The popular movie “Crazy Rich Asians” tugged on the heartstrings of many viewers with its romantic plot line. What viewers may not have realized, was the movie’s major focus on cross-cultural identity. For viewers looking to further explore Asian-American identity, this movie paints the perfect modern-day picture of this experience and its implications.
The main characters in the movie are Nick and Rachel. Rachel grew up in New York wi
th her single mother who came to the US when she was pregnant. Nick grew up in Singapore with his family and met Rachel while attending school in New York. The two are a serious couple, and Nick invites Rachel home to Singapore to meet his family for the first time.
The idea of cross-cultural othering quickly comes into play during the couple’s time in Singapore. Nick’s family does not approve of Rachel and insinuates that she doesn’t understand them and their culture due to her upbringing in America. Rachel’s friend explains that Nick’s family sees her as a “banana; yellow on the outside, but white on the inside.” Although Rachel shares their Asian background, Nick’s family sees her as an outsider and considers her American rather than Asian.
This situation made me think of Deming in “The Leavers.” Deming never felt truly at home in either China or the US. Rachel feels like an outsider in the US as well as in Singapore. Both these characters showcase how cross-cultural othering can negatively impact a person and their personal identity. Although Rachel struggles with the disapproval of Nick’s family, she stands her ground and her and Nick end up together in the end.
I believe that the creator of “Crazy Rich Asians” wanted viewers to think a bit harder about culture and what happens when somebody belongs to multiple different cultures. Although Rachel and Nick ended up engaged, I believe the creator wanted viewers to question how often people are truly able to overcome cross-cultural differences. Although the movie had a happy ending, it showcased the difficulties that can truly come with cross-cultural identity.