The actress is beginning to be objectified about it in the industry and the increase in anti-Asian hatred in the new profile.
Lucy Liu, 52, covers Women’s Health’s new issue – rocking out a black Khaite top and some bathing suits in the accompanying photo shoot.
On the profile, the actress – who will next play a villain in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” – said she did the shoot to prove that “you don’t have to be 20 to wear a swimsuit.” Liu added, “With all the flaws and all the life a body experiences, it’s still something you should carry with confidence.”
Happy Angel
Liu explained that throughout her career, she’s had her share of shoots that weren’t that powerful afterwards … before starting some of the labels that applied to her as an Asian-American woman in the industry.
For some photo shoots, I would now think, ‘Maybe I’m not on all fours,’ she told the publication, pointing out how objectified she arrived. “When people started calling it ‘dragon woman’ or ‘geisha’ or whatever – I had to look up ‘dragon lady’ – I literally thought, ‘What is this? I don’t even know what that means!’ She exclaimed. “Who’s going to call me dragon woman on the street? I had to learn this.”
“Dragon lady” is a stereotype of Asian women who come across as sexual, mysterious or aggressive. It is similar to the “femme fatale”, but applies specifically to the Asian community.
Warner Bros.
How Mortal Kombat’s Ludi Lin Shatters Stereotypes (Exclusive)
Watch the story
The conversation with Women’s Health then focused on the rise in violence against the Asian community, hateful attacks that coincided with racist rhetoric during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Liu called them ‘terrifying’ and ‘outrageous’ and spoke out forcefully against some of the labels thrown at her in the past.
“This proves beyond a doubt that words matter. It makes it clear that when violence takes place, [it’s because] the seed has been planted through thoughts and words that allow people to act out their frustrations and anger, ”she said. [racist] words, or who don’t use their words to protect other people, are complicit – no matter what side or color you represent in the political sphere. “
She said it’s got to a point where she doesn’t feel “relaxed enough” to take 5-year-old son Rockwell out in New York “without having a plan.” She added, “I don’t improvise and explore the city, that’s the whole point of my stay in New York City. I was born and raised here. feel safer. “
“These attacks have really created a feeling of vulnerability not only for me but for so many other people,” she added.
Read the full profile here. The April issue will be in the newsstand on April 20.
