1. Provides context–the beginnings of discrimination against the Chinese population in the U.S.
2. Introduces new stereotypes of Chinese people that still exists today and mentions their lack of representation in American media.
3. cites a credible source to comment on stereotypes enforced by popular media.
4. References a popular movie as an example of how the media is exacerbating the stereotypes.
5. Gives examples from the movie to prove the movie’s lack of representation of the socioeconomic reality of Singapore.
6. Gives an example from the movie showing the divisive aspect of the movie.
7. Recounts the stereotypes personally experienced by the author, and questions whether America is a “melting pot.”
8. Cites another credible source to add another perspective on the stereotypes facing Chinese Americans.
9. The author was disappointed to realize that the new show about Asian Americans still made use of racial stereotypes.
10. Quote from the executive producer of Fresh Off the Boat, who was willing to reinforce stereotypes in exchange for viewers.
11. Talks more about the ways the TV series was not fairly representing Asian Americans.
12. The author of Fresh Off the Boat complains that the movie lacked representation.
13. Another example of stereotypes in the TV series.
14. Rebuttal
15. Addresses the issue of stereotypes again

Summary

In “One Step Towards Equality, Two Steps Back for Asian Americans,” author Tristen Chau criticizes stereotypes of Asian Americans perpetuated by Hollywood. First, she provides context of discrimination, which dates back to the Gold Rush. She then moves on to today’s stereotypes, which have evolved since the Gold Rush, but likewise harmful to the Asian community. Next, Chau presents two examples of contemporary media, namely Crazy Rich Asians and Fresh Off the Boat, as well as commentaries from both outsiders and insiders, who almost unanimously agree that Asian Americans are misrepresented in American media.

Analysis

From an organizational lens, the author of “One Step Towards Equality, Two Steps Back for Asian Americans,” Tristen Chau, starts by introducing readers to the problem of Asian stereotypes by providing a brief summary of the origins of Asian people in America. This is an effective way to start her argument, since most of her audience is likely non-Asian, and thus unfamiliar with the subject of discrimination against Asians. By writing this paragraph, she sets the essay on the right foot, which allows the rest to follow through with ease.

Using the first paragraph as a stepping stone, Chau moves on to today’s racial stereotypes, which she asserts are worsened by the media industry, which she argues puts profit over fair representation of Asian Americans. She achieves this in many ways. In multiple instances, she inserts a quote from a credible source to support/elaborate on her argument. These citation don’t appear at the same time, but rather spread throughout the essay. This structure is excellent in building her argument because it allows readers to be reminded from time to time that this is not just a problem contrived by the author herself, but rather one supported by other credit-worthy people.

Another way she builds her argument is by the use of two contemporary media productions, both easily relatable to the audience. Chau cites many examples from the two, all of them, in some way, demonstrates stereotypes, which contributes to her argument, though some less effective than others. One instance of that was when she criticized Crazy Rich Asians for not covering the socioeconomic realities of Singapore, which is a weak point since migrant workers are not what the movie is about. People want to see rich Asians, so the movie puts the spotlight on rich Asians. Other directors could take on a movie about migrant labor in Singapore, although it might not be as profitable. But in this case, It is reasonable for the director of Crazy Rich Asians to put little emphasis on migrant labor.

Near the end of her essay, Chau introduces a perspective from the other side, which she rebuts with confidence. Lastly, she ends her essay by restating the stereotypes facing Asian Americans today. Overall, Chau’s organization of her essay is superb. She starts with the context of problem, then implemented a variety of evidence. Finally, she successfully rebuts a counterargument, and ends with a graceful restatement.