Reimagining Asian-American Representation in Everything Everywhere All At Once

Abstract

In the past, Hollywood frequently cast Asian Americans in stereotypical roles, perpetuating misconceptions and prejudices about Asians both among the general public and within the Asian-American community. This paper explores how Everything Everywhere All At Once subverts stereotypical representations of Asian-American characters in Western cinema. It dissects how the film transcends traditional tropes by delving into the intricate mother-daughter dynamic between Evelyn and Joy Wang, addressing themes of cultural heritage, generational conflict, economic upheaval, and the pursuit of the "American Dream." Through an analysis of culturally defined relationships, the transformation from “bad” to “good,” tensions between cultural heritage and Western values, and the impact on spectatorship, the film offers a more authentic, multifaceted portrayal of Asian-American experiences, challenging viewers to reconsider their biases and assumptions.