Results: Anna May Wong (Part 2 of 4)

Anna May Wong (pictured here) was often told she didn't "look the part"; and roles for Asian characters went to Caucasian actresses like Mary Pickford and Myrna Loy - a practice known as whitewashing. When Wong was offered roles, they were often for unsettling stereotypes like "exotic, untamed beauties" and "villainous seductresses" as when she played Fu Manchu's daughter in "Daughter of the Dragon". Had you heard of whitewashing before?

As Anna May Wong's roles increased and her fame grew, she became known as a style icon. She had an eclectic wardrobe that combined traditional Chinese dress and the "scandalizing" straight-cut, sleeveless, and barely knee-length dresses worn by flappers of the era. Her wardrobe demonstrated her appreciation for the fashion of her culture, while her flapper apparel showed a frustration with the anti-Asian prejudice she dealt with. Here's Anna in a free-spirited flapper outfit. (Right click on photo and select, "Open image in new tab".) Would you describe your wardrobe as more traditional, or cutting edge?

East Asian characters were often played by white actors wearing stage make-up to approximate East Asian facial characteristics. This practice was called Yellowface. Which of the 2 reasons below do you think is more responsible for the use of Yellowface?

Have you seen any of these films using the practice of Yellowface?

Weary of dealing with Hollywood's discrimination, Wong traveled to Europe in the 1920's to appear on the London stage and in English, German, and French films. Would you consider living in another country for a job?