I. Thesis -- the convention that the husband fulfills the dominant male provider role while his wife supports him in all of his endeavors, particularly domestic ones, is at the heart of the cultural value of Asian marriages.
A. Asian society, as well as that of Asians in the westernized world, is male dominated.
1. There are numerous films that depict males and husbands in roles in which they are the material provider and principle decision maker in a marriage.
B. In conventional Asian marriages, women are usually relegated to domesticated roles in which they support the efforts of their husbands in conventional manners such as preparing food, cleaning the home, as well as taking care of the children.
1. In a number of movies depicting Asian women and wives, they function as the stereotypical 'princess', providing a need to be rescued or the advice of wise counsel to assist their husbands and other dominant male characters.
C. Most marriages in Asia have resisted the more modern conventions of women pursuing careers first and getting married and having a family second.
Although those living in westernized society may have a little more parity between husbands and wives in terms of career pursuits and conjugal obligations, for the most part, the ancient conventions of the roles men and women played in marriages has not changed. This contrast is illustrated most dramatically via film.
Works Cited
The Warring States. Dir. Chen Jin. Perf. Sun Honglei, Francis Ng. China Lion Film Distribution, 2011.
The Joy Luck Club. Dir. Wayne Wang. Perf. Ming-Na, Rosalind Chao. Hollywood Pictures, 1993.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Dir. Ang Lee. Perf. Chow Yun...
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