Do Asian Stereotypes Get Old?

Last week, the YOMOMF Network’s YouTube video “How To Be More Asian” began doing the rounds on social media. In this video, we see two Caucasian entertainment managers attempting to persuade two Asian actors to act “more Asian”. Accompanied by a catchy tune, the Asian actors try to do so and in the process show their affection for Hello Kitty tattoos and eating sushi off naked bodies. At the end of the video, the Caucasians walk away fazed by such “bizarre” behaviour.

Yet another piece of media that showcases Asian stereotypes in a humourous manner.

Is the video racist?

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Natalie Tran: The Un-Stereotypical Asian Australian On YouTube

One notable Asian Australian on YouTube is Sydneysider Natalie Tran.

With over 400 million channel views, Tran’s communitychannel is the most subscribed YouTube channel in Australia. She uploads videos in the form of short skits pointing out the intriguing banalities of everyday life, scripting each one and playing all the characters herself. Reality TV drama, racism Down Under and the frustrations of finding dropped food on the floor are just a few of the topics Tran has addressed.

Natalie Tran typically begins her videos with a friendly "Hi". Screenshot from "Where Did It Go??".

Natalie Tran typically begins her videos with a friendly “Hi”. Screenshot from “Where Did It Go??”.

Just why are so many (young) Asian Australians drawn to Tran, whose parents were Vietnamese refugees? Why are so many non-Asians, Caucasians drawn to her and her rather humorous videos as well?

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