Rodriguez | Tony Loves Kelly

In this article, it mentions about the correlation between cars and masculinity in America and how car imports challenge the the perception of American masculinity.  In America, cars symbolize masculinity which are displayed in media.  In order to own a car, individuals must have disposable income or any other form of wealth.  However, I am interested how the American production of cars was challenged by the car imported from Japan because it challenges the American masculinity.  In this case, Japan proved to become more economically efficient in producing cars compared to the United States and yet they are still being recognized as if they haven’t exceeded the United States in their own game.  Since car determines a man’s masculinity in the U.S., there have not been much recognition of Asian American men’s masculinity.  When it comes to the dating world, these perceptions affect how individuals have on Asian American men.  Speaking from experience, I have been approach with plenty of micro-aggression regarding my ethnic identity and physicality.  The perception that Asian American men does not defy masculinity, it is assumed that I am submissive and feminine based on the Asian stereotypes.  No matter how much I put the effort in displaying my masculinity, they do not acknowledge the complexity of my identity.   

                  In the documentary Tony Loves Kelly, Kelly is struggling with balancing her duty as a mother, daughter-in-law and student.  She is in a position where no one understands her goals and ambitious, especially having the ability to support herself and earn an education.  The last part of the document shows the struggles of SEA females who are expected to balance everything.  So her ethnic culture conflicts with the American culture.