Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently made a return to her popular archetypes podcast on Spotify.
In her latest episode, she addressed the long-standing Asian stereotype known as the Dragon Lady, prevalent in Hollywood.
Markle specifically called out two films, Austin Powers and Kill Bill, for their harmful portrayal of Asian women as overly sexualized or excessively aggressive.
However, it is important to note that Austin Powers and Kill Bill were released over two decades ago.
Markle questions why Lucy Liu, who starred in Kill Bill, did not speak up about any oversexualization during her time on the set.
Liu has previously voiced her opinions about working with Bill Murray in Charlie’s Angels but has not made any similar statements regarding Kill Bill.
This raises doubts about the validity of these claims.
Moreover, the criticism surrounding Kill Bill’s character, Oh Rinishi, played by Lucy Liu, has been previously refuted by Liu herself.
She argued against labeling this character as a Dragon Lady, emphasizing that the film also featured other female professional killers such as Uma Thurman, Vivicia A.
Fox, and Daryl Hannah.
Liu suggests that the reason she was singled out as a Dragon Lady is because of her Asian ethnicity.
Markle further expresses her frustration with being typecast due to her ethnicity.
She emphasizes that even if she had portrayed a character wearing a tuxedo and a blonde wig, she would still be labeled as a Dragon Lady solely because of her Asian background.
This limitation in casting options reinforces stereotypes and confines Asian American and Pacific Islander women within a metaphorical box.
In addition to addressing the issue of Asian stereotypes, Markle has also found herself in hot water for criticizing influential figures in Hollywood.
One such figure is Quentin Tarantino, a respected director with a vast network of A-list friends.
Markle’s decision to call him out has been deemed a significant mistake, as loyalty plays a crucial role in Hollywood relationships.
Contrary to Markle’s belief, her marriage to Prince Harry and royal title do not automatically grant her popularity or acceptance in Hollywood.
Cara Kennedy, a commentator, suggests that charisma, dedication, and charm are essential to becoming a Hollywood power couple.
Kennedy argues that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lack these qualities and are slowly being frozen out of the industry, one red carpet event at a time.
Kennedy quotes US blogger Perez Hilton, who states that the couple is not considered “our royals” and does not command the same allegiance or reverence.
To many, they are simply celebrities.
The blending of monarchy and celebrity poses challenges, as the two worlds overlap but are not synonymous.
Markle and Harry find themselves caught in this predicament and are increasingly unwelcome in both spheres.
It is worth noting that Markle’s journey in the entertainment industry has faced its share of ups and downs.
While attending Northwestern University, her drama professor recognized her potential and offered her a chance to train in theater.
However, Markle declined the opportunity, believing she already possessed the necessary skills to achieve great success as an actress.
When her expectations were not met, she grew anxious and eventually sought a wealthy partner, ultimately marrying Prince Harry.
Despite their status as former working royals and relocation to the United States, Markle and Harry are reportedly being sidelined by Hollywood.
The couple’s diminishing presence in the industry is seen as a consequence of their perceived lack of charisma, dedication, and charm.
Hollywood is beginning to realize that they do not possess the star power they once believed.
In conclusion, Megan Markle’s return to her archetypes podcast shed light on the harmful Asian stereotypes prevalent in Hollywood.
She criticized films like Austin Powers and Kill Bill for perpetuating these stereotypes, although some arguments question the validity of these claims.