearl talks about, these two-dimensional beings–the actual effects of this behavior is it allows for actual real-life effects of laws being passed and wars to be waged against Asian people and Asian countries….

[A]ll trying to say that art has actual effects on society: it did when yellowface was popular back in the day, and it continues to have real life effects today in a climate where there’s so much anti-immigrant sentiment and laws continue to be passed.

SP: I read that she smoked opium in her research for the act, so I would be surprised if the Opium Wars did not turn up in her research.

AP: Shanghai, you wrote what Chicava and I thought was a succinctly well-reasoned and just amazing letter to Von Teese about her act, stating in part:

The Strip Strip Hooray show is spectacular and revolutionary in so many different and wonderful ways.

Shanghai Pearl. Photo: Christopher E. Bachmann

However,  I was stunned that the finale was an act that perpetuates harmful and negative stereotypes of Asian women. It was very incongruous with the rest of the show. I am writing to ask you if you are aware of how offensive and hurtful your Opium Den act is.

As an Asian woman, I was offended and hurt by this piece. I have lived my entire life defending my three dimensional humanity and sexuality against harmful two dimensional stereotypes. We all go through life with many privileges and it is one of your privileges to not have to defend yourself against hypersexualized Asian stereotypes. We have a responsibility when we are in any position of power to be sensitive to our privilege(s).

I was heartbroken at the thought of your legions of fans and followers thinking that cultural appropriation is not only acceptable, but popular, trendy, and fashionable.

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