Made-Up Asians: Yellowface During the Exclusion Era

Made-Up Asians explores the history of yellowface, the theatrical convention of non-Asian actors putting on makeup and costume to look East Asian, during the Exclusion Era (1862–1940) in the U.S. It examines primary sources such as makeup guidebooks, play catalogs, advertisements, biographies, and backstage anecdotes, providing new ways of understanding and categorizing yellowface as theatrical practice and historical subject. It also shows how lingering effects of Asian exclusionary laws can still be seen in yellowface performances, casting practices, and anti-Asian violence into the 21st century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2022
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Made-Up Asians: A History of Yellowface in Theater and Film
Made-Up Asians is a groundbreaking book that explores the history of yellowface, the theatrical convention of non-Asian actors putting on makeup and costume to look East Asian. Author Esther Kim Lee traces the development of yellowface in the U.S. context during the Exclusion Era (1862-1940), when Asians faced legal and cultural exclusion from immigration and citizenship. Through specific case studies from European and U.S. theater, race science, and early film, Lee reveals how yellowface caricatured, distorted, and misrepresented Asians, taking their place on theatrical stages and cinema screens. The book examines a wide range of primary sources, including makeup guidebooks, play catalogs, advertisements, biographies, and backstage anecdotes, providing new ways of understanding and categorizing yellowface as theatrical practice and historical subject.
One of the key themes of Made-Up Asians is the lasting impact of Asian exclusionary laws on yellowface performances, casting practices, and anti-Asian violence. Lee shows how these laws continue to shape the way Asians are portrayed in the media and how they are treated in society. For example, yellowface performances often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and perpetuate the idea that Asians are exotic and inferior. Casting practices often exclude Asians from roles that are meant to be played by Asians, and anti-Asian violence is still a significant problem in many parts of the world.
Made-Up Asians also highlights the ways in which yellowface has been challenged and resisted. For example, there have been efforts to create more authentic and diverse representations of Asians in the media, and there have been protests and boycotts against yellowface performances. However, Lee argues that these efforts have been limited in their effectiveness and that yellowface continues to be a powerful tool of oppression.
Made-Up Asians is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of yellowface, the impact of Asian exclusionary laws on society, and the ways in which we can work to create a more inclusive and equitable world. The book is well-researched, engaging, and accessible, and it provides a valuable contribution to the field of Asian American studies.
In conclusion, Made-Up Asians is a groundbreaking book that explores the history of yellowface, the theatrical convention of non-Asian actors putting on makeup and costume to look East Asian. Author Esther Kim Lee traces the development of yellowface in the U.S. context during the Exclusion Era (1862-1940), when Asians faced legal and cultural exclusion from immigration and citizenship. Through specific case studies from European and U.S. theater, race science, and early film, Lee reveals how yellowface caricatured, distorted, and misrepresented Asians, taking their place on theatrical stages and cinema screens. The book examines a wide range of primary sources, including makeup guidebooks, play catalogs, advertisements, biographies, and backstage anecdotes, providing new ways of understanding and categorizing yellowface as theatrical practice and historical subject. Made-Up Asians also shows how lingering effects of Asian exclusionary laws can still be seen in yellowface performances, casting practices, and anti-Asian violence into the 21st century. The book is well-researched, engaging, and accessible, and it provides a valuable contribution to the field of Asian American studies.

ISBN-13: 9780472075430