Stereotypes In David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly

The definition of stereotype is a preconceived notion that classifies according to a conventional conception. In David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly stereotypes of gender and race are confused, defied, and established. The biggest of these is the stereotype of Oriental women that allows Gallimard to be deceived by Song for many years. Nevertheless, without additional stereotype of Gallimard’s, Song’s trickery could not be possible. Stereotypes as such are derived not from factual evidence or observation, but from a preconceived notion of the East lacking masculinity and rationality unlike the West. From accounts and observations, Songs understanding of Western men allow him to deceive Gallimard.

Shockingly, Song is able to convince Gallimard for over 20 years that he is a woman while they have sexual relations. This is Possible because Song takes full advantage of Gallimard’s stereotype that Oriental women are submissive, docile, and shy, particularly when compared to Western women. For example, in act 1 scene 5 Gallimard says “in real life, women who put their total worth at less than sixty-six cents are

Philosophy of Orientalism suggests that the West views the East as essentially a feminine and docile region. In Madame Butterfly Pinkerton says “when I leave, she’ll know what it’s like to have loved a real man”, Pinkerton’s notion that there aren’t any real men in the East is what permits men like Gallimard and Pinkerton, who are in fact really awkward around women and not the best looking guys, to believe that they are worthy of the most attractive and perfect of Oriental women. Differences between Western masculinity and Eastern femininity is the belief of Gallimard’s that “Orientals will always submit to a greater force”. Gallimard portrays this submission as friendly and welcoming. Gallimard’s belief allows him to be deceived in