Blog #12: Mobile Cultures

In the film "Kelly Loves Tony", there are many instances that both support Laotian tradition and also defy stereotypes. As Kelly is pregnant, she moves in with Tony, which is supportive of Asian customs regarding marriage and child-rearing. However, she shows female agency by being determined to finish her education. The typical expectation of female mothers in Asian cultures is to be a housewife, in charge of all the chores, cooking, cleaning, etc. that are placed upon them. However, her commitment to achievement and schooling goes against the typical norm of women, as well as teenage mothers.

In the article by Sandip Roy, he highlights the importance of the internet in raising awareness for the LGBT communities, especially in South Asian cultures. In Vietnamese, there is a term “bé dễ“, that means homosexual, but is commonly used as slang. It is used as an insult, when calling someone gay. That terminology has a negative connotation and is frowned upon in Vietnamese culture. Being homosexual in conservative, traditional cultures is taboo and not commonly talked about. I think this stigma of homosexuality stems from harsh gender roles. There are expectations of how girls and boys should act, appear, and behave. Because same-sex attractions are against the common stereotype, it evokes a sense of unconventional or unorthodox behaviors. These behaviors are shunned and the attitudes that parents usually hold represent the attitudes and disapproval that society molded towards gay people. Historically, it was something that was not openly talked about; however, nowadays there is much support for inclusivity, with progress being made for sexual orientation equality. I think the intensity and levels of discomfort with talking about LGBT issues varies depending on cultural intensity and practice. That being, in America, there is a variety of cultures with different views on being gay, which in turn shape the country's outlook on the issue. However, in places such as China, there could be different opinions.

As Roy also stated, the utilization of the internet is a double edged sword and can negative consequences as well. Gender expectations are evident in society as women have less visibility and hold lesser jobs compared to their male counterparts. Women have less of an importance or voice in society. These instances of inequality are also reflected in the LGBT issues. Given that the coverage of South Asian homosexuality is fairly novel and still growing, there isn’t much resources or advocacy for these groups. As such, the current resources should be aimed not only for gay men, but inclusive of lesbian women or other minority sexual orientations. As the internet becomes increasingly widespread, it is crucial that there are initiatives that include and represent everyone, not only gay men. This prevents the distortion and increases accuracy of the depiction and portrayals of lesbians in the LGBT community.