A stereotype is a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment. The term stereotype has special significance for women, because the stereotypes applied to them are usually imposed and controlled by others and, as a result, difficult to change. Even seemingly positive stereotypes that link a person or group to a positive trait can have negative consequences. A woman in a family plays a key role in enlightening her children about "family history". She plays a key role in the education and the everyday knowledge a child needs in order to survive. .
American television and film are the most influential in the world. Rarely has there been a regular television show or film with a lead character of Asian heritage. Why does the media/film industry restrict its portrayals of Asians to a limited range of characters? Today, Hollywood promotes a couple of mainstream Asian actresses, who speak fluent, accent free Chinese and English. Some Asian actresses have crossed over into more contemporary and significant roles, but are still stereotyped in other ways. .
Female Chinese actresses, who cross the pacific and come to America, are pictured as martial arts experts in the American media, such as television and film. Some might see it as a positive thing to have Asian actresses on the big screen, and it is, but in the end, the thinly veiled stereotypes remain, such as powerful, sexual, further mysterious and confusing for the men.
One particular popular actress is Michelle Yeoh. Her elegant good looks coupled with a killer high kick have made her one of the most popular martial arts stars in Asia and one of Hong Kong's most famous icons abroad. Her natural charisma, along with her effortless ability to dispatch bands of baddies, threatened to outclass the male lead.
Even though she has a chance come to Hollywood pursue her movie career, her roles are set in a same way.