The traditional culture of China is one of the world's oldest and most complex cultures. Its intricate system of moral, social, and political philosophy derives from two social values: Confucianism and Taoism. Both worldviews emphasize government rule and social order. Rituals and customs, set as the base of social "norms," are codified as a primary goal to promote a contented, healthy, happy society. Within this fantasized, Utopian realm, relationships are highly valued and believed to promote social harmony. Despite its optimistic and focused mutuality intended to nurture human interpersonal relations, lesbianism is deemed unrecognizable, though, to some cultural researchers, covert in practice. One such observer of Asian homosexuality is Film Director Alice Wu, who highlighted the lesbian struggle for equal rights and social acceptance in the 2004 romantic comedy, "Saving Face."
[...] The lie that both sexual minority characters have to tell is a clear indication of the stereotypical views they try to avoid as a result of their forbidden love. Still worried about what the world thinks of their relationship, Wil does not want her mom to be disappointed in her, especially when her mother looks up to her being an esteemed medical surgeon. The reaction and treatment in the beginning of the movie towards the sexual minority characters were extremely profane, and by the end of the movie the Chinese community started to change their views to more accepting. [...]
[...] Both sexual minorities in this film have distinct stereotypes. Both women are expected to marry males. This notion is supported by the fact that their parents send them to Chinese social gatherings to find bachelors. When the women do not find an opposite mate the parents in this movie are seen to visible express their frustrations and concerns. They even go to the extent of arranging them on private dates, or giving them herbs that are believed to speed up their fertility rate. [...]
[...] Support can be the determining factor in anyone's experience whether accepting one's sexual preference as seen with Wil and Vivian or culturally acceptance as seen in my own personal case. Wil and Vivian did not have the support from their traditional Chinese community, so therefore they felt pressured and were forced to hide their love for one another. My thoughts and feelings about the sexual minority characters differ from the reactions of other characters especially that of Wil's grandfather, because I am more open to change. Wil's grandfather [...]
[...] Sexual minorities such as Wil and Vivian are portrayed as outcasts. Many of Wil's peers; however, seem to have accepted her choice to love another female. They offer her advice and encourage her to express her feelings not only to Vivian but to openly share them with her family. This unusual form of support, as expressed by her African American friend, Jay, who understood the dynamics and depth of her own cultural alienation, inspired Wil to invite Vivian over to meet her mother for dinner. [...]
[...] moved in and started to “take over.” Wil finds relief in her job as she takes on more hours to avoid coming home to her hormone raging mother. Wil's mother senses homosexual behavior as Wil always dresses in men's clothing, and has never had a steady boyfriend. Ma, left in the house with little chores to do, devises a scheme to force her daughter into a marital relationship. She begins setting up Wil with accomplished Chinese bachelors in hopes that her daughter will soon find happiness in marriage. [...]
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