I grew up never seeing myself on-screen, and it's really important to me to give people who look like me a chance to see themselves. I want to see myself as the hero of any story. I want to see myself save the world from the bomb.
Sandra OhRead
Hollywood likes to put actors in boxes, and it likes to put Asian actors in really small boxes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the stereotypes and limited roles offered to Asian actors in Hollywood.
Sandra Oh's quote reflects on the tendency of Hollywood to confine actors to specific roles based on racial and ethnic stereotypes, particularly for Asian actors. This limitation not only restricts the range of characters available to them but also perpetuates a narrow view of their talent and potential in the film industry.
Themes
HollywoodActorsStereotypesAsian ActorsRepresentation
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on diversity in cinema, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of expanding roles for underrepresented groups.
More from Sandra Oh
All quotes βI'd be so fascinated to talk to a psychologist or sociologist about the deep psychological impact of seeing oneself represented. I don't think we've really touched the surface of what it does to the psyche of a people if the only image of you out there is negative. Or if it's never out there.
Sandra OhRead
Becoming an actor? If it's not a calling, don't do it. It's too hard.
Sandra OhRead
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