Western Eyes

- Ann Shin,
- 2000,
- 39 min 30 s

- 18,190 visionnages
- 75 J'aime
- Partagez

Synopsis
Point de vue
Éducation

This documentary presents two Canadian women of Asian descent who are contemplating eyelid surgery. Maria and Sharon, of Philippino and Korean heritage respectively, believe their looks--specifically their eyes--get in the way of how people see them. Layering their stories with pop culture references to beauty icons and supermodels, filmmaker Ann Shin looks at the pain that lies deep behind the desire for plastic surgery.

Albert Ohayon

One participant in Western Eyes says, “Life is about self improvement.” The question is, at what cost? Asian women who don’t feel that they fit our society’s ideal of beauty are portrayed in this film, which asks: Who decides what is beautiful and what if you don’t feel like you fit in?

Extrait de la sélection : Canada’s Diverse Cultures

Niveau scolaire 9 - 12

Diversity/Pluralism / Diversity in Communities

Diversity/Pluralism / Identity

Media Education / Body Image

Heath/Personal Development / Body Image

Description pédagogique:

Take a vote (private or public) on whether the young woman in the film should get the surgery. Set up debate teams and have students prepare arguments for and against. What role does the media play in the woman’s self-image? Have students make a collage of images from magazines. What is the message? Images from magazines could be divided into categories to examine the stereotypes for each ethnic group and sex.

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Commentaires

Western Eyes

BillWoollam

«I remember when I came out of high school in the early 70's to become a meditation teacher. Sometimes while meditating on a park bench, younger teens would throw stones at me. A few times while putting up posters to advertise a 'meditation lecture' the odd adult would say that meditation was the work of the devil....or that is was 'unChristian'....I could feel when prejudice and malice were working within others at certain times. It must have been far more difficult to grow up in our 'barbie doll' culture and be of Asian or African decent. I know children and adults can unconsciously say the most hurtful things. Today I am married to a Filippino woman who definately looks Asian...but so what. She is beautiful inside and out in my eyes. I remind her of her own unique beauty. Yet, I know one Filippino/Canadian boy who wishes his mom was white...and tells her she is ugly. To me the Father has not done his job to help his son honor his mother and her own unique beauty. It must be difficult for so many who are surrounded by individuals who cannot see beyond the skin color....who cannot see the inner and outer beauty of people of different races or beliefs.»

15 Jan 2011
Western Eyes

jmatlin

«@Elena - It should work. Please try refreshing the page and hitting play again.»

29 Oct 2010
Western Eyes

elena_valussi

«why is this film not available? Thank you Elena»

29 Oct 2010