Why Are Asian Flash Mob Marriage Proposals So Popular?

By Jeff | Tuesday, October 11, 2011 | 10 Comments

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You may have already seen this flash mob marriage proposal. Although flash mob proposal videos have been around for a while, why has this one become so popular? Is it just the sheer romantic nature of the video or something else? Let’s take a look at this video and two other ones and perhaps see why.

One could say that since the video was put up by Flash Mob America, and people naturally picked it up. Then again, there are other proposals that they put up that didn’t go viral. Sure it’s romantic, but other flash mob proposals are romantic. As jaded as it may seem, I think that some of the interest is a play against stereotype. “An Asian guy romantic? Actually having an Asian fiance? Hey, that’s different!” Am I just too cynical, or is that one of the reasons that this video has gotten mainstream media attention?

The next video has even more hits. What appealed to me is this video’s really excellent execution and sharp dancing. Not surprising, as the proposer and his fiance are directors of the Marvels Dance Company.

The above two videos are from Southern California – let’s see how Northern California does it! I found out about this one from Angry Asian Man, and he likes this one the best out of all three. I like it too for a lot of reasons – cultural elements like a ribbon dance, old school moves like the Running Man and Roger Rabbit, and a title that is a wonderful ethnic pun. It may not have as good production values as the other ones, but it seems as romantic and sincere.

I would never have proposed so publicly as these guys, but I have to salute their boldness, romance, and preparation. And while it’s sad that one seems to be popular as a play against type, I think it’s one small step against getting rid of that “type.”

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DatingDiscriminationEntertainmentLifestylesViral Like SARS

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Facebook Comments (Beta)

VanCityNights

I think the first video (from UCLA) is so popular because of the romance of it, and how well planned it was. I don’t think it has anything to do with race. Whether they were white, black, asian, latin, the video would have been a hit.
http://www.8Asians.com/ jozjozjoz

I don’t care if everyone thinks I’m a grouch for saying this, but NO MORE FLASH MOB PROPOSALS.

Ok, I don’t care how you get proposed, but if it must be in flash mob format, then please do me the favor of not making me watch it. Kthxbye.
Vaughan

Better flash mob proposals than flash mob robberies – get real people!
http://www.8Asians.com/ jozjozjoz

@Vaughan We can all say NO to Flash Mob Proposals AND Flash Mob Robberies.
johnklin

I’m impressed with the number of people this guy was able to recruit for the flash mob proposal and still keep it a secret!
raymonst

@jozjozjoz i… actually agree. when i see flash mob proposals, all i can think of is “look at meeeeeeee, wheeeeee”
mwei

either one is better than a subway flasher
http://www.8Asians.com/ jozjozjoz

(I meant “I don’t care how you get *engaged*”, but the point still stands.)

I guess it’s just that I’m over the idea and it’s not “creative” or “original” anymore. I mean, if Fox is doing a reality show where people are proposing and getting married to a mob of 1,000+ plus people, flash mob proposals have totally jumped the shark.
http://thylacine.livejournal.com/ ErikaHarada

Oh god this is all so cheesy D: I feel like throwing up right now. UGH
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