I just read this on Angry Asian Man, the 18th Annual Asian-American Showcase is in progress, held every year by the Chicago based organization, the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM) in which - as the name suggests - they showcase the product of Asian-American cultural endeavour.
Naturally, this is something that I applaud. If you check out their "About Us" page, they have set themselves an extremely important mission, so kudos to them!
I do have to say though - and this is in no way a rant, or a criticism - that the logo that they have chosen for the Showcase is extremely interesting......
As you can see above, the logo shows a pink background with various shades of polka dots, and a white cat super-imposed over the top. As readers may remember, a common thesis of mine that recurs throughout this blog, concerns itself with the feminization of the Asian-American voice. To me, the logo looks feminine.
It doesn't detract from the hugely important work that the organization appears to be doing, or in any way demean their efforts, but it is feminine. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, but I wonder if this feminization process is so complete that we don't think twice when an event that seems in no way geared specifically to women, has a logo that is decidedly feminine.
My sense is that the feminine voice has become the voice of Asian-America because it is basically unthreatening and passive, and it is difficult to find anything more feminine and unthreatening than a white pussycat on a pink and white polka-dot background.
Not really sure if it is subliminal, just possibly a poor habit of not challenging the ways that we define or describe our experiences.
ReplyDeleteIt might have something to do with how the color pink has been traditionally perceived in most Asian cultures. It doesn't have the American/western notion of the "weaker sex" of "feminism" as does say in Chinese culture where pink is simply considered another shade of red - the traditional good luck/color of strength.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm guessing the first generation of Asian Americans still have carried over their forefathers (and mothers?) viewpoint of the color.
You know, I didn't even think of that, that is a good point. But the polka dots and white kitty?
DeleteNot a clue, maybe a girl's idea?
DeleteSeems strange to have such a bright and cutesy logo when most of the films sound serious. The logo looks more like it's for an electronic music event or anime convention.
ReplyDeleteThe cat is maneki-neko. It just signals good fortune. I'm not sure what the pink and the polka dots signify.
ReplyDeleteThey will need it as I'm so turned off by anything created by AAs. Fool me once. ...
It is good to analyze these images but perhaps not to dwell on them as they may not be important.