earticle

영어

In examining the controversy surrounding ‘Mimiyan’ in the animation ‘I Am What I Am’, it becomes evident that this issue in China extends beyond a mere lack of appreciation for diversity in beauty. It is intricately linked to historical and cultural backgrounds, as well as a history of racial discrimination against East Asians, particularly the Chinese. The Western ideology of ‘Yellow Peril’ justified colonialism and aggression towards East Asia, fostering a negative perception of the Chinese. Under this backdrop, characters like ‘Fu-Manchu’ emerged, and the West used ‘Mimiyan’ as an image code, creating a distorted and negative portrayal of the Chinese, thereby promoting racial discrimination. Consequently, ‘Mimiyan’ transcended its literal meaning as a physical eye shape to symbolize racial discrimination and insult towards the Chinese. Although extreme racial discrimination, as seen in ideologies like ‘Yellow Peril’ and laws such as the ‘Chinese Exclusion Act’, has dissipated, the history of racial discrimination persists. Western brands like D&G, Gucci, and Dior stirred controversy in China with their advertisements, where the ‘Mimiyan’ code stemmed from a Western orientalist perspective and a misconstrued understanding and stereotype of the Chinese. However, the controversies surrounding the ‘Sanzhisongshu’ advertisement and ‘I Am What I Am’ suggest that these instances reflect an inability of Chinese society to acknowledge the diversity of beauty, potentially marking the emergence of excessive nationalism and a new form of discrimination. Such controversies could prompt serious discussions within Chinese society about diversity in beauty and racial discrimination. This dialogue is crucial for fostering recognition and acceptance of diversity and individuality within Chinese society and culture. It could strengthen China's cultural identity and facilitate harmonious communication with global cultural trends.