4/25 "Monkey Dance" Video Response

4/25 Angel Truong Monkey Dance Response

            The video relates to everyday forms of resistance because it provides examples of how second-generation Cambodian Americans challenge American and Asian cultural stereotypes. For example, one of the main character is a gymnastic and he challenges both American and Asian stereotypes by participating in a white predominate sport as an Asian male which also resists the stereotypes of Asian masculinity. Also, what’s also interesting is that he goes against the rules of the sports by incorporating break dancing moves in his performance. Moreover, another example involves a female Cambodian American who also confront Asian stereotypes by focusing in her academic career. The girl mentions her frustration of the traditional gender roles placed on her identity where, as a Southeast Asian girl, she must fulfill her domestic duties or face consequences. After her older sister’s incarceration, she has the burdened of other’s believing she will follow the same path. However, she resists both sexist notions by striving for higher education. Lastly, the Cambodian American teenagers all resist the model minority myth. The myth exaggerates second-generation assimilating to American culture and living like the Nuclear Family. However, they oppose this myth because their lives involve living in a poor community and balancing both their Cambodian and American culture. For example, they all still participate in Cambodian arts by performing the culture’s traditional dance, the Monkey Dance. In the end, the video provides examples of Asian Americans performing everyday forms of resistance through the balance of their conflicting cultures.