Marie Claire Declares Asian Women as The New Trophy Wives

By jozjozjoz | Saturday, August 8, 2009 | 71 Comments

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3529039077 467f15d2d4 Marie Claire Declares Asian Women as The New Trophy Wives I was just sent this link from Marie Claire entitled The New Trophy Wives: Asian Women and the subhead reads: “Rupert Murdoch has one. So do financiers Vivi Nevo and Bruce Wasserstein. Why are the West’s most powerful men coupling up with younger Asian women?”

“Not another white guy asian girl article,” I thought to myself. I kept reading…

Call it the Woody Allen Effect. When the venerable director scandalously left Mia Farrow for her adopted daughter, South Korean-born Soon-Yi Previn—35 years his junior—he may as well have sent out a press release: Asian-girl fantasy trumps that of Hollywood royalty!

Not two years after they tied the knot, media baron Rupert Murdoch walked down the aisle with fresh-faced Wendi Deng—17 days after finalizing his divorce from his second wife. Then, CBS head Leslie Moonves wed TV news anchor Julie Chen; Oscar winner Nicolas Cage married half-his-age third wife Alice Kim; billionaire George Soros coupled up with violinist Jennifer Chun; and producer Brian Grazer courted concert pianist Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen. Add the nuptials of investment magnate Bruce Wasserstein to fourth wife Angela Chao and the pending vows between venture capitalist Vivi Nevo and Chinese actress Ziyi Zhang, and we’ve got a curious cultural ripple.

Were these tycoons consciously courting Asian babes? Do any of them qualify for the unnerving “yellow fever” or “rice king” moniker? It’s unsavory to think so. But after two or three failed attempts at domestic bliss with women of like background and age, these heavy hitters sought out something different. Something they had likely fetishized.

Enter the doll-faced Asian sylph on the arm of a silver-haired Western suit. (Hello, mail-order bride!) The excruciating colonial stereotypes—Asian women as submissive, domestic, hypersexual—are obviously nothing new. But decades after The World of Suzie Wong hit drive-ins and more than 20 years since David Bowie’s “China Girl” topped the music charts, why are we still indulging them? [full story]

The “Woody Allen Effect?” You mean HE’S the one to blame for this? [/sarcasm]

The article — written by Ying Chu — rehashes a lot of issues that have already been dissected, skewered, and critiqued in countless other publications (fetishization, in particular), but she also cites that globalization as a key reason that “bigwigs [sic] seek Asians.”

Consider that, stateside, Mandarin classes have spiked 200 percent over the past five years (apparently, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was an early adopter; he taught Mandarin classes in his Dartmouth days), and China has claimed status as the world’s top export nation. In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell theorizes that Asian kids’ intrinsic work ethic makes them outsmart American kids in math. (In the latest Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development international education survey, Taiwanese students were tops in math, while the U.S. placed 35th.) It’s as though these Western men are hungry for a piece of that mystical Eastern formula. As such, Asians (in addition to African orphans) are hot commodities right about now—status symbols as prized as a private Gulfstream jet or a museum wing bearing your name (neither of which goes so well with a frumpy, aging first wife).

I have a bunch of different reactions to this oft-debated topic. I find Chu’s flagrant mentions of stereotypes (mail-order bride) to be annoying. And I think it’s pretty funny that Chu refers to all these “accomplished Asian women” throughout the article as simply “trophies,” “foxy,” and being “more than exotic arm candy.” By stating as fact that these Asian women are status symbols and commodities, Chu, on one hand, tries to dispell a myth — but she uses the other to confirm it.

But I figured rather than making too many of my own observations, I’d just put it out there for critique and commentary by our readers. Surprisingly, as of this posting, no one has commented at Marie Claire’s site. But over at The Frisky, a post entitled “Asian Trophy Wives”: A Label We Could Do Without is already up, and I couldn’t agree more with that headline.

h/t: @iancollins via Twitter and @GuyKawasaki: How about Asian husbands as trophies?

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gthro123

the real problem is that people are trying to fight stereotyping with stereotyping. I find that if i put too much precedence with what other people do, i end up stressing too much. People will do whatever the f*&k they want to, whether or not I’m there to tell them it’s wrong or right. It’s really up to the individuals who have problems with this imbalance to stand up. “Be the difference you want to see in the world”. Be the one who shows the world something different, something outside the supposed “norm”.
http://twitter.com/Agnostic1984 Dan W

Sometimes, and again Sometimes, I think some Asian/Asian-American men are a bit picky or closed off towards other possibilities. There really are a lot of Non-Asian women out there, for various reasons many of them good, that like Asian men as their “partner(s) in crime.” Some like the looks, other the culture, many just because they like the individual regardless of background. For those guys who are looking for their other half, open up. Not everyone believes in those stereotypes and they don’t hold true for all men of course.

Actually, this is one of the over-looked major reasons why we are so numerous in the world. Take the Chinese and their long rich history of absorbing many different groups of people, which included Non-Asians both men and women.

On one hand, and I know people will jump on me for this, I hope people won’t be so harsh against those who want to be with someone of similar background. I know that a lot of times people will think of the extreme examples, like race preference or ethno-centrism…that’s all true but it does not necessarily be that absolute. While race is often superficial, other criteria like age, culture, language, intellectual interests, etc. they all matter.

Even if the same background there will be issues of course, but any serious relationship needs hard work generally speaking. Also for those naive minds, except for the questionable few cases, most of the time a serious relationship will involved family meddling so find ways to deal with them.
gthro123

well put… there are many non-asians who would make a good fit for many asian men. I also like that you included those who would prefer to be with their own race or of similar background. There are also many who would prefer that too(me being one of them). Being open-minded means TRYING to see things from another perspective. There are many who have no preference towards race, many who have a preference towards specific different race, or those who prefer their own race. Matter of preference, not necessarily superiority(SOMETIMES). I’ve been interested in many non-asians, and was serious with a latina. I still do prefer to be with my own race, but i still keep an open eye towards other races. Beautiful women are beautiful women.
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mdb54

I’m 54 and going back to college. In the general chemistry class (spring 09) I met a young Korean woman (19-30?) that wanted to know which section of the next chemistry class I was registered. Since I had made about half the class participation (answers, questions) and had caught the professor’s mistakes several times, I thought it might be she felt more comfortable that her notes would be correct. (The 3 Korean women in the class barely spoke at all in class.) Fall 09 again she asks that and what my major is and if it pays well. It sound likes she wants some sort of relationship I wasn’t expecting. I find her very attractive and am considering it. I do not have an Asian fetish.

What it boils down to is she thinks I intelligent, have good income potential and have equal or higher class (according to one Korean Culture site that is important). I am bald, tall (6-2), muscular and overweight at 270 lbs and carry a 25lb pack pack up and down the stairs up to 4 floors (so if you see me jogging up the stairs, you know there is some level of fitness despite the weight). I also dress business casual (no blue jeans ever) with some sense of style.

In the past two or three years I have attracted the attention of other young women, one introduced to me by her father while taking photos of cigar boat races. (me – guy with expensive camera – her also taking pictures with good camera). 1 desperate white widow (with 2 children at home) met while shopping, 1 Hispanic dental hygienist who thought I was funny (or was she being polite?) with decent income. One 30 something white women clerk while shopping at REI (pricey place). Somewhat interested Hispanic bank clerks and one Portuguese American receptionist where I worked as a designer. Also some Macedonian young lady working in Orlando sub shop (there temporarily looking for a sugar daddy that would stay in Orlando – I did flirt with her and tell her she had beautiful eyes). I almost forget the white waitress from Minnesota in NC working on a degree in Industrial Design (I was not critical of her accent, had the degree she was working on and gave her information on schools and website for the industry)

What I take from all these encounters is, money, success, humor, confidence, intelligence, dressing well, common interest and friendliness are all found attractive by women. Tall and even a bit handsome helps. (Sexy probably helps too, but for me that was a long time ago). You also have to be willing to make conversation and you have to be ready for the unexpected chemistry and listen for the subtle clues (being tongue tied might lose you a chance of striking up a relationship). I haven’t dated any of these women yet, and I wonder if I should have on a couple of occasions and glad I didn’t on a couple too. This all in 3 different states, Florida (Miami and Orlando areas), Charlotte North Carolina, Lansing (and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore) Michigan. So despite on occasion be the minority in Miami, or the not from here in North Carolina, I was able to spark interest in the opposite sex without trying.

Apparently you do not always have to be thin, or have a head of hair.

What can you do to increase your odds? Work on speaking in public, friendliness, flirting, getting smarter, better dressed, making more money and showing up in places where you would meet women that share your interest.

Most women will not date a man significantly older, and many will not date a man that makes less money, but all you need is one (right?). I flirt with women my own age too, but am seriously thinking about having children.
mdb54

Asian executive males don’t seem to have a problem, because they are smart, in charge, and old enough to have out grown any teenage or young adult insecurities.
mdb54

Others may make remarks, but only you can emasculated yourself. Stop playing the victim and act like a man and you’ll be treated like one. Shake it off if it doesn’t apply to you.

Your gene pool and mine (white guy) both eventually go back to Africa they say. If I find a women who I find beautiful, intelligent and I can get along with her culture, cuisine and behavior… I’m go to date her. If she obnoxious, controlling, has no taste, or superficial… we’re not going to get along. If she’s submissive, then I need to figure out whether it subduction or truly submissive. Helplessness grows tiring, how ever cute it is initially.
mdb54

“Ying Chu” is the author of the article at the start of the chain of comments.

You are as prejudice about interracial marriages as they come (right there with the good old [white] boys). You can’t survive in American if you need the media to sooth your emasculated sense of sexuality and sorry you’re no Jet Lee. Americans of all races are in a state of social upheaval from a culture of white male domination and black slavery (not sure the Chinese work on the railroad were slaves, but they were treated about the same), to women’s liberation and equality. We are still getting over the civil war in the south.

One author wrote a book “The Nine Nations of North America” that breaks the North American continent down into cultural regions. So maybe you need to move to a region where people could care less that you’re Asian. I would recommend you find your manhood and get over it. Get the chip off your shoulder and you might be able to find a suitable mate, Asian or not. Angry is only attractive to those looking for abusive relationships.
mdb54

Some Asian women apparently do not have a problem and that makes you angry?

You can be a positive model for Asian men by being successful. Look what Barrack Obama has done for the black community. Successful blacks every where have made a difference, but not everyone noticed. At least two of the companies I work for had Asian Presidents or CEOs. Asian men can run China and Japan, but fall short here? Only if you looking at your shoelaces when you should be watching were your going.
mdb54

Indeed, you need to have something to offer an intelligent woman beside a warm body. It takes more than unzipping your trousers to provide for a family. So far I haven’t met any Asian women that will date men of lower status. You got to be at least their equal.
mdb54

Love to have the domesticated homemaker and the mind. I am a white guy with an ex-wife also white. She had the homemakers skills and a MBA. As the eldest child, she was a bit of a control freak (but submissive in the kitchen and dining room) and I was laid back and I learned a few lessons to late that weren’t in the marriage manual. Like if she stopped talking after a couple of hours and it is less than a hour before bedtime, don’t expect her to remember the my part of the conversation.

Women that have high power careers just seem to be less willing to have children right away.

I ended up here in the thread because of a younger Korean female classmate trying to perk my interest which she had only in a platonic way before. Would she stay with me if I was unable to get that Engineering Degree, I ask myself, would the BFA (art/design) degree be enough. How much earning potential is enough. I already forgot her name over the summer and mispronounced it twice (bad regardless of race)… could it all be over because I don’t remember names well, despite being a genius in other areas?

At least with the ex, I knew she loved me for who I was and how I treated her. She may have urged me to get my bachelors, but I don’t think she would have broken up without it.

Seems the current generation of Asians and Asian American are interested more in the future than the past. Sound like maybe there will be comfort foods, but men don’t expect to be followed by 3 paces unless you get a country bride direct from Asia (with no college education).

It is interesting to watch both the Asian professors and students.
mdb54

After one reading one of the papers on the subject it also sound like Asian men need to approach Asian women and be nice to them, care about them. I always ask “How are you?” or “Hello, good to see you” when greeting my Asian friends and I mean it.

Traditional white males in the 1950s were very controlling and domineering too. Wanted the wife to stay home, cook, clean and take care of the family. No working out side the home for most wives. Many men are still that way. Being flexible enough to allow your wife to work if she wants to, treating her like you value her and not just a piece of property and don’t feel threatened if she smarter or better educated (although that can be difficult). Finally don’t ever hit a woman and try to keep the language more civil than harsh. You can be firm without raising you voice or beating.

Confidence without arrogance is good too.
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jaejae123

“yellow fever” or “rice king”

I’m so sick of these degrading remarks for white men who prefer Asian females. I know many Asian females who are intelligent/understanding/open-minded (which, as a white guy, have to say I find the most attractive aspect about many Asian women – it seems that I can have a many in-depth/open conversations more-so with many Asian compared to many white women I know), kind/caring, independent and confident (contrary to the common “submissive” stereotype), take good care of themselves/care about how thye present themselves – why can’t AMerican media/culture just accept the fact that many Asian women are wonderful persons?! Honestly, it makes me sick …
Boogerhead

They don’t look charming nor do they enhance the image of the man they are with. They often look sleazy and mostly look like the lame duck at the gathering. Rupert Murdoch’s second wife looked more impressive on his arm just as fellow Aussie and model looks better with Lachlan Murdoch than Wendy Deng. That’s a fact not racism. It’s more racism to say that these odd pairings are the new and improved wrinkle in power couples. That’s as untrue and as awful as green tea and adzuki bean macarons in Paris. I’ll pass.
Boogerhead

@mdb54 not me, I’ve always felt confident that I would be rich from my own career and I have had no problem having girlhood crushes on random Chinese men with not much in the career department. I’m still that way today. When presented with scenarios on tv shows like a husband having trouble at work or out of work, I always think if I were in the wife’s position, I’d get a night job, I’d get a job with full medical benefits, I’d lower household expenses. I was born this way. I have no sympathy for women who aren’t this way and have problems in their relationships as a result. It’s not because I am desperate to hold onto a man. This is my character. I’m troubled by much less because I am my own Alpha Male.
Boogerhead

@mdb54 If that happened to me, I’d wear sunglasses and a hat wherever I went to hide my light. For women to flirt with you, they must really need a savior or you must look as sweet as Kevin Spacey. Good luck!
CHINESEGUY111

As a ABC GUY who’s lived and worked in Los Angeles, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Taipei, AND Shanghai, I will tell you the the TRUTH why the yellow fever phenomena exists and why you have been betrayed:
1) ALL asian cultures have an ingrained disposition for looking for mates (both girls+boys) with PALE SKIN. This is why you never see asian girl + blacks / indian / mexican.
2) Pretty asian girls with pale flawless skin and petite bodies are a dime-a-dozen in asia, ESPECIALLY in the entire Jiangsu province (Shanghai), and local Chinese guys will treat them as such. Not a problem for hot 10/10 girls, but average and below-average girls feel marginalized, frustrated, and lonely.
In comparison, laowais have a very lowered standard of beauty because white chicks are so fat, vulgar, and unfeminine. So, laowais will fawn over and chase average looking Chinese girls and make them feel pretty, special, and wanted.
This is what makes SPGs embrace western culture, talk with a fake/exaggerated aussie/british accent, and betray asian guys. If you’ve studied psychology, it is because they are “preserving their ego”. ie, “asian guys don’t appreciate me the way white guys do, therefore asian guys must be inferior”. Don’t EVER mention this to a SPG though, she will just get super defensive and say something like “love is blind” etc. (Well if love were so blind, why aren’t you SPGs slutting it up to blacks? LOL)
When it comes to ABC/CBC guys THE TABLES ARE TURNED! In America + Europe, asian guys have it the worst. White girls ignore them and SPG asian girls “betray” them, so a huge number of lonely asian guys are chasing the leftover non-SPG girls. Supply and demand -> frustrated lonely guys with lowered standards of beauty.
Anyway, these ABC/CBC “expats” who come back to work in China all of a sudden find themselves in man’s paradise because they possess the desired laowai qualities (civilized, romantic, lowered standards, $$$), but also look Chinese enough for the girl to PROUDLY show off to her parents and friends.
3) Hollywood propagates the idea that white guys are sexually superior to asian guys. This is so obvious and insulting that I don’t need to explain it. In countries like northern Vietnam where Hollywood “propaganda” is muted, it is very rare to see asian girl + laowai.
Lucky for us though, a lot of rich Chinese companies have been buying up stakes in American film studios, so in the next few decades we will start seeing asian guys pimping it on the big screen. For example, do you know why Ken Watanabe was portrayed as such a pimp handsome guy in Inception? It’s because asian investors financed Christopher Nolan’s film company.
Anyway, Asian guy, hope that makes you feel better. And just so you understand the context, although I look Chinese and hold a US Passport, I spend most of my time in asia for all the reasons above.
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Hyon Lee

Wait….Asian Trophy Wife….Soonyi????
If that’s his trophy….what did Woody Allen win???

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