“The (In)Visible Man”

Renegotiating Asian American Masculinities in the 21st Century

Abstract

The (In)Visible Man film is an artistic extension of my ongoing doctoral project: “Submission Is Power: Remasculinization in Contemporary Asian American Literature.” Through a blend of abstract dance and fragmented diaristic dialogues, the film explores the complex struggles faced by Asian American men, whose masculinities have long been obscured by historical stereotypes that render them effeminate and submissive. It also visually captures Asian American men’s process of resistance to make visible and redefine their gender identities, challenging the pervasive invisibility of their masculinities. The film poses critical questions about certain aspects of the Asian American male identity such as power dynamics, body image, queerness and sexualities, as well as the relationship between masculinities and nature. Through an intersectional lens, the film delves into the intricate intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and power within Asian American masculinities, calling for a more nuanced understanding of gender dynamics and cultural identities.