The Historical Perspective Of Mass Media Laws Media Essay

The Historical Perspective Of Mass Media Laws Media Essay Mass Media laws in subcontinent have a long history and are deeply rooted in the countrys colonial experience under British rule. The earliest regulatory measures can be traced back to 1799 when Lord Wellesley promulgated the Press Regulations, which had the effect of imposing pre-censorship on an infant newspaper publishing industry. The onset of 1835 saw the promulgation of the Press Act, which undid most of, the repressive features of earlier legislations on the subject.   Thereafter on 18th June 1857, the government passed the Gagging Act, which among various other things, introduced compulsory licensing for the owning or running of printing presses; empowered the government to prohibit the publication or circulation of any newspaper, book or other printed material and banned the publication or dissemination of statements or news stories which had a tendency to cause a furore against the government, thereby weakening its authority.   Then followed the Press and Registration of Books Act in 1867. Governor General Lord Lytton promulgated the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 allowing the government to clamp down on the publication of writings deemed seditious and to impose punitive sanctions on printers and publishers who failed to fall in line. In 1908, Lord Minto promulgated the Newspapers (Incitement to Offences) Act, 1908 which authorized local authorities to take action against the editor of any newspaper that published matter deemed to constitute an incitement to rebellion.   Thus, although the freedom of the press is guaranteed as a fundamental right, it is necessary for us to deal with the various laws governing the different areas of media so as to appreciate the vast expanse of media laws. Media laws in Pakistan through different regimes: Political  instability in Pakistan affected the Media tremendously. All branches of media were affected but print media suffered badly. Although, it was declared many times in constitution that freedom of speech and expression would be provided to the media. However, this rule was never truly implemented and many political leaders banned the press during their regime. In the constitution of 1956, an article specifically devoted to freedom of speech was included. The 1956 Constitution lasted less than three years and was abrogated by the imposition of martial law in October 1958. In 1962, with the removal of Martial law a new constitution was enforced which continued the recognition of an initial concept of freedom of expression. But in reality, a military ruler imposed the constitution, which was completely devoid of laws of freedom. However, the strong reaction of press and the public resulted in Constitutional Amendment No. 1 to the 1962 Constitution and in 1963; the Press and Pu blications Ordinance (PPO) came into being. PPO contained the harshest of laws curtailing freedom of expression and the progressive development of the media. But soon in March 1969, General Yahya Khan imposed martial law and relied heavily on one of the measures of this ordinance, the system of press advice given out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in order to avoid publication of news and reports deemed unsuitable for public consumption. During this period, newspapers and magazines known for their independent and progressive views were taken over by the government. Eventually the National Press Trust, created in 1964, took over these journals and acted as a front to control a section of the press. Promulgation of the Western Pakistan Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance had the aim was to consolidate into one law different provisions for preventive detention of persons and control of persons and publications for reasons connected with the maintenance of public order and refine and reinforce the mechanism of repression. With amendments in 1963 and 1964, this law empowered the government to ban the printing of publications, to enter and search premises, and to prohibit import of newspapers, among other measures. These powers have been used by succeeding governments right up until the government of Musharraf. In 1961, the government also took over the principal news agency of the country, the APP, to get a strong grasp of media, arguing that administrative and economical breakdown justified such a move. Instead of giving permission to private enterprise to improve the quality of the news agency, the government saw this as an opportunity to suppress the news that were supplied to the print media, to radio, and to the outside world. In spite of such repressive times, the press took a bold stand by providing alternative sources of news through an independent press and in this way press started a rebellion against government. During the regime of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a President and Pakistans first civilian Chief, government reacted very strongly to criticism by various members of the press, and to suppress free voices imprisoned editors and publishers on the pretext of national security. The next five years represented the beginnings of democracy; however, they were spoiled by repressive actions toward the press. The new constitution, although formulated on the principles of democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech, failed to serve the purpose. The PPO remained, as did the National Press Trust. Moreover, through compulsion and manipulation, the government insured that the only other news agency in the country (besides the government-owned APP), the Pakistan Press International (PPI), was brought under its authority. In 1977, with the implementation of martial law abuse of journalists became public rather than covert. Journalists were flogged in public at governments notion and until August 1988 mass media gone through a stunning oppression. The only positive fact of this era was the restoration of the news agency PPI to its original shareholders. Since then PPI provides a valuable alternative news source to the government-controlled APP. In December 1985, the new democratic political figure came into power but that relied on the old media laws. A caretaker government provided transition to a full-fledged democracy, which included repealing the press law that had pressurized the media for so long. A new law, known as the Registration of Printing Presses and Publications Ordinance was installed in 1988. A key change in this law was enforced to stop government from intrusion in media. District Magistrate was supposed to issue a receipt to an applicant for the issuance of a declaration for the keeping of a printing press or the publication of a journal to provide the applicant with proof that would help avoid government interference. The most significant change or difference made by press law of 1988 was that governmental influence on media was reduced to a minimum limit and appeals were also now allowed. In addition, newspapers were given freedom and no longer obligated to publish in full the press notes issued by the government authorities. However, as representative bodies of the press wanted to revise the law of 1988 for a variety of reasons, so this press law continued to be re-promulgated as a decree through 1997, even though the Supreme Court ruled such re-promulgation illegal. The November 1988 elections brought with them a new phase of liberalism toward the mass media laws and regulations. During the rule of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, freedom of Expression and thought was uprising. But due to enormous political pressure and stress, media returned to the old, one-sided coverage after only four months. The free press grew stronger during this phase; and exhibited a new spirit in reporting the news and in analyzing the current affairs. Ministry of Information allowed a free and open system of importing newsprint at market prices. In 1990, with the dissolution of Benazir,s government, the new Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, took over and restored the issuance of permits system for news-print import for some unknown reasons. During this phase, government put sensational pressure on independent journalists, using both covert and overt means of revenge. To be honest, media was truly oppressed and tyrannized. In May 2000 Musharrafs regime was strengthened by a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court to validate the October 1999 coup as having been necessary; at the same time the Court announced that the Chief Executive should name a date not later than 90 days before the expiry of the three-year period from In 1999, Musharrafs administration seemed to follow a more open minded policy towards the press with fewer restrictions and much less exploitation. However, some sources reported continued harassment of and dangers to journalists. Mile stones: 1997: Nawaz Sharif overpowered Benazir Bhutto in the elections and activated a two-and-a half year reign of terror against the press. 1999: General Pervez Musharraf brought down Sharif, suspended the constitution, and declared martial law; Press harassment was reported and government agents raid the countrys most influential newspaper, Jang, because it was too critical of the government. 2001: Government introduced legislation to create a Press Council and new press laws. 2002: Journalists supported idea that the freedom of Information Ordinance Act allowed access to public records and details of decisions made by superior courts, armed forces, financial institutions, and intelligence agencies. 2010: Government could not check media outburst due to globalization. Many media officials and experts have now decided to suppress media terrorism by banning the display of bloodshed and massacre. Current situation: Presently, government has failed to check or ban media from spreading information because of intense technological advancements. Now nothing can remain hidden because of vast network of internet. Every person has free excess to the news around the globe. Requirement of media laws: As far as the question that is it necessary to call for media laws? is concerned we can easily say that laws absolutely necessary for the proper functioning of any organization as they help to maintain check and balance. Following arguments prove the significance of media laws: 1) Media sometimes crosses the limits and does more than enough, in order to stop this there should be a check/law. 2) We often hear much about fundamental human rights on media, but by exhibiting violation of these rights media itself violates human rights. That thing also needs to be suppressed. 3) Personal and communal privacy is highly affected by media. No secret remains secret because of media globalization. Some things happen to worth keeping private so to protect privacy law is essential. 4) The owner of the product is responsible that in case the product is provided to be used by somebody else, that this user is in compliance with the above rules and regulations and agrees to not mention, comment, state or otherwise discuss anything about the respective product. A corresponding law may need to govern import restrictions so that ANYTHING, product or service or even visitors to the respective country need to sign when entering the respective country to obey to this law. Media legislative bodies in Pakistan: The Authority or government is responsible for assisting and regulating the establishment and operation of all private broadcast media and distribution services in Pakistan established for the purpose of international, national, provincial, district, and local or special target audiences. Government has made special organizations to deal with media. New legislation has been planned for the formation of Press Council. Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and Ministry of information are two famous lawmaking bodies in this country. CENSORSHIP: Censorship is considered very important in perspective of media. It holds same significance for media as a bridle for a horse. It keeps media in limits. A governmental organization censors anything that is considered morally corrupt. But as an old latin phrase states WHO WILL GUARD THE GUARDS, here comes a point that who will suggest that something is morally crooked? Code of ethics is one thing which will help here. All laws of censorship are meaningless without the code of ethics. Government of Pakistan has tried very hard to implement laws of censorship. But this is crystal clear that Pakistani censor board has awfully failed to do so. The reason definitely is the stark absence of code of ethics. Censorship saturates journalism history in Pakistan; certainly, the blackest censorship period came during General Zias 10-year military regime. Almost all journalists recall that as an era of thorough control. Government used most subtle means of censorship. It specified that whoever contravenes any provision of this regulation shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to ten years, and shall be liable to fine or stripes not to exceed twenty-five. Sharif used additional means to ensure press observance. He used intelligence operatives to penetrate newsrooms and press unions and sent many spies doubling as reporters, and journalists moonlighting as government agents, trust became difficult for all. PRESS LAWS: Our freedom depends in large part, on the continuation of a free press, which is the strongest guarantee of a free society.    Richard M. Schmidt-   Constitutional Provisions Guarantees An article in constitution Pakistan provides freedom of speech and fundamental rights, this piece of writing refers especially to press and is given below: Article 19, Freedom of Speech: Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, commission of or incitement to an offense. The Constitution ensures the freedom of expression and freedom of the press with reasonable restrictions that may be forced by law. Judiciary holds the responsibility to determine parameters of the permissible freedoms and the extent to which media should be restricted. The judiciary can serve its purpose only if it is independent and free of any political, social and communal pressure. It is a general observation that judiciary accommodates the freedom of expression and information, and wants to fortify the mass media. But government officials and big guns often have great influence on judiciary or to be more precise, we can say that the courts are directly controlled by them. The reason perhaps lies in the fact that the president controls the selection, transfer, and tenure of judges. Especially when any military dictator gets control of government, judiciary bears the burnt of disturbance. The incident that happened in January 2000, when Musharraf required all judges to take an oa th of loyalty to his regime the Supreme Court Justice and five colleagues refused, is the best example of government control on judiciary. The constitution also sketch outs the power of the president to promulgate decrees and to set aside fundamental rights during an emergency period when his own interest comes in question. Musharrafs military coup on October 12, 1999, led to such an annihilation of fundamental rights and violation of laws when he suspended constitution and assumed the additional title of Chief Executive, appointed an eight-member National Security Council to function as the supreme governing body of Pakistan and dissolved both the Senate and the National Assembly. On May 16, 2002, the Minister of Information, along with the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors and the All Pakistan Newspaper Society, released drafts for the legislation for comment and debate. Newspaper editors also urged that the Freedom of Information Act and the amended Registration of Printing Press and Publication Ordinance be promulgated by the government, along with the Press Council Ordinance. The International Press Institute (IPI) identified major concerns including the desire to create a quasi-judicial body without proper procedures in place to provide fairness and equity. The IPI also expressed reservations about the proposed composition, financing, and the terminology used in describing the ethical code, and made a number of recommendations for improving the draft ordinance. The PFUJ and the APNEC reacted in similar ways to the proposed legislation. In a joint statement issued on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, leaders of the two organizations said they regretted that the Press and Publication Ordinance against which the journalists community had striven for almost two decades had once again been revived and newspapers were being closed down under the same black law. The statement said fresh attempts in the shape of the Press Council were being framed by Musharrafs government to silence the voice of the print media in the country. They said the PFUJ and APNEC had already rejected the idea of setting up the council and that news people were still being subjected to different pressure tactics, including threats to their lives. They demanded that the government repeal more than 16 black laws, including the Press and Publication Ordinance, and to insure implementation of the labor laws by ending exploitation of the working journalists and newspaper worke rs. They also called for enforcing the Freedom of Information Act to ensure easy access to information. The only other press laws in effect while the current proposed press laws are under review are general ones prohibiting publication of obscene material, inciting religious, parochial, or ethnic provocations, and anti-defamation provisions. Foreign Ownership of Domestic Media: Due to continual foreign intervention previous press laws included provisions restricting foreign ownership in the press. The law specified that a non-inhabitant of Pakistan could hold shares in any newspaper only with the approval of the government and only if such chipping in ownership should not be more than 25 percent of the entire proprietary interest. Currently, there is no such information on foreign ownership provisions in the proposed new press laws. Summing up: Pakistans chaotic history, coupled with its ongoing political and economic crises, places the press in the position of informing the citizenry while also providing a check on the powers in office. Since its founding in 1947, Pakistan has suffered three periods of martial law and two military dictatorships, nevertheless the press goes on. The freedoms that insure the existence of the press are contained in Pakistans constitution, which remained suspended in 2002, and yet the press lasts and continues to safeguard those freedoms. Over the years members of the press have been arrested and jailed, have had their offices raided and ransacked, have been publicly flogged, and severely censored, tortured and pained. But the press still persists and has a stronger voice today than ever before. Members of the Pakistan press must work diligently to have their voices heard in the governments attempt to create a Press Council and new press laws. Problems facing the Pakistan press are not new, nor are there any quick fixes to them. Recent arrests of respected Pakistani journalists have spurred concern. Pakistan is dependent upon foreign aid, however, and is thus vulnerable to international pressures, which should help the plight of journalists being abused. In addition, a new generation of female editors who are sensitive to the abuses otherwise ignored by their male counterparts will undoubtedly help journalists and human rights victims. Conclusion:   In this age of media explosion, you cannot simply remain restrained to the boundaries of the traditional media. The media world has expanded its dimensions by encompassing within its orbit, the widening vistas of cyber media etc. The word law with media reminds us of a ferocious horse who has been forced to follow certain predetermined pathways, but as it seems nearly impossible to control the horse so the case of media is just like that. The more you try to organize the horse the more you get in trouble. But here are other ways to overcome the trouble; instead of dealing with the problem by force wed better put it in some sensible hands. It means, wed control media with code of ethics and morals rather than with laws or force.

Neuropathology and Etiology of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have not yet fully come to full grips with the real causes of Alzheimer’s disease, however, one clear aspect of the development of this disease arise from a very complex chain of activities taking place in the brain over a long period of lifetime. It has been argued that genetic, environmental and even lifestyle factors have contributed to major causes of this disease. Risk and protective factors may include genetic, medical, biological, environmental, dietary, social and cultural aspects (Draper, 2004).In genetic aspect, APOE E2 is rare and creates protection against Alzheimer’s disease and in case it does occur in much later years than in people with APOE E3 and APOE E4. APOE E3 forms the most common Allele and is assumed to perform a neutral role in Alzheimer’s disease. This means it neither stimulates nor increases reactions that would lead to the development of Alzheimer’s. The APOE E4 occurs in the most common and occurs in approximately 4 0% in those who suffer from late onset Alzheimer’s disease. It is therefore common that people with APOE E4 are more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (Kuhn & Verity, 2007).It is infact known as the risk factor gene in that it increases one’s level of risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Early – onset Alzheimer’s disease, affecting few people is as a result of chromosome different gene mutations on specific chromosomes (Martinison&Musaswes, 1993). These include chromosome 21, 14 and chromosome 1 and all these produces abnormal proteins. Permanent changes in chromosome 21 lead to the creation of APP (Abnormal Amyloid Precursor Protein) while the same process in chromosome 14 leads to the formation of abnormal presenilin and mutation in chromosome 1 lead to creation of abnormal presenilin.Inheritance of even one of these genes from both or one parent is most likely to develop early onset Alzheimer’s disease. This kind of inhe ritance pattern is referred to as â€Å"abnormal dominant inheritance†. Another possible risk towards the development of Alzheimer’s disease is SOR1 (Roudier et al, 1991). This gene is solely responsible for the transportation of APP (Abnormal Amyloid Precursor Protein) within the cells and was discovered to be connected to Alzheimer’s disease. While it is present in low levels, beta amyloid levels increase and may have a negative effect on neurons (Ramanathan, 1997).The difference in genetic make up from one person to another either delays or completely prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, also known as Familial Alzheimer’s disease. It is mainly inherited from parents and is caused by mutations in three genes. (APOE E2, APOE E3, APOE E4). There is a 50-50 chance of an offspring developing early onset Alzheimer’s diseases if one of the parents had it, averagely at the age of 30-60. As many as 5. 3 million Americans are living with Alzh eimer’s disease.It is know to destroy brain cells and hence cause problems with behavior, thinking and memory severely enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social infract It has been graded the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States (Mace & Rabins, 2007). There is no known cure to Alzheimer’s disease yet but an attempt to control it is going on. Scientists and researchers have come up with brain implants aimed to controlling it. These implants contain proteins called Nerve Growth Factors (NGF) which directly delivered to brain nerve cells, which in turn stimulates their growth and thus reduces the chances of their degeneration.Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is responsible for controlling cell regeneration in the entire body but it is denied entry into the brain, this makes brain cells lack ability to self-regenerate (Taylor, 2006). Alzheimer’s’ disease has no cure however and irreversible. It is as a result of progressive brain damage characte rized by the building up of amyloid plagues and neurofibrillary tangles, lack of connection in the brain cells and the eventual death of these verve cells. Symptomatic treatment in combination with right support and proper service can lessen the pain of living with this disease.Change in different forms of lifestyle choices can also reduce the prevalence of this disease. It is a complex disease to understand because it affects individuals differently in the order in which symptoms come to surface, their order of appearance, the duration it lasts before end point and variation in the duration of stage. Increased vigor worldwide to find a lasting break through in proper treatment of this disease is underway (Coste, 2004). These include efforts to delay its onset, reduce late of its development and eliminate it from the body.Research also suggests that different forms of lifestyle such as nutrition, social activities; mentally involving activities are factors likely to reduce Alzheimer ’s disease. Progression of series of Alzheimer’s disease consists of five stages expanded to seven stages by the use of a Modified Global Deterioration scale (GDS). This scale assists doctors to measure the exact level of progression of the disease in a patient and administer right medication. Stages of Alzheimer’s disease include the early stage where the individual has mild impairenent arising from this disease (Pearce, 2007).Symptoms in this stage include rapid changes in mood and behavior, forgetfulness, and lack of proper communication. This group still contains most of their capabilities and thus needs very minimal life support. Further deterioration in this stage one leads to the middle stage. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which a person has memory problems greater than those expected for his or her age. However, people with MCI do not have the personality changes or cognitive problems that characterize (Callone, 2007).Memory loss, dif ficulty in identifying people and objects are symptoms of middle stage although there may be little awareness. The late stage eventually does not allow verbal communication or one to take care of himself. This level require external support although their lives. The fourth stage, at end of life, is when one comes close to death and comfort is the main focus.Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) or Reisberg scale provides care givers with a better accurate measure of the level of deterioration stage. References: Draper B., (2004); Dealing with Dementia: A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias. ISBN-10: 1865088536, ISBN-13: 978-1865088532, Allen & Unwin. Roudier, M. , Marcie, P. , Podrabinek, N., Lamour, Y. , Payan, C. , Fermanian, J. and Boller, F. , (1991): Cognitive Functions in Alzheimer's Disease: Interaction of Cognitive Domains. Developmental Neuropsychology. Volume: 7. Issue: 2. Kuhn, D. & Verity, J., (2007): The Art of Dementia Care. ISBN-10: 140189951X, ISBN-13: 978-14 01899516, Delmar Cengage Learning. Martinson, I. M. and Muwaswes, M. , (1993) ; Care giving Demands of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.Journal Title: Journal of Community Health Nursing. Volume: 10. Issue: 4. 1993. Page Number: 225. Ramanathan, V. , (1997);Alzheimer Discourse: Some Sociolinguistic Dimensions. ISBN: 9780805823554, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Mahwah, NJ. Taylor, R.. , (2006): Alzheimer’s from the inside out. ISBN-10: 1932529233, ISBN-13: 978-1932529234, Health Professions Press. Coste, K. J. , (2004): Learning to Speak Alzheimer's: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease. ISBN-10: 1864710632, ISBN-13: 978-0618485178, Mariner Books. Pearce, N., (2007): Inside Alzheimer's: How to Hear and Honor Connections with a Person who has Dementia.ISBN-10: 0978829905, ISBN-13: 978-0978829902, Forrason Press Callone, P. , (2007): A Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer's Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier. ISBN-10: 1932603166, ISBN-13: 978-19 32603163, Demos Medical Publishing. Mace, L. N. & Rabins, V. P. , (2007);The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, 4th Edition, ISBN-10: 0801885094,ISBN-13: 978-0801885099, John’s Hopkins University Press

Through a Different Perspective

Asian and Asian American culture are historically known for having a strict, distinctive boundary between the traditional roles of women and men, where, In the domestic sphere, women are submissive to male authority figures, which are typically embodied in the father or husband. One well known example that calls to mind this subordination of women to men is China's one-child policy, which often leads to ill treatment, abandonment or leaving up for adoption of female infants and children as a result of wanting a male child to lead the family and carry on the family name.While this might be a more extreme result of this stereotype, there are many other similar historical stereotypes that subordinate the woman to the man In Asian and Aslant American culture. Regardless of historical stereotypes, however, It Is clear to many individuals today that times are changing and causing culture to shift. One accessible way of highlighting the degree to which Asian and Asian American culture has c hanged from past to present is through film.Alice Wow's Saving Face and Ketene Meat's Spices note a number of historical stereotypes, but more importantly, they pen up dialogue about the slightly functions of female and male roles. Through the combination of symbol and metaphor, setting and situation, and most Importantly, contrast between traditional and non-traditional, Alice Www and Ketene Meta enable a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity in their respective films, Saving Face and Spices.Several historical stereotypes characterize traditional Asian and Asian American culture; Alice Www and Ketene Meta address these stereotypes and more. Many historical stereotypes of Aslant and Asian American culture revolve around the way a Oman should act in and outside of marriage and the way In which her Individual role contributes to the identity of a given cultural or familial group. Both Www and Meta present the traditional heterosexual married co uple where the husband's word is comparable to law.In Saving Face, Www provides the grandparents and although the grandmother can offer her input and opinion to her husband, when it comes to serious matters like kicking out their daughter as a result of an illegitimate child, which goes against another stereotype, the grandfather's decision holds fast. In pieces, Meta presents Sarasota and the mukluk, where the authority of the husband's word is even more evident.Stereotypically, the wife and husband are also either fairly close in age or the husband is older. Other obvious historical stereotypes relate to how a woman should act in general. According to stereotypical Asian and Asian American culture, the woman should dress femininely and be passive and non- defiant, not only to the dominant male figure In her life, but In general as well. Historically, women could not receive an education either.Altogether, this creates the tropically impression of an Asian or Asian American woman w ith little or no personal identity, but rather an identity where she blends into the cultural group she is a part of. Historical stereotypes of Asian and Asian American men revolve around his status as an authority figure in the family. He generally has a very dominant and controlling point of view and way of interacting with his family. By addressing these points historical stereotypes both directly and Indirectly and combining them with Asian American femininity and masculinity.Through setting and situation, Www and Meta heighten the contrast between satirical stereotype and changing times, thus allowing viewers to experience dynamic characters who change and come to exemplify transgressing individuals, as opposed to having only static characters that are stuck in a historically stereotypical mentality. Saving Face is set in what seems to be modern day New York, where diversity in all forms is represented. The openness of thought in this setting creates all sorts of situations tha t are starkly different from traditional Asian and Asian American stereotypes, which shy in comparison in the film.For example, the introduction of an African American best friend in the form of Jay, which the mother meets and initially Judges close-minded because of his differing race turns into a situation later on in the film where the two of them are sitting side by side on the couch sharing the experience of an Asian television show. There are also more subtle situations where anti-stereotypical, and even transgressing, thought is expressed.Another such example is the instance when the grandmother mentions how Wig's more masculine attire is fine for a woman. These situations and similar ones pugnaciously give viewers a different understanding of how times are changing, especially in relation to Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity, thus opening up viewers' thoughts to other, more transgressing situations like LIGHT issues surrounding Wig's official coming out and her acceptance into her family, as well as the idea of an illegitimate child to a much younger man.In a setting full of diversity like that in Saving Face, the unique characteristics of each individual are heightened, thus eventually giving Will the â€Å"validated[ion] for both [her] ethnic and lesbian/gay densities† and a â€Å"sense of social belonging and group cohesion† that Connie S. Chain notes are usually afforded as a result of coming out (Chain, 241).Proof of this success of both sexual and ethnic identity comes at the end of the film where the dance party, a common part of the Asian American community represented in the film, accommodates all the transgressors and accepts them, ultimately dismissing those who do not accept them by having them leave the party. In contrast, the setting of Meat's Spices is one of rigidity and at its most basic level, uniformity. It is set in sass India, a period of British colonialism, which enforces the ideas of oppression an d fear of resistance (Shores, April 9, 2014).This setting makes any type of resistance all the more outlandish and outrageous, thus drawing attention to the transgressing women and men in the film and the way in which they struggle to break historical stereotypes and gender norms. The setting of the film allows for the placement of the â€Å"all-powerful Subdued†, who exemplifies not only overbearing characteristics of colonialism, but more generally speaking, the sexual dominance of the Asian man over the Asian woman (Shores, 251).The Much plays a similar role but really expounds upon the domestic dominance an Asian or Asian American husband stereotypically has over his wife. To contrast these static characters who continue to represent these aspects throughout the duration of the film, Meta introduces transgressing men such as Master's and ABA Mania who both have more enlightened ways of thinking in comparison to the other male characters. The stark difference in these two different sets of men, again, highlights the more of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity.In terms of female ranginess, this is even more evident than male transgression because of the way in which females are naturally expected to be non-defiant, especially towards the men of power in their family and in the community they are a part of. In a way, Meta uses this play on power between the Subdued and Sinbad to empower Sinbad more. If â€Å"the Subdued wants Sinbad because of her defiance† and if â€Å"her resistances is a power that excites him,† Meta suggests that a woman who is not completely submissive is more desirable than one who is because of the way she can more equally challenge a male counterpart (Shores, 250).Similarly, Meta empowers Shirtwaist by giving her acts of transgression real purpose. Each of her transgressions from putting her daughter into school, to kicking the Much out of their house, to leading the protest against the Subdued and her husband are followed by strong protests, and even violence, from her husband, thus emphasizing the true strength and ability of a female through persistent resistance and the effect it has on the dominant male figure in her life.If a woman's role were to really be passive and unimportant, the man's word to the public would be final and the woman loud either be literally or figuratively silenced, however the Much constantly brings up the way in which her actions continually affect his political and communal appearance, thus depicting the existence of a permanent voice. While the settings of each of the films more directly set the tone for enabling a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity, symbols and metaphor enhance this understanding on a more subconscious level.In Saving Face, Www constantly brings in the image of the face, both clear and unobstructed as well as partially hidden from view (Shores, April 2, 2014). The title even mentions the face as well. This constant symbol of the face suggests personal identity and in terms of this film, alludes to an identity not based solely on either sexuality or ethnicity, but rather a cohesion of â€Å"ethnic and lesbian/gay identities† (Chain, 241). The recurrence of the image of the face hints at the importance of individual identity, especially for what would be transgressors of historical stereotypes.There is a constant reminder about the image one gives to the public and the way it differs from one's true self. A symbol that enhances a different understanding in Spices, is the symbol, or trope, of the chili pepper. The chili peppers â€Å"symbolize women's sexuality,† but more importantly, they not only â€Å"offer a literal and metaphoric form of resistance,† but also come to symbolize the power of colonialism and violent dominance in general because of their blood red color (Shores, 247).The scenes where Sinbad runs through and over the chili pep pers and falls down symbolizes the success of colonialism and the way in which it has led to the overcoming of not only villages as a whole, but also the women themselves. At the name time, however, Sinbad gets up and continues to run over the chili peppers, showing how colonialism and oppression are overcome.By the end of the film, it is the very symbol of colonialism and violence that causes the women to come together in resistance against the Subdued, thus showing how colonialism and oppression become the very reason and purpose behind resistance, essentially acting as a spearhead against whoever imposes those things to begin with. In a more literal way become the literal weapons against the Subdued, who â€Å"embodies the colonizers power† (Shores, 249).Through this change in purpose of the symbol of chili peppers as a result of the unification of transgressing thought personified in Sinbad, Shirtwaist, ABA Mania, and the women who eventually come to use the ground up chi li powder as a weapon, viewers come to a subconscious realization of a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity and the way in which this understanding is truly sculpted at the hands of those who are oppressed as they come to face and conquer their oppressors.Alice Www and Ketene Meta use these various strategies and more in their exceptive films, Saving Face and Spices to enable a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity. By enabling these different understandings, they break historical stereotypes of Asian and Asian American women and men and empower females in a way that gives them a starkly different image than what is commonly attributed to them.

Asian American Experience Through Art - 2816 Words

The Asian American Experience Explained Through Art Introduction The United States is the land of the free, and the home of the brave according to the song, but there is a dichotomy that exists between those who have called the United States their home for a long period of time, and those who are immigrating to the US. Asian Americans are a group that very few think of as having difficulties because the stereotype is of a group that is intelligent and is actually doing better than the average American. While this may seem to be true, better grades in a school setting does not mean that people who come from other countries are not experiencing racism (both overt and subtle), stereotyping and alienation in this country. Although there has been some difficulty, many groups are experiencing newfound hope because of the actions that they are taking. The plight, and the hope of the Asian cultures are being documented by artists of different stripes who are eager to depict what has happened to Asians as they try to build their own America, and assimilat e into the one that was built before they came. In this paper, the Asian American cultures will be examined through the art that has been produced over the many years that Asian people have striven to make their way as new Americans. Searching for an Identity Leaving ones own country and moving to another is one of the most difficult journeys anyone can make. In ones home country, he or she has a place, an identity that isShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Asian Art1218 Words   |  5 PagesArt is a way for the Asian artist to express their feelings with the viewers. The Asian culture uses art to convey the connection between people and nature in the form of brush painting and Japanese wood block printing. 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In 1985, Asian immigrants made up less than half of the total immigrant population, many of which have settled in New York City and California. The â€Å"selective phenomenon† known as migration has been impelled by the â€Å"demographic, economic, social and psychological attributes† of the location (Desbarat s 305). Migration on a global scale is influenced by factors such as available alternativesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The All American Movie Experience 943 Words   |  4 Pages Two American cities Tulsa and Miami competed in the All-American City (AAC) Contest set by the famous director Steven Spielberg for the purpose of shooting his movie â€Å"The All-American Movie Experience† in one of these cities. Through this competition, each city committee tried to present that their city reflects the American culture more than other. Throughout my essay I will argue that Tulsa should be chosen to be the All-American city rather than Miami. This will be demonstrated by contrastingRead MoreThe Media s Portrayal Of Asian Americans1218 Words   |  5 Pagesattitude of one person towards another class of people and stereotype them in positive, but mostly negative ways. One population that has played victim to the repercussions of the mass media is Asian Americans, who have been oppressed and deemed a minority by Americans. The media’s portrayal of Asian Americans has had detrimental effects on one’s opportunities, performance, and their perception of the world. The mass media consists of any means of communication that has the ability to reach a largeRead MoreRacism In Racism1248 Words   |  5 Pagesagainst Asians is increasing in American society. This trend is happening more often over the last decade. Yet, only a handful reports have documented the situation. Largely, this is due to the influence of the media. 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