Much has been written and produced about the fetishization of Asian women by white men (crudely called "yellow fever"). ABC's comedy series "White Fever" brings a new approach by exploring the fetishization of white men by an Asian woman in the Australian context.

Through six humorous and emotional episodes, protagonist Jane Thomas (Ra Chapman), a Korean adoptee, embarks on a tumultuous journey of confronting internalized racism.

"Internalized racism" refers to the tacit acceptance of negative perceptions or stereotypes about one's own racial group by racial minorities. Sociologist Karen Pyke explains it as "the internalization of racial oppression by the racially subordinated."

Despite its close ties to white supremacy and colonization, internalized racism is a topic rarely mentioned in public discussions about racism.

Jane's 'White Fetish'
The first episode of "White Fever" sets the scene as, despite her Asian appearance, Jane is called "whiter than most white people." She grew up with white parents in a small rural town. She enjoys meat pies, hangs out with white friends, and is sexually attracted only to white "masculine men" with lots of body hair.

However, after an unsuccessful flirtation with a white bartender who loves "tiny and delicate" Asian women, and after being accused of not being able to date Asian men, Jane embarks on the challenge of trying to win one over.

Chaos and comedy ensue as she unsuccessfully tries to win over several Asian men. When she finds herself unwillingly repulsed by them, she seeks answers from Korean adoptee and influencer Hera (Cassandra Sorrell).

From there, Jane is driven to learn about the adoption of South Korean children, connects with other adoptees, and finally reconnects with her own heritage by rejecting her internalized racism.

Supporting Ideas of White Supremacy
Internalized racism involves the conscious or unconscious acceptance of a racial hierarchy that elevates whites above people of other colors.

Acting alongside other forms of oppression, it has insidious effects on the individual level as well as within and between minority groups.

Internalized racism can manifest in various ways. It can include fixation on white cultural norms, denial of the existence of racism, or even disdain for one's own culture.

The latter is poignantly portrayed in "White Fever." We see Jane's refusal to speak her heritage language, which she eventually loses. We also see a flashback of her younger self referring to the only Asian (Cantonese) restaurant owner in town as "ping pong lady" and "takeout lady."

Internalized racism also affects self-esteem and beauty standards, such as preferring whiter skin and shame over non-white hair.

Collectively, these attitudes can affect the racial identities of people of color and result in psychological stress or other negative health consequences, such as maladaptive coping behaviors, depression, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction and quality of life. Negative stereotypes about one's own racial group can also become self-fulfilling prophecies, leading a person of color to distance themselves from their group.

For Asian populations, internalized racism can tear communities apart from within when certain members uphold and reinforce harmful stereotypes to others. This is also depicted in my research on Asian communities in educational spaces.

Additionally, internalized racism has broader harmful effects in the form of anti-blackness, encompassing negative opinions and unfair treatment of black people. In the Australian context, this manifests as anti-Indigenous sentiment.

Causes
Internalized racism is part of a broader system of racism that operates daily on systemic and institutional levels.

But racism can be difficult to understand and define. On one hand, it is a social construct that adapts to changing contexts. On the other hand, it reproduces harmful ideologies and behaviors that are all too familiar.

The complex, ever-changing, and systemic nature of racism helps root internalized racism within minority groups. This makes it challenging to recognize and combat.

In "White Fever," Jane's internalized racism – manifested in her willingness to join her white school friends in attacking the town's Asian restaurant – is rewarded with a kiss from her white crush and her continued "friendship" with the predominantly white group.

Similarly, in real life, people of color with internalized racism may be rewarded through an illusory sense of racial superiority. This form of "honorary whiteness" is harmful to their own group and other minorities.

Is There a Solution?
As Hera tells Jane, internalized racism "isn't your fault, but it's your responsibility."

For Asian Australians and other racial minorities, challenging internalized racism begins with recognizing how white supremacy operates.

In the Australian context, this means focusing on the sovereignty of First Nations as a foundation for addressing broader racial injustice in Australia. This is a crucial first step in dismantling the systems of white supremacy responsible for the ongoing displacement and oppression of First Nations and, consequently, other minorities.

It also means taking an anti-racist stance at home, at work, in the classroom, and beyond. It means speaking up, even when it's uncomfortable.

And, of course, this responsibility does not fall solely on racial minorities. White people can take on ally roles by educating themselves about all forms of racism, understanding their privileges, listening without defense, and talking to friends and family about racial injustice.

Racism is everyone's responsibility, and it's something we need to fight together.

Original:
Aron Teo
Lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of Southern Queensland