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Write at least 1 comment on the beginning of the film.

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Write at least 1 comment on the beginning of the film.

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Write at least 1 comment about the middle of the film. 

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Write at least 1 comment about the middle of the film. 

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Write at least 1 comment about the end of the film.

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Write at least 1 comment about the end of the film.

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Write at least 2 comments that apply a concept or theory from course materials so far to the film. Citations needed.

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Write at least 2 comments that apply a concept or theory from course materials so far to the film. Citations needed.

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I noticed that in San Francisco, many of the background characters were Asian. Many of these extras stared at the father-daughter for a while. This implied that characters looked foreign and mysterious.

I also noticed that characters like the Asian police officer (12:40) made fun of the main characters by saying he doesn’t speak or read Chinese. Furthermore, when the father declared that they were originally from the “East”, the police officer looked at them suspiciously. This facial expression implied that he too viewed his own people as a danger to society.

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I thought Mei Li and her father's first encounters with Asian Americans were all similar in terms of how Eastern and Western cultures clash during initial interactions. During the initial interaction between Mei Li and Sammy Fong, for instance, when Mei dropped a bowl of rice in an attempt to keep it warm, Sammy brushes it off and promises to feed both father and daughter all the food that they can eat, perhaps illustrating the contrast between a culture usually perceived as modest and a culture perceived excessive. Sammy, along with other characters that welcomed Mei and her father came off as a bit patronizing to me personally, with most of them feeling a sense of responsibility to have both the father and daughter assimilate into the American culture sooner rather than later. As such, a great deal of hegemonic upkeep occurs to get them both up to speed. - Elijah Belaniso

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Towards the middle portion of the film, I think Mei Li begins the process of assimilating into the Western culture to sort of Want Ta halfway. The scene that resonated with me the most was when they first officially meet by the spiraling staircase, especially because of their initial encounter that preceded it. Their first meeting in the garden showed Wang Ta's dominance as the master of the home; the wise and patient guide to the innocent Eastern foreigner. This was around the 42-minute mark, and I liked how relationship dynamic captured in-frame. With Mei Li in-frame, the camera was at an angle wherein it seems she was looking up to him as she spoke, and as the camera was switched over to Wang Ta, it was at an angle that made it look like he was looking down on her, with his tall frame casting shadows over her to convey dominance. Transitioning from this to when they officially meet at the staircase was night and day, as Wang Ta was mystified and entranced at the beauty of Mei Li as she descended down the stairs. The biggest difference? Mei Li was wearing a dress that all American women wore, at least according to Wang Ta's father who gave her the dress to wear. Now, Wang Ta is looking up at her filled with curiosity as he obviously sees her in a very different light than before. - Elijah Belaniso

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In the beginning of the film, there's already a difference shown between Asian Americans who immigrated to America and those who were raised on the U.S soil. Between these generations, it is evident that the older generation is still more traditional and encourage the younger generation to keep practicing Asain culture. This is seen when Wang tells stories about Mei-Li's father and suggests he doesn't push those traditions aside. - Josephina Tuinauvai

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I think that it is ironic that the police officer was Asian but was trying to be funny by saying he should of taken lessons in Chinese when he was trying to read the poster.

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I found each message behind every Act very interesting, the storytelling was really intriguing. There was a common theme throughout the Acts which included a conflict between keeping tradition or trying something new. It is evident that the older generations feel frustrated when tradition is not practiced with the younger generation and are not open to making changes. I see this issue still happening today between all races that immigrated to this country. I also wonder how the Asian actors/actresses felt about the "Chop Suey" Act.
- Josephina Tuinauvai

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By the end of this film, there was a resolution for both couples as they both had happy endings. This could be a symbolism to show how both the younger and older Asian generations refine their lifestyles to help the next generation adapt to America while still being connected to their culture. From our recent readings, I understand that many Asian characters were casted by Americans who put makeup on to fabricate Asian's natural features, so I was surprised to see the amount of Asian casts in this film with lead roles. But I was not suprised to see some Americans casted for these Asian characters.
- Josephina Tuinauvai

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Christina Klein explains that Rodger and Hammerstein's version of this novel keeps the viewers intrigued while shedding light on the racism and exclusion Asian immigrants experienced in Chinatown (Asians in America pg. 230). Klein also explains how the film shed light on Asian Americans who were highly educated  with a degree who still struggled to find themselves a job that kept them financially stable. For example, Wang Ta couldn't find a job that a normal American man would get with the same education level. This film deserves to be talked about more! - Josephina Tuinauvai

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In the beginning when Mei Li and her father are walking around in San Francisco she mentions that San Francisco must be a holy place because it was named after a Saint, and she is in awe of what San Francisco looks like. Later when they go visit Sammy about performing, Mei Li compliments the American food that she is eating and Sammy replies, chuckling explaining that the food Mei Li was eating is the best Chinese food San Francisco has.  Sammy later finds out that Mei Li and her father have come to San Francisco illegally, which catches him by surprise. It amazes me how many misconceptions there are of Asians and vice versa, how America/San Francisco is seen as "foreigners".

- Doris Setefano

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In the middle of Flower Drum, I noticed the difference in the music that is being performed by the Asians giving the performance. In the beginning they sang about songs of loyal officials, ghosts, love, and misery, there was deeper and stronger meaning their songs, while in the middle of flower drum I noticed in their songs they talked about gender roles, what men do with their careers, while women dress up; they also talked about food, they repeatedly sang, "chop-suey, chop-suey, chop-suey". It felt as though there wasn't much meaning in their songs in the middle of the film in comparison to the beginning.

- Doris Setefano

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At the end of Flower Drum, I was happy that Mei Li spoke up before the wedding proceeded. I was happy that both Mei Li and Sammy ended up being with their significant others that they truly loved instead of following through with that arranged marriage.

- Doris Setefano

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"Hammerstein takes “chop suey” as his metaphor for an ethnically and culturally diverse America, and gives it form in a musical number that the Chinatown residents perform in a shifting variety of Western dance styles, from the square dance to the waltz," (Klein, 231).

The significance of chop suey shows the evolution of Asians, when they migrated from Asia to America, the term chop suey, which was constantly repeated in the song shown in the film indicates the assimilation of Asians to American culture.

"These legal reforms and increased immigration began to change the meaning of Asian-ness within the United States: no longer legally aliens, Asians could begin to claim the status of “immigrant” at the very moment that it was being held up as a privileged category of American national identity," (Klein, 226).

I couldn't believe that Sammy's mother looked down on another Asian for coming to America to find more opportunities, regardless of the way she came illegally. Sammy's mom literally called Mei Li a "wet back."

- Doris Setefano

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8 minutes into the film, Mei Li and her dad talk about the living situation after immigration. Initially Mei Li is awe struck with the city of San Francisco, but her father warns her about trusting strangers or police men especially since they had immigrated illegally. Despite this warning, Mei Li attempts to ask multiple East Asian people to find an address, but is turned away when both the stranger and policeman say that they do not understand Chinese.

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When preparing for his graduation ceremony, Ta is confronted with the generational divide between him and his family through the interactions that he has with the women in his life. His interaction with Hellen and Mei Li illustrates that he values some aspects of tradition, while his date with Linda illustrates the parts of American culture that he enjoys. These conversations also touch on the future that is possible through marriage, and education especially as the children of immigrants heavily consider their families in the process of planning for the future.

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During Sam and Mei Li’s date prior to their marriage, I was struck by how Sam’s character leans into many masculine stereotypes that are common in America, which is contrasted by Mei Li’s innocence and lack of response and plays to asian stereotypes about women. The two characters' push and pull is captured in the musical number where Sam insinuates that she should not marry him because they have different values and cultures, despite the fact that wedding invitations have already been sent out.

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Father and daughter hiding on a boat as if they can't afford it or it is illegal.

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Fathers disapprove of the relationship at the party.

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The two lovebirds finally get the love story they deserve.

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This is one of the first all Asian cast movies. Unfortunately, there were instances of yellow face and stereotypes of Asian woman being seductive.

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Upon reading “Asians in America” the historical context of Flower Drum Song adds important context to the generational divide between immigrant families and their children. In the film, many characters are faced with the conflict of conforming to family values or fully assimilating themselves to American culture. This relationship between tradition and assimilation is reflected from a historical perspective in the way that the influx of Asian Immigrants following the cold war meant the creation of a new national and ethnic identity (Klien 230). As the U.S. occupied much of Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, creating an assimilationist narrative was essential to maintaining the U.S.’s role as a global force of colonialism, but also to integrate the people who were forced to immigrate to the U.S. as a result of international conflict. Mei Li’s experience and relationships in the film speak to the need to be interacted with and perceived as another human, but these interactions and relationships seem to be easier when aspects of American culture, like language and marriage are adopted. Ultimately the creation of Flower Drum Song speaks to the social, cultural and financial benefits of assimilation in addition to the generational divide as Asian and Pacific Island immigrants find a method of expressing and finding a community within a new culture.

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So far in the beginning, the father and daughter relationship seems very close, but the body language from the father can be deemed as protective. In this case, that would refer to the male role being more dominant, when in reality it is at an equal level. It also represents the reality of not knowing who or where to go when you freshly migrate to a new city.

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During the parade scene, you can see the integration of the Chinese culture and American culture. In the parade, they play 76 Trombones from the "Music Man", which is widely known to be played during a patriotic event. The interesting part is how in the parade, you see that there are many different floats that represent the Chinese culture along with the new year, but also have bits and pieces of American culture as well. You can see the adaption of the culture be smoothly.
- Berenice Garza

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It's interesting how the film pairs Sammy and Mei Le together and they go out for a night in town and I believe that Sammy showed the real side of him to convince her not to be in a relationship. Specifically the song that he sings to Mei Le (which was funny because of the line that says "don't marry me").
- Berenice Garza

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I love how the movies begins with a traditional Chinese dragon dance in San Francisco's Chinatown, it introduces us to the traditions and customs of the Chinese immigrant community - Dale Bautista

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I will make some Mooney by playing my flower drum song like I did in Shanghai. It’s very hard to go someplace without money. Once I had not a dime to my name and had to play guitar in the streets for hours for 5 bucks. I wasn’t starving but it was nice knowing I wouldn’t.
They were scared to talk to police men and called themselves illegal. They draw a large crowd and make some good money.
Baudelio Olveda

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In the middle of the movie, I can really feel the tension within their family due to Ta's feelings for a girl that his father do not approve. This is a great example of how traditions aren't really being followed all the time especially if a person has been in American or somewhere else in the world for a while. - Dale Bautista

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If the love is meant to be, it will eventually find its magical way. I love how Ta decided to follow his heart and find Mei Li before it was too late. That real love right there! - Dale Bautista

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Asians in America 230 - The movies portrayed the tension between preserving traditional Chinese values and adapting to American customs.

Asians in American 232 - The movie illustrates the social practice of cultural adaptation. It showcases how Chinese immigrants adapted to American customs, values, and societal norms. - Dale Bautista

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The inner turmoil inside the James shivers character between his Chinese roots and American upbringing is very common among the children of immigrants. He describes his father as completely Chinese and brother as completely American but himself as both. He went to school and college here in the US but his family expects him to fulfill his duties to their Chinese tradition.
Baudelio Olveda

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There is an idea that the girl is property to be unloaded on the first man that will accept her. She is a willing participant in her own arraigned marriage. This is demonstrative of Hollywood portraying Asian women as submissive sexual conquest like we saw in the film Slaying the Dragon(Gee). She was happy to be inspected and sold like a horse because that was supposed to be how Chinese women would act. Throughout the film there is a comparison between the two main girls of the film as traditional Chinese vs modern American but both women fall into stereotypes.

Seeing the Aunt playing Majong with the other older Chinese women reminded me of the joy luck club by Amy Tan. The aunt was also portrayed as very traditional but adopting American values as opposed to he brother in law fighting to stay Chinese. She went to citizen classes and was happy to be compared to chop suey. The thing I liked about this film was that it did talk about immigration and how the Chinese American people, especially the younger ones, were comfortable in their balance between traditional values and modern American ones. The article mother tongue by Amy Tan talks about her mothers experience coming to this country and her functionality limits due to her not being able to speak English (Tan, 2).

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Linda was happy to marry Sammy after all. I think she was using Tan to make him jealous and probably would not have been happy with Tan. Linda obviously grew up to be independent and using men to survive. She would slightly imply Sammy buying her material things would keep her happy like her convertible. This crass independence and material value showed her American values outweigh any of the traditional Chinese stereotypes that we see. Great movie.

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Baudelio Olveda

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At the start of the film there is an obvious culture difference in with East versus Western Asians, even generationally. Master Wang and his son is a prime example of this as well as when there are Asian people in San Francisco but they did not know how to speak or read in CHinese. -Angeli Ong

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Something that stood out to me was the song Chop Suey. While at the time there was a lot of fascination and exoticism with Asian cultures, the way that this film used it as amusement was interesting. The song was about Asian food but was presented in a way that was pallettable for Western ears. -Angeli Ong

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The overall film was one of the first films in Asian American history to become a foundational piece for Asians to be accepted in America. Christina Klein mentions how it "created a cultural space in which Asians can be publicly embraced as "real" Americans" (Klein, 5). This stood out to me because I often think about how many people critique it with a lens of judgment than understanding. At the time, this was all that was known and society did not know any better so rather than judging we can look at films like this and use it as a tool for better understanding to imagine what films should be now. The sociopolitical climate of when this film was created was during the 60s when there was still segregation and discrimination. This film was one of the first steps for Asians to be accepted. -Angeli Ong

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This movie definitely struck a cord coming from an immigrant family and being an Asian American immigrant myself, very early on it ecompasses feelings of being a new immigrant again . ES 363 Moin Raees

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The movie's opening scenes vividly depict the contrast between Asian immigrants and those assimilated into American culture. Mei Li and her father's arrival showcases their distinct attire and Mandarin-speaking background, while the majority around them are unfamiliar with their language. Through their traditional clothing and language barrier, the film highlights the challenges immigrants face in preserving their cultural identity while adapting to a new environment. These differences serve as a powerful introduction, setting the stage for an exploration of cultural dynamics and the transformative power of embracing diversity.-Juan Rodriguez

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The movie depicts the struggle of immigrants becoming citizens, torn between assimilation and preserving their identity. In a captivating dance number, Mei Li and her community square dance while speaking Mandarin, symbolizing their attempt to blend cultures. It highlights the delicate balance immigrants face in embracing their new home while honoring their heritage.-Juan Rodriguez

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The film's ending subtly explores the generational differences and the clash between cultural customs and individual desires. The younger generation, although not aligned with their parents' traditions, doesn't openly challenge their family's expectations. It suggests that the American way is portrayed as the correct and equitable approach to life's choices and decisions.-Juan Rodriguez

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While the film celebrated the distinction of having an all-Asian cast, it regrettably included instances of yellow face with the portrayal of Juanita Hall, an African American actress.-Juan Rodriguez

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The layout of this film and how Chinese immigrants migrated to the U.S. to try and find the perfect life to be considered equal. Mei Li and her father played the part so well of not to talk to strangers , and being smart enough to get deported. Mei Li ran into plenty of issues of not being a native to America which most Chinese immigrants had to face coming into the country.

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When I watched Linda Low's part , it reminded me of when I was growing up in Daly City CA , a small city outside of SF, I grew up around Asian Americans and they lived in our neighborhoods, it just brings back memories of how this country was at unity when I was a child or at least felt like it. Her part of singing in the mirror of how she loved" being a girl" through me for a loop because I've watched musicals from the 30s, 40s,50s,and 60s, I was in awe! Because I've never watched an Asian American actor sing American songs. I feel like we need more ethnic people to open up more in film to the American audiences and keep in mind that they have dreams and aspirations just like Americans do.

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The end of the film, I felt that Asian American actors are in a whole film which I have never , ever seen anything like this! Asian actors singing , dancing in a American culture form, this is BIG!! To see even back in 1961 that Chinese/Japanese and before then since the Cold War in the 1940s when they were immigrating to the US during that time , San Francisco as it was in the beginning of the movie shows a prime example of Chinese Americans being discriminated against coming to this country and to be shut out. This was the best classic movie musical that pulls at your heartstrings. Thank you.

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The first thing I recognized was that there were no subtitles when the shipment workers were speaking their language. I thought it was a problem with the source I was using to view the film, but it seems that's just how the movie is- which seems odd to me. I also noticed that Linda's performance was the same performance in the documentary we watched a few weeks ago too. From what I remember (I could be wrong) her character was criticized by other Asian individuals in the industry. But, I think Nancy Kwan said she didn't see anything wrong with her portrayal.

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After my initial post, I now see why Linda's character could be controversial. She is the dragon lady type with an emphasis on being sneaky and deceiving. I also see the cultural/generational conflict through Master Wang and his sons. Especially when Wang Ta mentioned that his father is Chinese, but he is Chinese and American, and that Wang San is American. Wang San's character constantly stunning his father with his slang or outfits also shows the beginning of the "Americanization" of the Wang family.

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The first thing I noticed was that they didn't use subtitles at the beginning of the film when the two male characters were speaking. Although I am unsure of what they said, I got a jest of what they were saying through their movements and gestures. As the film continues, you can see the cultural difference between the two from the East and those from America. I noticed two things when the two people from the East saw the statue: they bowed in respect while everyone else walked and did not acknowledge it. - Michelle Vang