independent lens

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http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/seeking-asian-female/ Premiering May 6, 2013 at 10pm. Check local listings: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/broadcast.html When it comes to "yellow fever," many argue it's a two way street. In this webisode, Asian women confess reasons for preferring white men including that they're "more confident, better looking." Academics unpack the reasons why, including "hiergamy," the sociologists' term to describe a universal female desire for marrying above one's own socioeconomic status. An Asian American woman candidly describes lessons of racial hierarchy taught by her parents. Reflections from a black man citing online dating lessons support this: he wants Asian women, but they don't want him. Another Asian women -- a first generation immigrant -- tells of searching for Asian men on Craigslist, yet finding predominantly white men who will date her. To complicate matters further, a chorus of Asian American women emphatically states their refusal to date white men with "yellow fever" who see them "only as Asian." Psychologist Ben Tong quips, "but you are Asian."
 Statistics show Asian women disproportionately dating and marrying white men compared to other ethnicities and races. What do you think? They're All So Beautiful is a forum on race and dating built around a five-part video series by the filmmaking team behind Seeking Asian Female. Each episode begins with a question to which the audience is encouraged to respond. Many of the questions posed have either been confirmed or challenged by Asian Americans and non-Asian Americans alike. Guest bloggers will contribute perspectives based on their experiences and spark further discussion. Visit They're All So Beautiful: http://theyreallsobeautiful.com/ About the Film Steven is an aging white man with "yellow fever," who is obsessed with marrying any Asian woman, imagining the archetype of the shy, giggling, obedient Asian wife. Sandy is the young, feisty, ambitious Chinese bride he finds online. Debbie is the Chinese American filmmaker who becomes confidante and translator in this precarious union. As they navigate the vast cultural and language divide through a challenging year, the three come together in a thoroughly modern love story. Learn more about "Independent Lens": http://www.pbs.org/independentlens Watch "Independent Lens" films online: http://video.pbs.org/program/1218239994/