Week 9 - Asian Beauty Rises

Alyssa Vang - ASA 141 - Week 9 - Asian Beauty Rises

    

    Frith, Chong, and Shaw brings up a lot of good points in their article race and beauty about the differences on using Western models and Asian models. Coming from an Asian background, I feel like most of us don't see ourselfs as models because we look differenly from western models. Western models usually has specific expectations in order to be one, like you have to have nice silky black or blonde hair and be over six feet tall and have a thin figure to be able to pull off being a model. I think this is one of the reasons why there are high percentages of western models compared to Asian models. By now, most Asians are probably getting more confidence and breaking the rules of those norms and just going for what they love and I support that. Due to these norms, I believe that Asians go towards more of beauty products because I feel like it enhances their characteristics due to facials (again not reaching the requirements of western norms) and thats why Korean beauty products are so popular now because they advertise really white and clear products for faces that most women would want and I also heard that they work really well. I personally use korean products, not for make up but facewashing wise, they work really well (my personal favorite is SkinFood). After korean products have increased on the market, this was probably one of the best things that drove Asians to create their own beauty line compared to being a model. 

   I know in the Hmong community, Hmong beauty products are also rising in the community. My mom personally spends about over $100 for facial products, whether its a face wash, detoxing facing cream, or moisturizer, and even foundation; not just my mom but other family members also. I have never looked into the products but they do the same as korean products, they advertise very white looking makeup to make your face less tan and foundations that fit your look to a lighter shade. I find it interesting that women would want their faces to look more caucasian (this white look). Why do people want to blend in with norms that people are trying to break? Why don't women just accept themselves how they are? Is it because society advertises it roughly so that women would want to look a certain way. This reminds me of Chinese women back in the days (correct me if I'm wrong) where they would paint their faces white for performances and traditions, but now its becoming a trend for women to want to look white (not literally; lol).