Rereading Asian Male Representations in David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly and Ins Choi’s Kim’s Convenience

The evolution of the Asian diaspora in the United States has been a dynamic and transformative journey, marked by the increasing influx of individuals seeking new opportunities and a place to call home. This diasporic movement has not only shaped the demographic landscape of the nation but has also left an indelible imprint on various aspects of American culture, including arts and media. However, the representation of Asian individuals in the media and arts faced challenges, particularly concerning the objectification and abstraction of Asian identities. This article delves into the representations of Asian male masculinities and sexualities portrayed in David Henry Hwang’s film M. Butterfly and Ins Choi’s play Kim’s Convenience. This study aims to explore the historical context of the Asian diaspora in the US, trace the trajectory of Asian male representation in media and the arts, and critically examine the images of male characters presented in the film and the play.